Introducing your baby to new foods can be both fun and a little challenging—especially if they’re a picky eater! Making baby food at home gives you full control over the ingredients and allows you to experiment with flavors and textures to find what your baby likes best. The recipes below are nutritious, simple to make, and designed to appeal to even the pickiest babies.

1. Sweet Potato & Apple Mash

This combo is a baby favorite—naturally sweet and packed with nutrients like Vitamin A and fiber.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium sweet potato
  • 1 apple (peeled and cored)
  • 1/4 cup water or breast milk/formula

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop the sweet potato and apple into small chunks.
  2. Steam them for about 15 minutes, or until both are soft.
  3. Blend or mash the mixture until smooth, adding water, breast milk, or formula as needed to reach the desired consistency.
  4. Serve warm or room temperature.

Tip: You can sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavors.

2. Banana & Avocado Cream

This creamy blend is rich in healthy fats and potassium, perfect for growing babies.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 ripe banana
  • 1/4 ripe avocado

Instructions

  1. Mash the banana in a bowl.
  2. Add the avocado and mash until well-combined.
  3. For younger babies, you can puree the mixture for a smoother texture.

Tip: Serve immediately, as avocado browns quickly, but the flavor stays delicious!

3. Carrot & Lentil Purée

Packed with iron and beta-carotene, this recipe introduces savory flavors gently.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup red lentils
  • 2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Wash the lentils and cook them in the water over low heat for about 15 minutes.
  2. Add the carrots and cook for another 10 minutes until everything is soft.
  3. Blend the mixture into a smooth purée, adding a little water if needed.

Tip: Mixing in a spoonful of natural yogurt can make this dish even creamier and tastier for picky babies.

4. Peach & Pear Delight

A naturally sweet option that’s perfect for new eaters.

Ingredients

  • 1 peach (peeled and pitted)
  • 1 pear (peeled and cored)

Instructions

  1. Slice the peach and pear into chunks.
  2. Steam or boil them for about 10 minutes, or until soft.
  3. Blend into a smooth purée.

Tip: Mix this with oatmeal or rice cereal for a heartier meal.

5. Broccoli & Cheese Purée

A veggie-packed dish that sneaks in some cheesy goodness to entice picky eaters.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup water or milk

Instructions

  1. Steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Blend the broccoli with the cheese and water/milk until creamy.

Tip: Start with a small amount of cheese and add more as needed for flavor.

6. Blueberry Banana Oatmeal

This breakfast recipe is rich in antioxidants and great for older infants who are ready for thicker textures.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup water or milk
  • 1/4 ripe banana
  • 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions

  1. Cook the oats in water or milk until soft.
  2. Add the blueberries and cook for 2 more minutes.
  3. Mash or blend the mixture with the banana until smooth or leave it slightly textured for older babies.

Tip: Swirl in a teaspoon of natural peanut butter (if your baby has been introduced to peanuts safely) for added protein.

7. Zucchini & Pea Medley

A light and refreshing green blend that’s gentle on little tummies.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium zucchini
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas

Instructions

  1. Chop the zucchini into small pieces.
  2. Steam the zucchini and peas for 8–10 minutes until soft.
  3. Puree the mixture, adding water as needed for the right texture.

Tip: A tiny drop of olive oil can enhance the flavor and add healthy fats.

8. Chicken & Butternut Squash Mash

This hearty meal offers protein and sweetness all in one.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
  • 1/3 cup water or chicken broth (low-sodium)

Instructions

  1. Steam the butternut squash until tender, about 10 minutes.
  2. Blend the squash with the chicken and water/broth until smooth.

Tip: Add a little bit of apple for a hint of sweetness that picky eaters might love.

9. Apple & Spinach Blend

This sweet-and-savory combo introduces greens in a baby-friendly way.

Ingredients

  • 1 apple (peeled and cored)
  • 1/2 cup fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Steam the apple and spinach together for about 6–8 minutes, or until soft.
  2. Blend into a smooth purée, adding water or breast milk if needed.

Tip: Serve this alongside a small piece of whole grain toast for self-feeders.

10. Mango Coconut Purée

This tropical treat is sweet, creamy, and full of vitamins.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 ripe mango (peeled and cubed)
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut milk

Instructions

  1. Blend the mango with the coconut milk until smooth.
  2. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Tip: For advanced eaters, mix this with plain yogurt or chia pudding for a fun dessert-like snack.

Tips for Picky Eaters

  • Combine Flavors: If your baby resists certain veggies, mix them with fruits (like carrots with apples or peas with pears) to mask bitterness.
  • Experiment with Texture: Some babies prefer thicker, chunkier meals, while others like super-smooth purées. Adjust based on their reaction.
  • Start Small: Offer a spoonful at a time and watch for cues about what they enjoy.
  • Repeat, Don’t Give Up: Babies often need to try a food multiple times before accepting it. Patience is key!

Making homemade baby food can be easy, cost-effective, and a fun way to introduce your baby to the wonderful world of flavors. The recipes above are sure to bring smiles to both babies and parents alike. Enjoy experimenting!