Homemade Baby Food for 4-6 Month Olds: Simple, Safe & Nutritious Recipes

Those first spoonfuls aren’t just about filling tiny tummies—they’re about gentle exploration.

At 4-6 months, babies are still developing their digestive systems and swallowing reflexes, which is why homemade single-ingredient purees are ideal:

✅ Silky-smooth textures (no lumps!) help them learn to swallow safely.
✅ Mild, easy-to-digest ingredients (like sweet potatoes and pears) reduce the risk of tummy troubles.
✅ Iron-rich foods become crucial—breastmilk’s iron supply drops around 6 months, making fortified cereals and veggies key for brain development.

But here’s the secret: Homemade lets you control every detail. No hidden additives, no unnecessary sugars—just fresh, nutrient-packed foods steamed and blended to perfection (thank you, Grownsy’s smooth mode!).

In this guide, you’ll find:
🍠 8 simple, iron-rich purees (with step-by-step prep)
🥑 Pro tips for texture and consistency (safety first!)
⏳ Storage hacks for busy parents

Because those first bites? They’re building blocks for a lifetime of healthy eating. Let’s make them count.

 

1. Sweet Potato & Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• ½ small sweet potato
• ⅓ ripe tomato
• 1-2 tsp breastmilk

Instructions:

1. Peel and cube sweet potato. Steam in baby food maker until tender (~15 mins). Blend until smooth.
2. Steam whole tomato for 5 mins, peel skin, and extract juice.
3. Mix 1 tsp tomato juice into sweet potato puree. Add breastmilk to desired consistency.

 

2. Steamed Carrot Puree

Ingredients:

• 1 medium carrot
• 1-2 tsp water or formula

Instructions:

1. Peel and slice carrot into coins. Steam for 12-15 mins until fork-tender.
2. Blend with cooking water/formula until silky smooth (add liquid gradually).

Tip: Carrots are sweet and packed with vitamin A for eye health.

 

3. Creamy Avocado Mash

Ingredients:

• ¼ ripe avocado
• 1-2 tsp breastmilk or formula

Instructions:

1. Scoop avocado flesh into bowl.
2. Mash with fork and mix in liquid until pudding-like.

Tip: No cooking needed! Avocados offer healthy fats for brain development.

 

4. Pear (or Apple) Puree

Ingredients:

• 1 small pear or apple
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Peel, core, and dice fruit. Steam for 8-10 mins until soft.
2. Blend with steaming water until smooth.

Tip: Pears are gentle on tummies; apples may need extra straining if fibrous.

 

5. Broccoli & Apple Puree

Ingredients:

• ½ cup broccoli florets
• ¼ small apple
• 1-2 tsp breastmilk or formula

Instructions:

1. Wash broccoli florets thoroughly. Peel, core, and dice the apple.
2. Steam broccoli and apple together in the baby food maker until the broccoli is very tender and easily mashed (about 10-12 minutes).
3. Blend the steamed broccoli and apple until completely smooth.
4. Stir in breastmilk or formula to reach your desired smooth consistency.

Tip: Combining the slightly bitter broccoli with sweet apple can encourage acceptance of green vegetables early on.

 

6. Butternut Squash Puree

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cubed butternut squash
• 1-2 tsp water or breastmilk

Instructions:

1. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into small, even pieces.
2. Steam the squash in the baby food maker until very tender (around 15-20 minutes). You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork.
3. Blend the cooked squash with the steaming water or breastmilk until it reaches a smooth, lump-free consistency. Add liquid gradually as needed.

Tip: Butternut squash is naturally sweet and a good source of vitamins.   

 

7. Banana & Blueberry Puree 

Ingredients:

• ½ ripe banana
• ¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tsp breastmilk or formula (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel the banana and slice it into small pieces.
2. Steam the banana and blueberries together in the baby food maker for about 5-7 minutes, or until the blueberries are soft and have released some of their juice.
3. Blend the steamed banana and blueberries until you achieve a smooth texture. For a thinner consistency, mix in a little breastmilk or formula.

Tip: Cooking the blueberries makes them softer and easier for babies to digest. Banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess.

 

8. Green Bean Puree

Ingredients:

• ½ cup trimmed green beans
• 1-2 tsp water or formula

Instructions:

1. Wash and trim the ends off the green beans, cutting them into smaller pieces.
2. Steam the green beans in the baby food maker until they are very tender (about 10-12 minutes).
3. Blend the steamed green beans with the cooking water or formula until completely smooth. Add liquid gradually to get the right consistency.

Tip: Green beans are a good source of fiber and vitamins. Ensure they are thoroughly cooked and blended for a smooth texture suitable for young babies

 

Start simple with single-ingredient purees to understand your baby's preferences and identify any sensitivities.

Once they've tried a few, explore simple combinations of familiar flavors. Think about pairing naturally sweet vegetables/fruits with milder ones.

Use seasonal produce for inspiration. Adapt your own simply cooked fruits and vegetables (without added salt, spices, or allergens).

Introduce new ingredients one at a time, waiting a few days in between. Observe your baby's reactions and trust your instincts.

Read more tips for making homemade food for your baby here.

Enjoy this journey of introducing new tastes!