Stage 1 Homemade Baby Food Recipes for Baby 4 to 6 Months and older. (2024)

Stage One Baby Foods – Commonly Offered Stage 1 Baby Foods:

Stage 1 Fruits:

Apples | Avocados | Apricots | Bananas | Mango || Papaya | Pears | | Pumpkin

Stage 1 Veggies:

Beans (Green) | Carrots | Peas | Sweet Potato | Squash

Stage 1 Grains:

Rice | Oatmeal | Barley

What is a “Stage 1” baby food?

(4) 6-8 Months – Baby Let’s Begin to Eat

“Baby” cereal and soft cooked thinly pureed fruits and veggies should be baby’s first solid food experiences. Single ingredients only and at a space of 4 days apart with introducing each new food. You may skip the cereal and begin with a fruit like avocado or begin with a veggie like butternut squash or sweet potato.

Stage 1 Baby Food is a term that applies to baby foods that are highly pureed and strained. These foods are appropriate for babies who are just being introduced to solid foods. The foods in this range are targeted to babies who are between the ages of (4) 6 to 8 months old.

Stage 1 baby foods are thin and runny and are foods that are the lowest on the allergy scale. Stage 1 baby foods are typically those foods that are also more easily digested by a tiny tummy. Some of these foods include, sweet potatoes, butternut or winter squash and carrots. The term “Stage 1” was introduced by the Beechnut Baby Food Company to let parents know that these foods are appropriate for their infants who are just being introduced to solid foods.

There is a growing trend of parents skipping “stage 1” foods that are thin and runny purees. Many parents are turning to a more baby-led weaning approach and are offering soft cooked small bits of age-appropriate foods as they begin to introduce solid foods. Your baby might just be interested in this feeding approach!

Stage 1 Homemade Baby Food Recipes – Cereal, Fruits & Veggies

Rice Cereal

• 1/4 c. rice powder (brown rice ground in blender or food processor)
• 1 cup water

Step 1: Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Add the rice powder while stirring constantly.

Step 2: Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired

Step 3: Serve warm.

Oatmeal Cereal

• 1/4 c. of ground oats (do NOT use instant or Quick Cook), ground in blender or food processor
• 3/4 c. water

Step 1: Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Add the rice powder while stirring constantly.

Step 2: Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired

Step 3: Serve warm.

Barley Cereal

• 1/4 c. ground barley (barley ground in blender or food processor)
• 1 cup water

Step 1: Bring liquid to a boil. Add the barley and simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly

Step 2: Mix in formula or breast milk or juice and add fruits if desired

Step 3: Serve warm

Did you know that baby’s first food does not have to be a commercial infant rice cereal? Many pediatric resources are acknowledging the fact that avocado, banana and sweet potato make great first foods for baby. For More Information About Homemade Baby Cereal, visit Our Homemade Baby Cereal FAQ

Feeding Baby Stage 1 Baby Foods

Start out slowly, preparing a tablespoon sized portion of whatever food you have chosen to begin with. Some parents begin offering their babies solid foods by using their (clean and washed) finger as a spoon. They say that this helps their babies take to solid foods because the “new” spoon and the “new” food all at once seem to confuse baby.

You will probably only manage to have baby eat 1/2 of the tablespoon sized portion the very first times you begin solids. Don’t fret if your baby does not “finish” a meal.

Apricot Puree 6-8 months+(using dried un-sulphured apricots)

Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium

• 1 pound dried apricots
• 2 cups of white grape juice, pear or apple juice. Plain water is ok but the puree may be a bit bitter.

Step 1: Bring liquid and fruit to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Reserve any left over liquid to use for the puree

Step 3: Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 4: Add the reserved liquid as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree or

Step 5: Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up

Step 6: Note: puree will not freeze solid, but into slightly soft/slightly frozen cubes.

Have you ever Baked Fruits? If not, I highly recommend it. Baked fruits are naturally sweet, soft and oh so very yummy.

Apples/Applesauce (4)6 months+ Try Gala, Braeburn, Rome or Macs)

Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium

This recipe is written so that you may use any amount of apples you wish.

Step 1: Peel, core and cut apple into slices/chunks

Step 2: Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples

Step 3: Boil/steam until tender; be sure to check on the water level and stir, T hat’s It. Easy Peasy.

Step 4:Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency. If your masher will not achieve a puree type of consistency, then follow steps 5 – 7

Step 5: Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the apples

Step 6: Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 7: Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree

Step 8: Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up the

Step 9: Ask your pediatrician about adding some cinnamon for new tastes.

You may also buy an “Adult” jar of Natural applesauce from your local grocers. Make sure you buy Natural Applesauce however. Read the labels if you are unsure. The only ingredients should be apples and water or just apples. A few companies may add ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or citric acid to their Natural Applesauce; this is fine.

Avocado (yes, avocado is a fruit.) (4)6 months+

Vitamins: A, C, Niacin, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium

Step 1:Peel and take out the pit of a ripe avocado – do not cook

Step 2: Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork

Step 3: There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked.

Visit the Avocado Baby Food page for more recipes and Information

Baked Apples 6-8 months+

Step 1: Core apple and leave peel on

Step 2: Place a wee bit of butter (if baby is ready for or has had dairy) on the inside of the cored apple (sprinkle a bit of cinnamon in the apple if your desire and if baby is ready for or has had cinnamon)

Step 3: Place in a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples – about an inch of water

Step 4: Bake in a 400-degree oven for 30 minutes or until tender; be sure to check on the water level.

Step 5: Once baked, either cut apple into little bits and serve as a finger food or mash as directed above in the Apples/Applesauce recipe.

Banana Applesauce Mush (4)6 months+

• 1 apple
• 1 ripe banana

Step 1: Peel, core and cut apple into slices/chunks

Step 2:Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples

Step 3:Boil until tender; be sure to check on the water level.

Step 4:Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency or you can puree in an appliance as shown above

Step 5:Peel a ripe banana and mash in a bowl with a fork (heating in the microwave for approximately 20 seconds will soften the banana up if needed)

Step 6:Add applesauce to the banana and sprinkle with wheat germ* or crushed cheerios*

Step 7:Puree if necessary but mashing with a potato masher will typically get this mix smooth

*8 months+

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Bananas (4)6 months+

Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Magnesium, Calcium

• 1 Banana or however many you wish

Step 1: Peel ripe banana – do not cook

Step 2: Place banana in a food processor/food mill or blender and puree

Step 3: You can also mash the banana in a bowl using a regular fork – heat in microwave for 25 seconds prior to mashing for extra softness

Step 4: Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.

Mango Madness 6-8months+

Vitamins: A (1262 IU in one cup), C, E, K, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium

• 1 Ripe Mango

Step 1: Peel, de- seed and chunk the mango

Step 2: Place mango chunks in a blender or food processor

Step 3: Add Formula, Breast Milk, or Water and blend or mash until the proper consistency for your Infant is achieved.

How to Cut A Mango:

Cut the mango lengthwise, along the side of the mango pit. You will be cutting off its flesh from one side then repeating the same process on the other side. You will then cut the ends off the mango pit.

Cut the remaining flesh from the pit. Use a small sharp knife peel the skin from the flesh. Dice or cube as desired. It is easier to make your cubes/dices prior to removing the skin. Make sure you don’t cut through it. Once you have made your cube/dice “pattern” simply turn the skin skin inside out and slice the pieces away.

*Mango does not need to be cooked as it is typically introduced at an age where baby can tolerate raw fruits.Mango may be steamed to tender and then mashed if you prefer without harming it.
You may use mango as a great Baby Finger Foods. Simply peel, de-seed and then cut into dices or chunks that are manageable for your baby. You may wish to coat the mango pieces with “cheerio dust”, wheat germ or another cereal “dust” to help baby easily pick up the bits.

Papaya 6-8months+

Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Calcium

• 1 ripe papaya

Step 1: Peel, de-seed and chunk the papaya

Step 2: Place papaya chunks in a blender or food processor

Step 3: Add formula, breast milk, or water and blend or mash until the proper consistency for your Infant is achieved.

Some parents who have infants with sensitive tummies will give fruits a gentle steaming to help break down the sugars and fibers for easier digestion. If you feel this is the case for your infant, chunk the papaya and then steam for 5-10 minutes until very soft.

Pears, Plums, Peaches and Nectarines too

Pear (Great for Constipation.) (4)6 months+

Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium

Step 1: Peel and cut into chunks so as to avoid the little seed portion.

Step 2: Steam gently until tender if baby is under 6 months.

Step 3: Place in a blender/food processor and puree until smooth; you may be able to just use a fork!

Step 4: Use the leftover cooking water if needed but Pears tend to be very runny and watery without adding liquid.

Step 5: Add some baby cereal to thicken if needed.

Plums(4)6-8 months+

Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium

• 2-3 ripe plums

Step 1: Peel and pit the plums

Step 2: Cut into chunks

Step 3: Steam until tender in a scant amount of water if baby is under 6 months.

Step 4: Puree using the leftover cooking liquid.

You may need to mix in another fruit as plum purée has a tendency to be rather tart and/or bitter

Peaches (4)6-8 months+

Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium

You may steam or bake peaches; these methods work for nectarines, plums and pears as well. I HIGHLY recommend giving baked peaches a try at least once. You will find they are more tasty when baked.

Steam Peaches – Method 1

Step 1: Scrub fruit clean and carve an X into 1 side of the fruit

Step 2: Place X side down in a pan with an inch of water

Step 3: Bring water to a boil and steam until soft and tender

Step 4: Peel skin from fruit and remove pits and/or seeds

Step 5: Move to step #6 below

Steam Peaches – Method 2

Step 1: Peel fruit

Step 2: Pit the peach

Step 3: Cut the peach into dices

Step4: Steam until soft and tender then

Step 5: Move to step #6 below

Bake

Step 1: Halve the fruit and place “open” side down in a pan filled with 1 inch of water

Step 2: Bake at 400F until soft and tender and/or puckering of the skin appears.

Step 3: Peel skin from fruit and remove pits and/or seeds then

Step 4: move to step #6

Step 5: Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the fruits

Step 6: Peel off skin then place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 7: Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree

Step 8: Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.
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Prunes 6-8 months+

Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium

• 1 small bag of dried prunes (try to use unsulphured dried fruits whenever possible!)

Step 1: Soak dried prunes in warm water until they plump up or steam gently.

Step2: Once plump and tender, toss into food processor or blender and begin to puree.

Step 3: Add liquid without sparing any. Prunes tend to become a pasty gluey consistency when pureed and the more water you add, the easier it is to puree to a texture your baby will tolerate.

Pumpkin (4)6-8months+

Read more about Pumpkin on the Pumpkin Baby Food page

Vitamins: A (12230 IU in 1 cup.), C, K, Folate, Niacin
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron

• 1 medium sugar pumpkin, no heavier than 5 pounds

Step 1: Cut sugar pumpkin (the kind meant to be baked and eaten.) in half, scoop out seeds

Step 2: Place an inch of water in a baking pan, then place the halves “face” down in the pan. Check on water level while baking

Step 3: Bake in a 400 degree oven for 40 minutes or until the “shell/skin” puckers and halves feel soft then scoop squash “meat” out of the shell

Step 4: Place pumpkin “meat” into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 5: Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency.

Step 6: You can also peel the pumpkin, scoop out the seeds and then cut into chunks and boil/steam until tender (like when boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes) then follow steps 4 and 5.

You may also buy a can of pumpkin from your local grocers. Make sure you buy Pumpkin and NOT Pumpkin Pie mix however. Read the labels if you are unsure. The only ingredients should be pumpkin and water or just pumpkin. You do not need to cook canned pumpkin. You may thin the pumpkin with whatever liquid you prefer and then serve or warm and serve. You may also freeze canned pumpkin in ice cube trays if you wish.

Green Beans (4) 6 months+

(this method may be used for Peas as well)*

Vitamins A, C, K, Niacin, Folate
Minerals:Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium

Step 1: If using Fresh Beans, snap the ends off the beans and wash the beans. If using Fresh Peas, open the pods and scrape out the peas from the pod. If using frozen of either Peas or Green Beans, cook according to package directions.

Step 2: Place fresh beans into a steamer basket in a pan with a just enough water to slightly show through in the basket.

Step 3: Steam until very tender; be sure to check on the water level.

Step 4: Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the beans.

Step 5: Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing. It is best to use the setting that makes the finest liquid purees – green bean and pea skins are rather difficult to completely puree.

***Using a blender rather than a food processor or stick mixer might be better as well. ***

6. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency

7. You may wish to push the green beans (or peas) through a sieve or mesh strainer to get rid of any remaining skins.

Carrots*6-8 months+

Vitamins A (19,152 IU), C, Folate
Minerals:Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorous, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium

Step 1: Peel carrots and cut into small chunks

Step 2: Place chunks into a steamer pan with just enough water visible through the steamer basket

Step 3: Steam until tender

Step 4: Do not reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the carrots if baby is under 8 months old as Nitrates may seep into the cooking water

Step 5: Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 6: Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency

*(See Our article on Nitrates)

Garden Vegetable Combo

6-8 months+ after all vegetables have been introduced following the 4 Day Wait Rule

Green Beans, Summer Squash, Peas and Carrots

Step 1: Combine fresh or frozen green beans and peas, summer and/or zucchini squash and small pieces of chopped carrots.

Step 2: Add enough water to just cover the vegetables.

Step 3: Cook until tender, reserving water.

Step 4: Puree vegetables in blender or food processor,

Step 5: Adding reserved water from the vegetables until mixture is of the desired consistency.

Peas

Vitamins A (4533 IU), C, Niacin, Folate

Minerals: Potassium, Sodium, Selenium, Phosphorous, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc

Step 1: If using Fresh Peas, open the pods and scrape out the peas from the pod. If using frozen type of either Peas or Green Beans, cook according to package directions.

Step 2: Place fresh peas into a steamer basket in a pan with a just enough water to slightly show through in the basket.

Step 3: Steam until very tender; be sure to check on the water level.

Step 4: Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the peas.

Step5: Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing. It is best to use the setting that makes the finest liquid purees – green bean and pea skins are rather difficult to completely puree. Using a blender rather than a food processor or stick mixer might be better as well.

Step 6: Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency

Step 7: You may wish to push the peas (or green beans) through a sieve or mesh strainer to get rid of any remaining skins

Why can’t I get peas and green beans to puree smooth?

If you are using a Food Processor, try the Blender. The Blender seems to work the best for getting Peas into a more fine puree. Peas and green beans are very hard to get pureed into a very fine, smooth consistency. You can put them in a strainer and work out the “skins” if using fresh or you can use frozen for a smoother consistency and minimal effort to work out the “skins”.

Another method for getting beans and peas smoother is to immediately plunge them into ice cold water once you remove them from the stove top. Once cooled, puree as usual.

You may also use beans/legumes (kidney beans, lentils, split peas etc..) if your doctor says it is OKfor baby’s age.

Please keep in mind that you will never be able to achieve the consistency equal to that of the baby food that comes in jars. Some parents choose to leave green beans and peas for later introduction, when baby enjoys texture and is able to eat them as Baby Finger Foods

Squash (Winter – Butternut, Acorn, Hubbard)(4) 6 months+

(nutrient info for squash of all types may be found at the Squash for Baby page)

• 1 medium sized butternut or acorn squash

Step 1: Cut acorn, hubbard, or butternut squash in half, scoop out seeds

Step 2: Place an inch of water in a baking pan, then place squash halves “face” down

in the pan. Check on water level while baking

Step 3: Bake in a 400 degree oven for 40 minutes or until the “shell/skin” puckers and halves feel soft then scoop squash “meat” out of the shell

Step 4: Place squash “meat” into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 5: Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency.

Step 6: You can also peel the squash, scoop out the seeds and then cut into chunks and boil/steam until tender (like when boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes) then follow steps 4 and 5

Squash (Summer/Zucchini) 6-8 months+

nutrient info for squash of all types may be found at the “Tips on Squash” page

• 3-4 small to medium sized yellow squash or zucchini

Step 1: Choose yellow squash or zucchini that are somewhat small in diameter, as these are the most tender.

Step 2: Wash squash thoroughly and cut into small slices or chunks. Do not remove skins.

*You may remove skins however an infant over the age of 8 months old should be able to digest squash puree with skins on

Step 3: Steam until tender then place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 4: Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency

Yams/Sweet Potato (4)6 months+

Learn why a Yam really is NOT a Yam

Vitamins A (24,877 mg ), C, Folate
Minerals:Potassium, Sodium, Selenium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Calcium

Step 1: Wash and poke holes in sweet potato with fork then wrap sweet potatoes in tin foil – do not peel for baking/microwaving (you can also do this in the microwave – only use plastic wrap and cook for 8 minutes on high or until tender).

Step 2: Place in a 400 degree oven and bake for 30 minutes or until soft

OR

Step 1: Peel sweet potatoes and cut into small chunks

Step 2: Place chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover potato

Step 3: “Steam” boil until tender, be sure to check on the water level.

Step 4: Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the sweet potatoes

Step 5: If you have baked your sweet potato, remove skins and use liquid from your preferred source

Step 6: Place sweet potato into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 7: Add the reserved water or other liquid as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency

Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.

These Stage 1 Homemade Baby Food Recipes are age appropriate for those babies who are between 4 and 6 months of age. Many babies start solid foods between 4 months and 6 months. Stage One fruits and veggies we have included are foods that your 4 month old baby who is a beginning eater will be able to tolerate. Of course, these recipes are also just yummy for babies who are older as well!