Making your own, homemade baby food is an easy, affordable and fun way to introduce new types of food to your baby, and can provide them with a healthy and varied diet. Here are three classic recipes that every Mum should know.
Baby’s Yummy Avocado Fruit Salad
The first recipe comes from
Wholesome Baby Food, and is a fantastic way to introduce tasty and nutritious avocados into your child’s diet. Avocados are an excellent food to provide to young infants. Many parents avoid using them, due to the high fat content, but they are ideal for stimulating growth and brain development. They’re also highly palatable for young infants, thanks to their creamy, smooth texture, and mild flavor.
Ingredients:
3 or 4 ripe avocados,
3 or 4 ripe bananas,
3 or 4 pears.
To start with, you should peel and deseed the fruit as required, and steam the pears. Then, simply puree the fruit in a blender or food processor, until you achieve the desired texture. For older infants, above 8 months, you can add a little yoghurt to the mixture. The recipe makes a decent quantity of baby food, so it can be frozen for future use.
Sole, Sweet Potato and Broccoli Puree
The next recipe, by
Annabel Karmel at Babycenter, is an adventurous choice for older babies, or those who like to explore different types of food. It’s a good way to introduce fish into your child’s diet, as sole is relatively mild compared to some of the alternatives. It isn’t suitable for younger infants, due to the inclusion of dairy produce.
Ingredients:
½ sweet potato,
2 brocolli florets,
4oz sole,
¼ cup of milk,
2 tbsp cheese.
To start, chop the sweet potato and broccoli into small pieces. Steam them until very tender, for around 8 minutes. Cover the fish with the milk, and cook until it begins to flake. Add the cheese and, when it’s melted, puree in the blender or food processor.
This recipe will make three servings, which can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. When reheating, ensure the food is piping hot, and then allow to cool before serving to your baby.
Blueberry Quinoa Rice Pudding Cup
The final recipe, from
Parent.Guide, is a delicious taste on a traditional baby food recipe. It can be served warm or cold, according to your baby’s preference, and is incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
1 cup of blueberries,
1 ½ cup of filtered water,
1 tablespoon of rice,
1 tablespoon of quinoa,
2 tablespoons of formula, breast milk, or milk.
Soak the rice and quinoa in a bowl, with water, for 30 minutes. Drain the ingredients, and add them to a pot with the filtered water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 35 minutes. You should make sure you stir the pudding regularly, and add more filtered water if required. When the rice pudding’s cooked, remove from the heat and add the milk. Depending upon the age of your child, you can use breast milk, formula, or ordinary cow’s milk. You can then puree the baby food if necessary. This meal can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, and is best when it’s served warm.