
10 Easy Homemade Baby Food Recipes for Stage 1: Nutritious First Foods for Your Baby
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Introducing solids is an exciting milestone! If your baby is around 4 to 6 months old and showing signs of readiness, it might be time to begin Stage 1 baby food — simple, single-ingredient purees that are easy to digest.
In this guide, we’ll share 10 easy, healthy, and homemade Stage 1 baby food recipes that are perfect for beginners. These recipes are gentle on tiny tummies, packed with essential nutrients, and easy to make at home.
🍼 What Is Stage 1 Baby Food?
Stage 1 baby foods are:
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Smooth, single-ingredient purees
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Free of added sugar, salt, or spices
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Introduced one at a time to watch for allergies
Ideal for babies 4–6 months and just starting solids.
🥕 1. Carrot Puree
Rich in: Beta-carotene (Vitamin A)
How to make:
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Peel and chop carrots
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Steam until soft
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Blend with a little water or breast milk
🍌 2. Banana Mash
Rich in: Potassium, Vitamin B6
How to make:
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Mash ½ ripe banana with a fork
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Add a few drops of breast milk for a smoother texture
✅ No cooking needed — perfect for busy days!
🍐 3. Pear Puree
Rich in: Fiber, Vitamin C
How to make:
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Peel, core, and slice ripe pears
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Steam or boil until soft
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Puree until smooth
🥔 4. Sweet Potato Puree
Rich in: Fiber, Vitamin A
How to make:
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Bake or steam peeled sweet potato chunks
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Blend with a splash of water or formula
This is a favorite among many babies for its natural sweetness!
🍎 5. Apple Sauce
Rich in: Vitamin C, fiber
How to make:
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Peel, core, and chop apples
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Steam until tender
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Puree or mash to desired texture
🥦 6. Broccoli Puree
Rich in: Iron, calcium, fiber
How to make:
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Steam broccoli florets until soft
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Blend thoroughly with water
Introduce broccoli in small amounts as it can cause gas in some babies.
🥭 7. Mango Puree
Rich in: Vitamin A, antioxidants
How to make:
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Peel and cut ripe mango
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Blend until smooth
✅ Great for introducing tropical flavors naturally!
🥬 8. Avocado Mash
Rich in: Healthy fats, Vitamin E
How to make:
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Scoop ripe avocado into a bowl
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Mash with a fork and mix with breast milk if needed
No cooking required — nutritious and creamy!
🎃 9. Pumpkin Puree
Rich in: Beta-carotene, Vitamin C
How to make:
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Roast or steam pumpkin pieces
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Puree with a bit of water for a smooth texture
🌽 10. Pea Puree
Rich in: Protein, iron, Vitamin K
How to make:
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Steam peas until soft
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Blend with water or breast milk and strain if needed
🌟 Tips for Success When Starting Baby on Solids
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Introduce one new food at a time every 3 days to watch for allergies.
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Keep textures smooth and runny at first.
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Use a soft-tipped baby spoon and let baby lead the pace.
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Make extra and freeze in ice cube trays for easy meals later!
Final Thoughts
Making Stage 1 baby food at home is easier than you think. It gives you control over ingredients and helps build healthy eating habits early on. These 10 simple recipes are a great start for your baby’s solids journey!