Baby Food Stages and Steps

Baby Food Stages and Steps


Foods that you might first start your 4-6 month old baby on include:
Beech-Nut Naturals Stage 1
Earth's Best 1st Beginner Foods
Gerber 1st Foods
Heinz Step 1 Beginner Foods These include single ingredient foods, like rice cereal, and pureed fruits and vegetables.
Next, when your baby is 7-8 months old, he can eat '2' baby foods, which include single ingredient and combination foods that are strained, instead or being pureed. Examples include Beech-Nut Naturals Stage 2 Apples & Bananas, Gerber 2nd Foods Garden Vegetables, Heinz Strained Vegetables, and Earth's Best Corn and Butternut Squash.
When your baby is 9-12 months old, he should be ready for '3' baby foods. These foods have more texture and small chunks to encourage chewing. Examples of '3' foods include Beech-Nut Naturals Stage 3 Chicken Lasagna, Gerber 3rd Foods Broccoli & Carrots with Cheese, Heinz Vegetables Beef & Spaghetti (Junior Foods), and Earth's Best Chunky Orchard Fruit (Chunky Blend). These jars of baby food are easy to spot because they are usually bigger than stage 1 and 2 baby foods, since your baby likely has a bigger appetite by the time he is ready for these foods.
Lastly, your baby will progress to '4' foods or table food at the end of his first year or beginning of his second year. At this point, you may be feeding your baby the food that the rest of the family is eating, or you might continue to buy commercially prepared toddler foods. These include Beech-Nut Naturals Table Time Peach Dices In White Grape Juice From Concentrate and Heinz Step 4 Toddler Cuisine Chicken & Stars with Vegetables & Gravy.
Baby Food Stages and Steps for Your BabyKeep in mind that the age recommendations for when you start each stage are just general guidelines. Some babies are ready for '2' foods before they are 7-8 months, while others might not be ready for them until they are 9-10 months old. Instead of starting each stage of baby food at these ages, it is usually more important that your baby advances through the different stages in his own good time. Be sure to talk to your Pediatrician if your child gets 'stuck' in any one particular stage and can't handle the foods in the next stage.

Homemade Baby Food Fruit Recipes

YUMMY Fruit Recipes For Babies

These simple and easy fruit baby food recipes are for Homemade Baby Fruit Purées. Wholesome Homemade Baby Food Fruit Purées and Baby Fruit Recipes, there's nothing as yummy, healthy, wholesome and fresh as homemade baby fruit purées! Your baby will love the tastes of fresh fruits! You will love the ease and simplicity of the fruit recipes!

Apricot Puree (using dried, un-sulphured apricots) 6-8months+
Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium1. 1 pound dried apricots2. 2 c. white grape juice or apple juice.
Plain water is ok but the puree may be a bit bitter. Some babies actually like a bitter taste however. Consider using ½ water or ½ juice if you disagree with the juices or if baby cannot have juice. You can always mix in another fruit such as peaches or bananas and leave out the juice entirely! 3. Bringliquid and fruit to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. 4. Reserve any left over liquid to use for the puree5. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing. 6. Add the reserved liquid as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree or7. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up8. Note: puree will not freeze solid, but into slightly soft/slightly frozen cubes.

Apples/Applesauce (Use Gala, Braeburn, Rome or Macs) (4)6 months+
Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, CalciumThis recipe is written so that you may use any amount of apples you wish! We recommend Fuji, Gala, Braeburn or Macintosh
1. Peel, core and cut apple into slices/chunks
2. Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples
3. Boil/steam until tender; be sure to check on the water level and stir, That's It! Easy Peasy!
Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency. If your masher will not achieve a puree type of consistency, then follow steps 5 - 7
5. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the apples
6. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
7. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree
8. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up theAsk your pediatrician about adding some cinnamon for new tastes!
If your baby is constipated, you might also use the juice that is leftover from the cooking to mix into cereals, or with water in a bottle or sippy cup.


Baked Apples 6-8months+
1. Core apple and leave peel on
2. Place a wee bit of butter (if baby is ready for or has had dairy) on the inside of the cored apple (sprinkle a bit of cinnamon in the apple if your desire and if baby is ready for or has had cinnamon)
3. Place in a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples – about an inch of water
4. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 30 minutes or until tender; be sure to check on the water level.
5. Once baked, either cut apple into little bits and serve as a finger food or mash as directed above in the Apples/Applesauce recipe.

Avocado(yes, avocado is a fruit!)(4)6 months+
Vitamins: A, C, Niacin, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium
1. Peel and take out the pit of a ripe avocado - do not cook
2. Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork
3. There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked.


Apple ‘Cado (4)6-8months+

1/2 of a peeled and pitted avocado1/4 cup applesauce
Mash the avocado halfMix mashed avocado with applesauce (homemade or natural)

Apples & Pears (4)6-8months+
1 apple – cored & peeled1 pear – cored & peeled
Dice apple & pear and simmer together until tender. Mash or puree as needed.

Apple Peach Banana (4)6-8months+
1 peach – pit & peel1 apple – cored & peeled½ ripe banana
Dice apple & peach and simmer together until tender. Mash the banana into the apple & peach mix and then puree as needed.

Bananas(4)6 months+
Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Magnesium, Calcium

1. Peel ripe bananas - do not cook
2. Place banana in a food processor/food mill or blender and puree
3. You can also mash the banana in a bowl using a regular fork – heat in microwave for 25 seconds prior to mashing for extra softness
4. Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.

Mango* Creamy Puree 6-8months+
Vitamins: A (1262 IU in one cup!), C, E, K, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, SodiumIf your infant is currently not eating yogurt and/or you do not wish to use any juice, simply peel, de-seed and mash the mango with some water until the proper consistency for Your Infant is achieved.

1 Ripe MangoPlain or Vanilla Yogurt ORWater, Apple or Pear JuicePreparation Directions: Peel, De-seed and Mash Mango until smooth Add Yogurt or Water or Juice until the proper consistency for Your Infant is achieved.
Mango does not need to be cooked as it is typically introduced at an age where baby can tolerate raw fruits. Mango may be steamed to tender and then mashed if you prefer without harming it. HINT! You may use mango as a great Baby Finger Foods! Simply peel, de-seed and then cut into dices or chunks that are manageable for your baby! You may wish to coat the mango pieces with "cheerio dust", wheat germ or another cereal "dust" to help baby easily pick up the bits!



Pumpkin 6-8months+
Vitamins: A (12230 IU in 1 cup!), C, K, Folate, Niacin
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron

1. Cut sugar pumpkin (the kind meant to be baked and eaten!) in half, scoop out seeds
2. Place an inch of water in a baking pan, then place the halves "face" down in the pan. Check on water level while baking
3. Bake in a 375-425 F degree oven for 40 minutes to 1 hour, or until the “shell/skin” puckers and halves feel soft then scoop squash “meat” out of the shell
4. Place pumpkin "meat" into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
5. Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency.
6. You can also peel the pumpkin, scoop out the seeds and then cut into chunks and boil/steam until tender (like when boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes) then follow steps 4 and 5.

Healthy Baby Cereal Baby Food Recipes - Make It Organic, Buy Organic Grains!

Oatmeal Cereal
1/4 cup of ground oats (do NOT use instant or Quick Cook), ground in blender or food processor3/4 cup - 1 cup water

1. Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Add the oatmeal powder while stirring constantly.
2. Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired
3. Serve warm.


Barley Cereal
1/4 cup ground barley (barley ground in blender or food processor)1 cup water
1. Bring liquid to a boil. Add the barley and simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly
2. Mix in formula or breast milk or juice and add fruits if desired
3. Serve warm

Rice Cereal
1/4 c. rice powder (brown rice ground in blender or food processor) 1 cup water
1. Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Add the rice powder while stirring constantly.
2. Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired.
3. Serve warm.

What type of Rice do I use for Homemade Baby Rice Cereals?

The type of brown rice that you would want to use for cereals would ideally be a short-grain brown rice.
Short-grain rice cooks up more soft than does long or medium grain rice. The only caveat is that it may become sticky and "pasty" when pureed so keep an watch over the rice when cooking and pureeing/blending it.
You may use a blend of any type of rice that you like; ensure that it is whole grain however. Brown jasmine rice and plain brown rice make a nice blend for cereals as do basmati and plain brown rice.
If you find that your baby does not like this blend, then consider switching to the plain brown rice type until the palate has become used to solid foods!

Do I Need to Cook the Powder Before I Serve it?

You need to cook the rice-oatmeal-barley powder prior to serving because when you make your own cereal(s) you are taking a whole grain and grinding it into a powder. This powder should be cooked because the grains were not cooked prior to your processing them into a powder. This powder would not be easily digested if left in it's "raw" state.

Why Doesn't Commercial Baby Cereal Need to be Cooked?

The reason that you don't "cook" commercial baby cereal is that commercial baby cereal is precooked and then dehydrated. Commercial baby cereal is most often made from grain that has been processed and then milled into a flour. You notice this difference when you dump out some "flakes" of commercial cereal(s) and also when you mix up some commercial cereal and find a thin pasty substance in the bowl.

Can Homemade Baby Cereal be Stored in the Refrigerator?

Homemade Baby Cereal may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours maximum. As with thawing frozen homemade baby cereal, you may find the texture changes. Simply warm the baby cereal and then add liquid of your choice, as needed, to reconstitute to a texture your baby prefers.

Can Homemade Baby Cereals be Frozen?

Yes, you may freeze homemade cereal. You would use the ice cube tray method (or whatever method of freezing you currently use) as you would for other baby food purees.
It tends to be easier to grind and then store the uncooked grains and simply cook a day's worth as you go.
It often happens that when you thaw the cereal, it becomes rubbery and does not reconstitute well.
We do hear from parents who have great luck in freezing cereal. You may want to try freezing a few portions and see how it works for you!

Storing Grains You Have Ground for Homemade Baby Cereal

Grains that you have ground should be stored in an airtight container in a dry area of your cupboard or in the refrigerator. Whole grains may be stored for several months in a cool dry place. If the temperature becomes extremely warm in your home, you may wish to store the grains in the refrigerator. Milled whole grains, such as rice flour, whole wheat flour, oat flour and the like, should be stored in an air tight container and preferably in your refrigerator.
You can store them in a cool dry place however ensure that you check on the status of the grains if you use them infrequently!
Since these are whole grain flours, the natural oils that come from the grain may become rancid without refrigeration. When purchasing any type of milled whole grain, it's always best to buy smaller quantities to ensure that your whole grains are used prior to them going rancid.
The same "rules" apply for rice powder or oat powder, barley powder etc. that you have ground (milled) for your homemade baby cereal. You should store it in an air tight container, in a cool dry place but preferably in the refrigerator if your home is warm.

Tasty & Nutritious Stage2 Homemade Baby Food Recipes

What are "Stage 2" baby food recipes?
8-10 Months - We're Moving On!Bring on some spices and the softly mashed, or chopped into fine pieces of fruits, vegetables, meats, pasta and dairy such as yogurt and cheeses.Pasta, veggies, and fruit should all be soft cooked and possibly mashed with a fork or masher. (Bananas need only be mashed.) Raw fruits are often introduced at this stage. Meats And Protean such as egg yolk, should be cooked and pureed or chopped into small soft bits. If offering Tofu, you need not cook it first. Ensure dairy offered is easily manageable!
Remember, baby will not have molars until sometime around the 12 month age range. Foods should be easily mashed between the gums!
What does Stage 2 Baby Food Mean Anyway?
Stage 2 Baby Food is a term that applies to baby foods that are more thick and textured. Stage 2 Baby Foods also have ingredients that are suited to babies who are over 7-8 months of age such as meats and spices.
Some parents define Stage 2 baby foods as baby foods that are chunky. These foods should be appropriate for babies who are beginning to master "chewing" their foods and who have completely lost any form of the tongue thrust reflex. The commercial Stage 2 Baby Foods in this range are targeted to babies who are between the ages of 7-8 to 10 months old.
Stage 2 baby foods are foods that are still the lowest on the allergy scale however at this stage, some dairy and/or wheat products are often introduced. Stage 2 baby foods are typically those foods that are more fiberous, a bit more acidic and contain a higher amount of protein. These foods should be well tolerated and digested by this point. Some of these foods include, lentils, blueberries and egg.
Stage 2 Homemade Baby Food Recipes - Cereals
30 Minute Cream of Grain Cereal
1/4 c. freshly ground brown rice or millet with honey or molassescinnamon (leave out honey for under 1yr and molasses is optional!)pure vanilla extract1 c. almond milk, sweetened - use plain water for infants!!1/4 c. raisins (optional)1. Put almond milk or water, ground grain and raisins in a pot. 2. Bring just to the boiling point, stirring constantly, until the grain flour has absorbed the liquid. 3. Turn off the heat and cover the pot.4. Put the pot over a double boiler on a low simmer for 20-30 minutes. (or simply turn burner down to low and simmer)Optional: Add sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, blueberries, peaches and/or nut milk (consult your pediatrician about the use of nut milk prior to using it!).
Rice Breakfast Pudding
1/2 cup (Brown/or Jasmine) Rice (grind to barley size - don't grind if serving to a Toddler )2 cups water1/4 cup apples sliced into small dices or slivers1/4 cup raisins (optional)1/8 cup brown sugar (optional)2 tsp cinnamon1/2 tsp ginger 1. Combine all of the above ingredients in a medium saucepan. 2. Cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes or until rice is soft, fragrant and a bit soupy 3. Stir 1/8 cup milk into the rice, keep on heat for 10 more minutes. Keep a close watch to ensure that the consistency remains soupy but not pasty. 4. Stir frequently to stop sticking to the pot and add more milk or water if necessary. 5. Serve warm then transfer remaining portion to the fridge. Pastina and Bananas(8months+) 1. 2 tablespoons Prince Pastina (little tiny star shaped pastas – **wheat based)2. 1 whole fresh banana)3. Prepare pastina as directed for hot cereal. Do not add milk. Stir in banana and serve.

Stage 2 Homemade Baby Food Recipes - Fruits

Are you wondering about Juice for your baby? Read our article to find out about juice and the role it may or may not play in a baby's diet!
FRUITY COMBOS - mix these combos into Yogurt or Cereal or just mix 'em and serve! You can also cook these together for extra Yum! Learn about feeding baby Yogurt and cheeses Peachy Sweet PotatoesApples and CarrotsBlueberry, Apple, and Pear SaucePears and Bananas Bananas and BlueberriesAvocado, Peaches and Cream CheeseApples and PearsPeaches and Bananas Bananas, Blueberries and PearsApples and PlumsBlueberries and ApplesPears, Peaches and Apples
Have you ever Beaked Fruit? If not, we highly recommend it!Beaked Fruit are naturally sweet, soft and oh so very yummy!

Baked Apples 6-8months+

1. Core apple and leave peel on
2. Place a wee bit of butter (if baby is ready for or has had dairy) on the inside of the cored apple (sprinkle a bit of cinnamon in the apple if your desire and if baby is ready for or has had cinnamon)
3. Place in a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples – about an inch of water
4. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 30 minutes or until tender; be sure to check on the water level.
5. Once baked, either cut apple into little bits and serve as a finger food or mash as directed above in the Apples/Applesauce recipe

Blueberries** 8-10 months+

Vitamins: A, C, K, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium1. 1/2 pint of blueberries (fresh or frozen)2. 4 c. water3. Bring water to a boil. Add blueberries and simmer for 15 minutes until soft. 4. Reserve liquid and use a slotted spoon to transfer blueberries to blender/processor/mixer and puree. 5. If needed, add some of the liquid to blueberries. 6. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up *You can save the liquid to serve as juice or to blend in with cereals etc..**Many believe that blueberries fall under the "no berries until after age 12 months old" rule. Blueberries are not really a common allergen - they are not in the "berry" family. Blueberries are related to cranberries - cranberries appear on many lists of "least allergenic foods" Blueberries are not related to strawberries, raspberries and the like. Those "true" berries may be mild to highly allergenic. In the book, blueberries are recommended between 6-9 months old. There are also several other pediatric allergy books that say that blueberries are ok from 6-9 months old as well.

Blueberry Banana Yogurt 8-10 months+

1 cup blueberries 1 whole banana 1 cup plain yogurt 2 tablespoons wheat germFor Babies: Use 1 cup of your already made blueberry puree OR Microwave the blueberries just until the juices start to run, about 30 seconds. Place the banana, yogurt and blueberries in a blender and puree until smooth. For Toddlers: Slice the banana. Microwave the blueberries just until the juices start to run, about 30 seconds. Place a little yogurt in a dish and top with banana slices, blueberries, wheat germ and serve. This will make 2-3 servings.

Kiwi 8-10 months+

*Vitamins: A, C, K, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium1. Peel ripe kiwi2. Puree or mash with a fork - add cereal (if desired) to thicken andachieve a smooth, thin consistency.
Kiwi does not need to be cooked and it should not need to be de-seeded as it is typically introduced at an age where baby can tolerate raw fruits and a bit of texture.
*Kiwi is high in Vitamin C and is also acidic, you may wish to wait to introduce it when baby is 10 months or older.

Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon) 8-10 months+Vitamins: A, C, K, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium1. 1/4 cup sliced, soft, seedless melon, rind removed2. Puree or mash with a fork - add cereal (if desired) to thicken up the melon achieve a smooth, thin consistency.

Nutritious Stage 1 Homemade Baby Food Recipes

What is "Stage 1" baby food?
(4)6-8 Months - Baby Let's Begin to Eat"Baby" cereal and soft cooked thinly pureed fruits and veggies should be baby's first solid food experiences. Single ingredients only and at a space of 4 days apart with introducing each new food. You may skip the cereal and begin with a fruit like avocado or begin with a veggie like butternut squash or sweet potato.
Stage 1 Baby Food is a term that applies to baby foods that are highly pureed and strained. These foods are appropriate for babies who are just being introduced to solid foods. The foods in this range are targeted to babies who are between the ages of (4) 6 to 8 months old.
Stage 1 baby foods are thin and runny and are foods that are the lowest on the allergy scale. Stage 1 baby foods are typically those foods that are also more easily digested by a tiny tummy. Some of these foods include, sweet potatoes, butternut or winter squash and carrots. The term "Stage 1" was introduced by the Gerber Baby Food Company to let parents know that these foods are appropriate for their infants who are just being introduced to solid foods.
There is a growing trend of parents skipping this stage of thin and runny purees. Many parents are turning to a more baby-led weaning approach and are offering soft cooked small bits of age-appropriate foods as they begin to introduce solid foods.
Feeding Baby Stage 1 Foods
Start out slowly, preparing a tablespoon sized portion of whatever food you have chosen to begin with. Some parents begin offering their babies solid foods by using their (clean and washed) finger as a spoon! They say that this helps their babies take to solid foods because the "new" spoon and the "new" food all at once seem to confuse baby!
You will probably only manage to have baby eat 1/2 of the tablespoon sized portion the very first times you begin solids. Don't fret if your baby does not "finish" a meal.

Stage 1 Homemade Baby Food Recipes - Fruits
Apricot Puree(using dried un-sulphured apricots)6-8months+Vitamins: A, C, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium1. 1 pound dried apricots2. 2 c. white grape juice or apple juice.
Plain water is ok but the puree may be a bit bitter. Some babies actually like a bitter taste however. Consider using ½ water or ½ juice if you disagree with the juices or if baby cannot have juice. You can always mix in another fruit such as peaches or bananas and leave out the juice entirely! 3. Bring liquid and fruit to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. 4. Reserve any left over liquid to use for the puree5. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing. 6. Add the reserved liquid as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree or7. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up8. Note: puree will not freeze solid, but into slightly soft/slightly frozen cubes.
Have you ever Baked Fruits? If not, we highly recommend it! Baked Fruits are naturally sweet, soft and oh so very yummy!
Apples/Applesauce (Use Gala, Braeburn, Rome or Macs)(4)6 months+Vitamins: A, C, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, CalciumThis recipe is written so that you may use any amount of apples you wish!
1. Peel, core and cut apple into slices/chunks 2. Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples3. Boil/steam until tender; be sure to check on the water level and stir, T hat's It! Easy Peasy!4. Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency. If your masher will not achieve a puree type of consistency, then follow steps 5 - 75. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the apples6. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing. 7. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree8. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up the9. Ask your pediatrician about adding some cinnamon for new tastes!HINT! You may also buy an "Adult" jar of Natural applesauce from your local grocers! Make sure you buy Natural Applesauce however! Read the labels if you are unsure. The only ingredients should be apples and water or just apples! A few companies may add ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or citric acid to their Natural Applesauce; this is fine!
Why do you suggest peeling fruits and veggies; Nutrients are found in the peels right
Avocado (yes, avocado is a fruit!)(4)6 months+Vitamins: A, C, Niacin, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium1. Peel and take out the pit of a ripe avocado - do not cook2. Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork3. There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked.
How to Select an Avocado - When selecting an Avocado , you want a dark green color with bumpy texture. The fruit should be firm yet yielding when gently pushed. When an avocado is sliced in half, the flesh color should be a green that gently transforms into a buttery yellow around the pit. Visit our Avocado topics for More InformationBaked Apples6-8months+1. Core apple and leave peel on2. Place a wee bit of butter (if baby is ready for or has had dairy) on the inside of the cored apple (sprinkle a bit of cinnamon in the apple if your desire and if baby is ready for or has had cinnamon)3. Place in a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples – about an inch of water4. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 30 minutes or until tender; be sure to check on the water level.5. Once baked, either cut apple into little bits and serve as a finger food or mash as directed above in the Apples/Applesauce recipe.
Banana Applesauce Mush (4)6 months+1. Peel, core and cut apple into slices/chunks2. Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples3. Boil until tender; be sure to check on the water level.4. Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency or you can puree in an appliance as shown above5. Peel a ripe banana and mash in a bowl with a fork (heating in the microwave for approximately 20 seconds will soften the banana up if needed)6. Add applesauce to the banana and sprinkle with wheat germ* or crushed cheerios*7. Puree if necessary but mashing with a potato masher will typically get this mix smooth*8months+

Bananas(4)6 months+Vitamins: A, C, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Magnesium, Calcium1. Peel ripe bananas - do not cook2. Place banana in a food processor/food mill or blender and puree3. You can also mash the banana in a bowl using a regular fork – heat in microwave for 25 seconds prior to mashing for extra softness4. Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.
Mango Madness6-8months+Vitamins: A (1262 IU in one cup!), C, E, K, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium1 Ripe MangoPeel, deseed and chunk the mango Place mango chunks in a blender or food processorAdd Formula, Breast Milk, or Water and blend or mash until the proper consistency for your Infant is achieved.
How to Cut A Mango:
Cut the mango lengthwise, along the side of the mango pit. You will be cutting off its flesh from one side then repeating the same process on the other side. You will then cut the ends off the mango pit. Cut the remaining flesh from the pit. Use a small sharp knife peel the skin from the flesh. Dice or cube as desired. It is easier to make your cubes/dices prior to removing the skin. Make sure you don't cut through it. Once you have made your cube/dice "pattern" simply turn the skin skin inside out and slice the pieces away!
*Mango does not need to be cooked as it is typically introduced at an age where baby can tolerate raw fruits. Mango may be steamed to tender and then mashed if you prefer without harming it. You may use mango as a great Baby Finger Foods! Simply peel, de-seed and then cut into dices or chunks that are manageable for your baby! You may wish to coat the mango pieces with "cheerio dust", wheat germ or another cereal "dust" to help baby easily pick up the bits!
Papaya6-8months+Vitamins: A, C, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Calcium
1 ripe papaya
Peel, deseed and chunk the mango Place papaya chunks in a blender or food processorAdd formula, breast milk, or water and blend or mash until the proper consistency for your Infant is achieved.
Some parents who have infants with sensitive tummies will give fruits a gentle steaming to help break down the sugars and fibers for easier digestion. If you feel this is the case for your infant, chunk the papaya and then steam for 5-10 minutes until very soft.Pears, Plums, Peaches and Nectarines tooPear (4)6 months+Vitamins: A, C, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium
Peel and cut into chunks so as to avoid the little seed portion. Steam gently until tender;
Place in a blender/food processor and puree until smooth. You may be able to just use a fork too!
Use the leftover cooking water if needed but Pears tend to be very runny and watery without adding liquid. Add some baby cereal to thicken if needed.Plums(4)6-8months+Vitamins: A, C, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium
Peel, pit and cut into chunks
Steam until tender in a scant amount of water. Puree using the leftover cooking liquid. You may need to mix in another fruit as plum purée has a tendency to be rather tart and/or bitterPeaches(4)6-8months+Vitamins: A, C, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium
Steam or Bake Peaches - these methods work for nectarines, plums and pears as well. We HIGHLY recommend giving baked peaches a try at least once! You will find they are more tasty when baked. Steam Peaches - Method 1 1. Scrub fruit clean and carve an X into 1 side of the fruit 2. Place X side down in a pan with an inch of water 3. Bring water to a boil and steam until soft and tender4. Peel skin from fruit and remove pits and/or seeds5. move to step #6 below Steam Peaches - Method 21. Peel fruit2. Pit the peach3. Cut the peach into dices4. Steam until soft and tender then 5. move to step #6Bake 1. Halve the fruit and place "open" side down in a pan filled with 1 inch of water2. Bake at 400F until soft and tender and/or puckering of the skin appears. 3. Peel skin from fruit and remove pits and/or seeds then 4. move to step #6
Moving to Step 6
6. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the fruits7. Peel off skin then place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing. 8. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree9. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.

Stage 1 Homemade Baby Food Recipes - Vegetables
Beans - Green(4)6 months+ (this method may be used for Peas as well)*Vitamins: A, C, K, Niacin, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium 1. If using Fresh Beans, snap the ends off the beans and wash the beans. If using Fresh Peas, open the pods and scrape out the peas from the pod. If using frozen of either Peas or Green Beans, cook according to package directions. 2. Place fresh beans into a steamer basket in a pan with a just enough water to slightly show through in the basket. 3. Steam until very tender; be sure to check on the water level. 4. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the beans. 5. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing. It is best to use the setting that makes the finest liquid purees - green bean and pea skins are rather difficult to completely puree.***Using a blender rather than a food processor or stick mixer might be better as well. *** 6. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency7. You may wish to push the green beans (or peas) through a sieve or mesh strainer to get rid of any remaining skins. 1. If using Fresh Beans, snap the ends off the beans and wash the beans. If using Fresh Peas, open the pods and scrape out the peas from the pod. If using frozen of either Peas or Green Beans, cook according to package directions. Carrots*6-8months+Vitamins: A (19,152 IU), C, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorous, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium 1. Peel carrots and cut into small chunks2. Place chunks into a steamer pan with just enough water visible through the steamer basket3. Steam until tender4. Do not reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the carrots if baby is under 8 months old as Nitrates may seep into the cooking water5. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing. 6. Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency Garden Vegetable Combo6-8months+ after all vegetables have been introduced following the rule. 1. Combine fresh or frozen green beans and peas, summer and/or zucchini squash and small pieces of chopped carrots. 2. Add enough water to just cover the vegetables. 3. Cook until tender, reserving water. 4. Puree vegetables in blender or food processor, 5. Adding reserved water from the vegetables until mixture is of the desired consistency. Peas (green)6-8months+(this method may be used for Green Beans as well)*Vitamins: A (4533 IU), C, Niacin, Folate Minerals: Potassium, Sodium, Selenium, Phosphorous, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc1. If using Fresh Peas, open the pods and scrape out the peas from the pod. If using frozen type of either Peas or Green Beans, cook according to package directions. 2. Place fresh peas into a steamer basket in a pan with a just enough water to slightly show through in the basket. 3. Steam until very tender; be sure to check on the water level. 4. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the peas. 5. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing. It is best to use the setting that makes the finest liquid purees - green bean and pea skins are rather difficult to completely puree. Using a blender rather than a food processor or stick mixer might be better as well. 6. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency7. You may wish to push the peas (or green beans) through a sieve or mesh strainer to get rid of any remaining skins

Homemade Baby Food Recipes Introduction

As you browse through our homemade baby food recipes, one thing you may notice is that we seldom include precise ingredient measurements. When following homemade baby food recipes, there really is no great need for a ½ cup of this or a ¼ cup of that. Homemade Baby Food Recipes are simple to create and you don't have to be a chef to make homemade baby food!
Unlike recipes for “adult” foods and meals, making homemade baby food is simple and uncomplicated.
Are you looking to make an apple(Sauce) puree? Take one apple, peel and core it, chop into dices and steam in a scant amount of water, in a pot on the stove, until tender then mash into a texture appropriate for your infant. If you need to create a more thin apple(sauce) puree, simply add more liquid and blend.
Maybe you want to make a nice banana puree for your baby; peel a ripe banana, slice into small pieces, transfer the pieces to a bowl and then grab a fork and mash the banana. You may be thinking, “It’s not that easy is it?” Actually, it is that easy and there is no need to make it complicated by adding precise measurements.
Another reason that we seldom use precise measurements, is that one parent may be able to squeeze 10 servings out of one baked sweet potato while another parent may only be able to yield 6 servings.
Making homemade baby food is highly individualized and for many items like fruits and vegetables, wash-peel-cook-mash is the only instruction that is ever needed!

Cute Baby Pic