Starting solids with your 6-month-old can be both exciting and messy!
If you’re wondering what to serve beyond milk, here are 14 easy, nutritious, and homemade baby food ideas to get you started.
1. Sweet Potato Puree
This classic baby favorite is creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with vitamins. Simply steam or bake a sweet potato, remove the skin, and mash it up with a fork or blend for extra smoothness.
Add a little breast milk or formula if needed for a thinner consistency.
2. Banana Mash
Bananas are the ultimate grab-and-go baby food. Just mash up a ripe banana with a fork until smooth—no cooking required.
You can add a little breast milk or formula for a creamier texture. Perfect for introducing new textures!
3. Avocado Cream
Avocados are full of healthy fats that support brain development. Simply scoop out the ripe avocado, mash it with a fork, and mix with a little breast milk or formula for a creamy consistency.
Serve fresh for the best taste.
4. Carrot Puree
Steam or boil carrots until they are very soft, then blend them into a smooth puree. You can add a little water, breast milk, or formula for a thinner texture.
These are naturally sweet and great for introducing veggies.
5. Apple Sauce
Homemade Baby Food doesn’t get easier than this! Peel, chop, and steam apples until soft, then blend into a smooth applesauce
You can mix it with a bit of oatmeal for extra texture and flavor. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
6. Pear Puree
Pears are gentle on tiny tummies and naturally sweet. Steam or boil them until soft, then blend into a smooth puree.
This is a great first fruit for babies as it’s easy to digest.
7. Butternut Squash Mash
Roast or steam butternut squash, then scoop out the flesh and mash or blend it into a creamy consistency. It’s slightly sweet, packed with nutrients, and pairs well with other purees like apple or carrot.
8. Pea Puree
Peas are a great source of protein and fiber for your little one. Steam until tender, then blend until smooth, adding a little water or breast milk as needed. Strain for an ultra-smooth texture if necessary.
9. Mango Puree
This tropical treat is naturally sweet and full of vitamin C. Peel and chop a ripe mango, then blend it into a smooth puree. You can mix it with banana for a fun flavor combination.
10. Oatmeal with Breast Milk
Oats are a filling, nutritious option for Baby Meals. Cook oats with water until soft, then mix with breast milk or formula for a smooth consistency.
You can blend for a thinner texture or leave it slightly lumpy as your baby gets used to solids.
11. Spinach & Apple Puree
A fun way to sneak in greens! Steam spinach and apples until soft, then blend together for a slightly sweet, nutrient-packed meal.
Adding a touch of cinnamon can make it even more delicious.
12. Zucchini Puree
Mild in flavor and full of hydration, zucchini is great for babies. Steam and blend it into a light, fresh puree. You can mix it with sweet potato or carrots for a more complex taste.
13. Blueberry & Banana Mash
Mash up a ripe banana and mix in a few blended or mashed blueberries for a fun, flavorful combo. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, making this a nutritious choice.
14. Lentil Puree
For a protein boost, cook lentils until soft, then blend them into a smooth puree.
You can mix it with a little carrot or sweet potato puree for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Feeding a 6-month-old is an adventure—some days they love the food, other days it ends up everywhere but their mouth.
But that’s part of the fun! Experiment with different textures and flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the messy, adorable journey of mealtime with your little one.