Starting solids is one of those exciting milestones that makes your baby’s first year feel very real - and it’s one that often comes with a lot of questions. Should you start with purées or finger foods? How smooth is smooth enough? What if your baby doesn’t like something? Am I doing this right?
If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty, you’re not alone.
The good news? Starting solids doesn’t have to be complicated. Making your own baby purées can be simple, affordable, and incredibly rewarding — and it gives you full control over ingredients, textures, and nutrition.
With a few fresh foods, basic kitchen tools, and a go-at-your-own-pace mindset, you can confidently support your baby’s transition from milk to solids — one spoonful at a time.
When to Start Baby Purées
Most babies are ready to begin solids around 6 months of age, though readiness matters more than the calendar. Rather than focusing on age alone, look for developmental signs that show your baby is prepared for solid foods:
Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Purées
- Sitting with support and good trunk control
- Strong head and neck control
- Interest in food (watching you eat, reaching for food)
- Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex, meaning they no longer push food out of their mouth automatically
- Ability to open their mouth when food approaches
If your baby meets these milestones, they’re likely ready to explore solids safely.
Important: Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider before starting solids, especially if your baby was born prematurely or has medical considerations.
Why Start With Purées?
Purées are often a great starting point because they’re:
- Easy to digest
- Simple to prepare
- Adjustable in texture
- Ideal for introducing new flavours gradually
They allow babies to practice swallowing and tongue movement without the challenge of chewing — which comes later as oral skills develop. Purées also give parents a chance to observe reactions, preferences, and sensitivities early on.
Best First Foods for Baby Purées
When starting solids, single-ingredient purées are best. They’re gentle on digestion and make it easier to identify any food sensitivities or allergies.
These foods are naturally soft, mild in flavor, and nutrient-rich:
- Sweet potato – rich in vitamin A and naturally sweet
- Carrot – gentle and packed with beta-carotene
- Avocado – healthy fats for brain development
- Pear – mild, hydrating, and easy to digest
- Apple – a classic first food when cooked and blended
- Banana – soft, familiar, and naturally smooth
Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 2–3 days before adding another to watch for reactions.
Easy Baby Purée Recipes (Perfect for Beginners)
You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated recipes. A steamer, pot, blender, or food processor is more than enough.
1) Sweet Potato Purée: A favourite first food for many babies.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato
Instructions:
- Peel and chop the sweet potato into chunks
- Steam or boil until very soft (easily pierced with a fork)
- Blend with water, breast milk, or formula until smooth
Why it works: Naturally sweet, filling, and full of nutrients.
2) Apple & Pear Purée: Mild, slightly sweet, and gentle on little tummies.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple
- 1 pear
Instructions:
- Peel, core, and chop fruit
- Steam until soft
- Blend until smooth, adding liquid as needed
Why it works: This combo is especially helpful if your baby tends toward constipation.
3) Avocado Purée (No Cooking Required): Perfect for busy days.
Ingredients:
- ½ ripe avocado
Instructions:
- Scoop out the avocado
- Mash or blend with breast milk, formula, or water
Why it works: Avocados are rich in healthy fats, which support brain growth and development.
Introducing Protein & Iron-Rich Foods
Around 6 months, babies begin to need additional iron, as their stored iron levels start to decrease. Iron-rich foods are an important part of early feeding and can be introduced alongside fruits and vegetables.
Iron-Rich Foods to Purée
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Black beans
- Chicken
- Beef
- Turkey
Cook thoroughly and blend until completely smooth. You can mix proteins with vegetables like sweet potato or carrot to improve texture and taste.
Tip: Pair plant-based iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods (like pear or apple) to support absorption.
Texture Progression: When and How to Thicken Purées
Texture matters just as much as ingredients.
Stage 1: Smooth Purées (6–7 months)
- Completely smooth
- Spoon should glide easily
- No lumps
Stage 2: Thicker & Mashed Textures (7–9 months)
- Slightly thicker
- Soft mashed consistency
- Small, soft lumps are okay
Stage 3: Chunkier Textures (9+ months)
- Fork-mashed foods
- Soft pieces
- Encourages chewing skills
- Gradually thickening textures helps develop oral motor skills and reduces the risk of texture aversion later on.
How Much Should Baby Eat?
In the beginning, solids are about exploration, not volume.
Start with:
- 1–2 teaspoons once per day
Over time, you can increase:
- Quantity
- Frequency (up to 2–3 meals per day)
- Milk (breast milk or formula) remains your baby’s primary source of nutrition until 12 months.
Watch your baby’s cues:
- Leaning forward = interested
- Turning away or closing mouth = done
Storage & Safety Tips for Homemade Purées
Proper storage keeps purées fresh and safe, which is especially important as baby starts their journey with solids.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigerator: Up to 48 hours
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
- Freeze in small portions (ice cube trays work well)
- Label containers with food name and date
Reheating Tips
- Thaw in the fridge or warm gently
- Stir well to avoid hot spots
- Always test temperature before serving
- Never refreeze thawed purées
Common Baby Purée Mistakes to Avoid
Starting solids is a learning process — but as with anything mistakes can happen. Here are a few to watch for:
- Adding Salt or Sugar: Babies don’t need added seasoning. Natural flavors are enough.
- Rushing Texture Progression: Moving too quickly can cause gagging or refusal.
- Offering Too Many New Foods at Once: This makes it hard to identify reactions.
- Comparing Your Baby to Others: Every baby moves at their own pace — and that’s okay.
Making Mealtime Calm and Enjoyable
Creating a positive feeding environment is just as important as the food itself.
- Sit face-to-face with your baby
- Keep meals relaxed and distraction-free
- Expect mess — it’s part of learning
- Celebrate curiosity, not clean plates
Remember, mealtime is about connection, not perfection.
Homemade baby purées offer so much more than nutrition — they offer flexibility, confidence, and peace of mind. You get to choose the ingredients, adjust textures, and follow your baby’s unique cues. There’s no rush, no competition, and no “right” way to do this. Start simple. Go slowly. Trust your instincts.
This stage is short, messy, and full of discovery — and before you know it, your baby will be reaching for finger foods and family meals. For now, enjoy the spoonfuls, the funny faces, and the joy of watching your baby experience food for the very first time.