Easy Homemade Baby First Foods: A Guide for 6-12 Months

Starting solids with your baby is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. In this guide, I’ll share nutrient-packed homemade baby food recipes that worked well for my son, along with tips on preparation and storage. Hopefully, the ideas and suggestions below will help simplify your feeding journey and make mealtime more enjoyable for both you and your baby.

When I started solids with my son, I initially followed the baby-led weaning (BLW) approach, where purées and spoon-feeding are skipped entirely in favor of finger foods that a baby self-feeds. However, I quickly became anxious about choking, so I switched to a combination approach, where I offered purées and introduced finger foods gradually. This guide follows a combination feeding approach.

Things to Consider Before Introducing Solids

Before introducing solids, there are a few important things to consider:

Signs of Readiness for Solid Food: Make sure your baby shows readiness for solids, such as good head control and the ability to sit with minimal support. Here’s a helpful article by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Food Allergies: It's important to be aware of common food allergies and how to introduce them to your baby. My son is allergic to eggs and dairy, which we discovered shortly after introducing them. If you notice any symptoms like a rash or swelling after feeding your baby new foods, consult an allergist for guidance. We see an allergist regularly to monitor my son’s allergies; and we follow an egg ladder allergy matrix to gradually introduce eggs to him. Learn more about food allergies and introduction methods from HealthLine.
Giving Water: Some parents wonder if they can give their babies water as this was done in the past when our parents raised us. Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises against giving water to babies who are on a breastmilk or formula only diet, because extra water can fill babies up, preventing them from getting the necessary nutrients. But don’t worry if you or a caregiver has given your baby some water. Once you start feeding solids to your baby, you can give them small amounts of water when needed.

Stage 1: Purées & Mashed Food (6–7 Months)

At this stage, babies are just starting solids, and smooth purées are a great way to ease them in. Try feeding your babies the nutritious baby first foods below to help them get essential nutrients, iron and vitamins. Aim for 1-2 meals a day and 1-2 tablespoons or more per meal, depending on your baby’s appetite.

Plant-Based Powerhouses

Sweet Potato: Packed with vitamin A and potassium.
Butternut & Acorn Squash: Easy to digest and packed with vitamin A.
Carrot: Naturally sweet and rich in beta-carotene.
Green Beans & Peas: High in fiber and protein.

Fruity Delights

Avocado, Banana, Berries & Kiwi: These can be mashed with a spoon and mixed with breastmilk or formula for added nutrition.
Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum & Mango: Steam these fruits for 3 minutes to soften them, then purée with breastmilk or formula for a smooth texture.

Whole Grains

Rice Porridge: Cook rice with a 1:10 ratio of rice to water for a soft consistency. Serve it with puréed fruits or veggies.
Oatmeal & Barley Cereals: Mix with breastmilk or formula for added nutrition.

Soups

Lentil & Carrot Soup or Squash & Coconut Soup: These are perfect for your baby and the whole family to enjoy. The soft texture and gentle flavors are ideal for early-stage feeding.

How to Prepare Homemade Baby Purées

Here's a simple process:

Steaming is my favorite method as it retains more nutrients and enhances the natural sweetness of fruits and vegetables.
- Fill a pot with about an inch of water.
- Place a steamer basket on top and add chopped fruits or vegetables.
- Steam until soft (typically 10 minutes for vegetables and 3 minutes for fruits).
Purée in a blender or food processor with the steamed water (which has the nutrients from the fruits and veggies), breastmilk, or formula to reach the desired consistency. Start with runny textures for early-stage purées (6 months) and gradually thicken them as your baby’s eating skills develop.
Add lemon juice (1 tablespoon) to help your purée retain its natural color.

Storage Tip

Once you’ve prepared your purées, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them in ice cube trays for up to a month. Just microwave a portion for 15 seconds or thaw it on your counter or in the fridge when needed. Remember to taste test the food before giving it to your baby in case the flavor has changed and is no longer palatable for your baby to consume.

Stage 2: Mashed Food & Soft Finger Foods (7–9 Months)

As your baby gets used to solids, you can introduce mashed foods with soft lumps and soft finger foods. They can practice picking up pieces and improve their pincer grasp and coordination. Aim for 2 meals per day and increase the portion size as your baby’s appetite grows.

High-Protein & Iron-Rich Baby First Foods

Chicken & Turkey: Ground and mix into rice porridge.
Tofu: Mash or cut into sticks for easy pick up with tiny hands, introduced in small amounts to monitor allergies.
Egg Yolk: Boiled and mashed, introduced in small amounts to monitor for allergy.
Salmon: Steam or bake, then flake into small pieces to avoid bones.

Tip: Season meat and fish with some salt, paprika, cinnamon, and black pepper to make them tasty - a little seasoning goes a long way.

Soft & Easy Finger Foods

Toast with Nut Butter: Lightly toast the bread and spread with creamy nut butter.
Oat Pancakes: These make a great breakfast or snack option and can be frozen for later use.
Steamed Veggies: Zucchini and sweet potato sticks.
Soft Fruits: Offer banana, avocado, peach and pear spears, and halved berries.

Tip: Roll soft finger foods in baby cereal to make them easier for little hands to pick up.

Stage 3: Ground Food & Finger Foods (9–12 Months)

At this stage, you can offer more finger foods and meals that you eat as a family cut into small bite-sized pieces (I use scissors to cut up the food). Aim for 3 meals a day and gradually increase the portion size.

Baby Meal Ideas

Lentil & Veggie Patties: Soft, savory, and packed with nutrients.
Ground Meat & Veggie Patties: A protein-packed and veggie-filled finger food that's soft, nutritious, and easy for little hands to pick up.
Chicken Nuggets: Soft, easy-to-eat protein and fun finger food.
Mini Burgers: Bite-sized burgers are perfect for little hands and packed with protein.
Spaghetti & Meatballs: Soft spaghetti with tender meatballs is a comforting and easy-to-eat meal.
Chicken Noodle Soup: A warm, comforting bowl of tender chicken, soft noodles, and flavorful broth perfect for your baby or the whole family.
Lentil Curry & Rice: A wholesome, flavorful dish packed with protein and gentle spices, perfect for introducing your baby to new tastes.

Final Thoughts

Introducing solids to your baby is an exciting time, and preparing homemade meals gives you the flexibility to adjust textures, flavors, and ingredients as your baby grows. From nutrient-packed purées to fun finger foods, these easy homemade baby food ideas will support your baby’s growth and development. Enjoy the journey—and the joy of hearing your baby say, “Yum!”

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below sharing your experiences or tips on introducing solid foods to your little one.