Most doctors recommend exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age since breast milk is a complete food for a newborn with all the nutrients. As soon as babies cross 4 months, mothers start thinking about the foods they can introduce to their baby. Since it is the first time the little one is going to taste solid foods, it has to be something tasty and as they cannot chew the food, it has to be mashed. So the healthiest foods that you can feed your baby are fruit and vegetable purees since they have all the nutrients for your growing child.
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Benefits of fruits & vegetable purees for babies
- Fruits & vegetables are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.
- These are naturally sweet so babies relish them.
- These are easy to digest.
- These are really easy to prepare.
- Mommies can easily store these and carry for short duration.
- Mommies can freeze the puree in the form of cubes and use for 3-4 days.
Fruit & Vegetable Purees for Babies
Here are 21 fruit and vegetable purees for babies:
#1. Apricot Puree
Image Source: youtube
A rich source of potassium, magnesium, and iron, apricots aid in digestion, prevent anemia and help in the brain development of babies.
How to make Apricot Puree
- Wash and peel an apricot.
- Remove the pit and slice it.
- Now blanch the sliced apricot with a few drops of water to get a smooth consistency.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
#2. Avocado Puree
Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids and are also a rich source of fiber. They are very beneficial for the heart and protect the body against various diseases.
How to make Avocado Puree
- Wash and slice an avocado.
- Remove the pit.
- Peel the skin and scoop the pulp out of the avocado.
- Puree the avocado in a food processor with a few drops of water.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
#3. Banana Puree
Image Source: Momjunction
They are loaded with potassium. They help to improve digestion and are an instant source of energy.
How to make Banana Puree
- No cooking is required in this one.
- Simply peel a banana, blend it in a blender to get a smooth puree and give to the baby.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
#4. Chikoo Puree
Chikoo, sapota or sapodilla, is an excellent first food for babies. It is rich in Vitamin C and A and also contains lots of fiber. It helps to boost immunity.
How to make Chikoo Puree
- Peel a ripe chikoo and cut in half.
- Now deseed it and mash it with a fork.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 7 + Months
#5. Strawberry Puree
Image Source: bebeloveokazu
Strawberries are a good source of calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin C and they help to protect the liver. They can be given to babies after 8 months of age.
How to make Strawberry Puree
- Wash the strawberries thoroughly.
- Remove the stem and cut them into pieces.
- Steam them for 3-4 minutes and blend them in a blender.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 8 + Months
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#6. Kiwi Puree
Kiwis are rich in Vitamin C and A and they also contain dietary fiber. They are acidic in nature and so should be introduced after other fruit purees.
Note: In case your child suffers from diaper rashes or oral thrush, avoid giving kiwi.
How to make Kiwi Puree
- Peel a ripe kiwi.
- Cut it into pieces and steam them.
- Now blend the kiwi and sieve it to remove the seeds.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 10 + Months
#7. Apple Puree
Image Source: Archana's Kitchen
Apples are rich in dietary fiber and various nutrients, which help in the smooth bowel movement in babies.
How to make Apple Puree
- Wash and peel half an apple.
- Pressure cook it till you get 3-4 whistles.
- Once it becomes soft, mash it with a spoon.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
#8. Mango Puree
Mangoes are loaded with nutrients and most babies love to eat the juicy mangoes, however, they should be introduced after other fruits as they can cause allergies in some babies.
How to make Mango Puree
- Wash and peel a ripe mango.
- De-seed it and mash it in a blender.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 10 + Months
#9. Pear Puree
Image Source: New Kids Center
Loaded with nutrients, pears helps to relieve constipation in babies.
How to make Pear Puree
- Wash and peel a fresh pear.
- Take water in a thick-bottomed pan and place the pear in it.
- Bring the water to a boil, simmer for some time.
- Turn off the burner and cover with a lid.
- Now mash it with a spoon.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
#10. Papaya Puree
Papayas contain various vitamins that prevent skin damage. They contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
How to make Papaya Puree
- Peel and deseed a ripe papaya.
- Cut it into slices.
- Mash it and give it to the baby.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 10 + Months
Note: If your baby has a sensitive tummy, you may steam the sliced papaya for 10-15 minutes so that it becomes easier to digest.
#11. Peach Puree
Image Source: Once A Month Meals
Rich in Vitamin C and A, peaches are natural laxatives and help to treat constipation in babies.
How to make Peach Puree
- Wash and peel the peaches.
- Take a thick-bottomed pan with water and bring it to a boil.
- Now add the peaches to the water.
- Allow them to sit for 45 seconds, remove and put in ice-cold water.
- Now remove the skin.
- Slice the peaches, remove the pit and mash the peaches with a spoon.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
#12. Plum Puree
Loaded with dietary fiber, they help to cure constipation naturally.
How to make Plum Puree
- Wash the plums thoroughly.
- Take a thick-bottomed pan and boil water in it.
- Add the plums and allow them to stay for 45 seconds.
- Remove and place in ice cold water.
- Now peel them and blend them in a blender.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
#13. Pea Puree
Image Source: Steele House Kitchen
Peas are a good source of B Vitamins, which help in creating red blood cells in the body.
How to make Pea Puree
- De-seed and wash the peas.
- Steam them for 3-5 minutes.
- Now peel the peas and mash them with a spoon.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
#14. Spinach Puree
Spinach contains Vitamins A, C, E and K to the body along with folate and is essential for the baby’s growth.
How to make Spinach Puree
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove the damaged leaves.
- Steam the spinach.
- Drain the water and blend the spinach in a food processor.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 8 + Months
#15. Beet Puree
Image Source: Steele Fitnext
Beetroot is required for your child’s healthy growth as it contains Vitamins A, C, E, K, B along with calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
How to make Beet Puree
- Wash and peel the beets.
- Cut them into pieces and steam them until they are tender.
- Now blend them in a blender.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 8 + Months
#16. Potato Puree
They are high in carbohydrates and help to protect the liver and are good for the skin.
How to make Potato Puree
- Boil the potato and peel it.
- Now mash with a spoon.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 8 + Months
#17. Bottle Gourd Puree
Image Source: My Little Moppet
Easy on the baby’s tummy, bottle gourd is loaded with nutrients and water.
How to make Bottle Gourd Puree
- Wash and peel the bottle gourd.
- Cut it into small cubes.
- Pressure cook it and blend it in a blender to get a smooth puree.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
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#18. Green Beans Puree
Rich in vitamins and minerals, green beans are a great food for babies.
How to make Green Beans Puree
- Wash the beans and scrape out the pods.
- Steam the beans until they are very tender.
- Now puree in a blender.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
#19. Pumpkin Puree
Image Source: gyerek-portal.hu
Pumpkins contain various essential nutrients that help to boost the immune system and protect the baby against microbial infections.
How to make Pumpkin Puree
- Wash and peel half a pumpkin.
- Pressure cook it till you get 3-4 whistles.
- Once it becomes soft, mash it with a spoon.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
#20. Carrot Puree
Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene and fiber, which help to keep eyesight healthy and facilitate bowel movement in babies.
How to make Carrot Puree
- Wash & peel a carrot.
- Pressure cook it till you get 3-4 whistles.
- Once it becomes soft, mash it with a spoon.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
#21. Sweet Potato Puree
Image Source: aptaclub.ie
Loaded with Vitamin A, calcium, and folate, sweet potatoes make a healthy snack for babies.
How to make Sweet Potato Puree
- Wash the sweet potato.
- Pressure cook it till you get 3-4 whistles.
- Once it becomes soft, peel it and mash it with a spoon.
- You can add a few drops of breastmilk or formula to improve consistency.
Preferred Age: 6 + Months
Things to keep in mind:
- Do not heat breastmilk or formula directly.
- When introducing purees for the first time, do not mix two or more fruits and vegetables.
- Since your baby is going to taste solids for the first time and has a small tummy, he/she may not eat more than 1 - 2 tablespoons.
- Do not force your baby with any foods. If your baby is turning his/her face away from the food it is better not to give it to your baby.
- Do not quit breastfeeding. Your child still needs it.
- Make your baby sit upright while eating.
- Always introduce 1 food at a time and wait for 3 days to check for any allergy symptoms
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