It's an exciting time when your little one starts their solid food adventure! But
with so many options and opinions out there, it can be overwhelming to know what to feed your baby. One thing's for sure: iron is a crucial nutrient for their growing bodies and developing brains.
That's why I've put together 12 delicious and nutritious baby puree recipes packed with iron and other essential vitamins to help your little one thrive. Get ready for some happy tummies and healthy babies!
Important Note: Always consult your pediatrician before introducing solids to your baby and to discuss any specific dietary needs or allergies. (read more about introducing solid food)
Iron-Rich Superstars:
Beef & Sweet Potato Purée: Combine lean ground beef with sweet potato for a flavorful and iron-rich purée. Beef is an excellent source of iron, and sweet potato provides vitamin A and fiber.
Recipe: Steam or bake 1 small, sweet potato until tender. Brown 1/4 cup lean ground beef. Combine beef and sweet potato in a blender with a little breast milk or formula. Blend until smooth.
Chicken & Broccoli Purée: This classic combination is a winner! Chicken provides protein and iron, while broccoli offers vitamin C and fiber.
Recipe: Steam or bake 1 small chicken breast and 1 cup broccoli florets until tender. Combine chicken and broccoli in a blender with a little breast milk or formula. Blend until smooth.
Lentil & Carrot Purée: Lentils are a fantastic plant-based source of iron, and carrots provide vitamin A and sweetness.
Recipe: Cook 1/2 cup red lentils. Steam or bake 1 cup chopped carrots until tender. Combine lentils and carrots in a blender with a little breast milk or formula. Blend until smooth.
Spinach & Pear Purée: This vibrant green purée combines iron-rich spinach with the sweetness of pear. A great way to introduce leafy greens!
Recipe: Steam 1 cup spinach leaves until wilted. Peel and core 1 ripe pear. Combine spinach and pear in a blender with a little breast milk or formula. Blend until smooth.
Turkey & Butternut Squash Purée: Turkey is a lean protein source with iron, and butternut squash offers vitamin A and a creamy texture.
Recipe: Roast 1/4 cup cubed butternut squash until tender. Cook 1/4 cup ground turkey. Combine turkey and butternut squash in a blender with a little breast milk or formula. Blend until smooth.
Lamb & Apple Purée: Lamb is another excellent source of iron, and apples provide sweetness and fiber.
Recipe: Cook 1/4 cup ground lamb. Peel and core 1 small apple. Combine lamb and apple in a blender with a little breast milk or formula. Blend until smooth.
Fruit & Veggie Powerhouses:
Avocado & Banana Purée: This creamy and delicious purée is packed with healthy fats, potassium, and fiber.
Recipe: Mash 1/4 ripe avocado and 1/2 ripe banana together with a fork.
Mango & Peach Purée: A tropical delight! Mango and peach offer vitamin C, vitamin A, and a sweet flavor.
Recipe: Peel and chop 1/2 ripe mango and 1/2 ripe peach. Combine in a blender and blend until smooth.
Blueberry & Beetroot Purée: This vibrant purple purée combines the antioxidants of blueberries with the iron and nitrates of beets.
Recipe: Steam or roast 1 small beetroot until tender. Combine 1/4 cup blueberries and beet in a blender with a little breast milk or formula. Blend until smooth.
Prune & Pear Purée: A gentle and naturally sweet purée that can help with digestion.
Recipe: Soak 3 prunes in warm water for 10 minutes. Peel and core 1 ripe pear. Combine prunes and pear in a blender with a little breast milk or formula. Blend until smooth.
Tips for Making Purées:
Steam or bake: Steaming or baking helps retain nutrients better than boiling.
Blend until smooth: Make sure the purée is smooth enough for your baby's developmental stage.
Add liquid as needed: Use breast milk, formula, or water to thin the purée to the desired consistency.
Freeze for later: Purées can be frozen in ice cube trays or small containers for convenient meals. Most homemade baby food purées can be safely stored in the
freezer for 1 to 2 months. Use airtight containers, always label your containers with the date you made the purée.
Remember, introducing solids is a journey, not a race. Have fun, be patient, and enjoy this exciting milestone with your little one!
What are your favorite purée recipes for your little ones? Share your tips and ideas in the comments below!