Simple Homemade Baby Food

It's easier than you think to create fresh meals for your baby.

By Fraya Berg and Lori Brookhart-Schervish from Parents Magazine

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Andrew Parsons

Think you don't have time to whip up a nutritious, homemade meal for your very hungry baby? Even takeout queens will find these recipes -- made with stuff you usually toss into your shopping cart -- quick and easy to make. Added bonus: You'll be happy to know that every bite is packed with many of the vitamins and minerals Baby needs and you'll likely save money (hello, college fund!) by using fresh or frozen veggies instead of purchasing pricey premade purees.

To get started, all you'll need is a food processor or blender and a saucepan. If your baby is just beginning to snack on solids, you'll want these purees to be thin enough for her to swallow easily -- you might need to add a teaspoon or two of water to get the right consistency. After he adapts to eating real food, he'll be able to handle a thicker puree.

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Baby's Chicken and Apples

To get a smoother consistency for this protein- and-vitamin-rich combo, cut cooked chicken into small pieces before grinding. Make extra -- you can freeze this recipe for up to one month.
- Get the recipe for Baby's Chicken and Apples
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Alexandra Grablewski
Asparagus and Broccoli Baby Food

Promote healthy growth and boost immunity for Baby with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, calcium, and folate, in every yummy spoonful.
- Get the recipe for Asparagus and Broccoli Baby Food
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Chicken and Sweet Potato Puree

Perfect for babies who are at least 8 months old, this nutritious dinner is high in protein, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Plus it's ready in just 30 minutes.
- Get the recipe for Chicken and Sweet Potato Puree
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Baby's First Applesauce

Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamins, and have been studied for their benefits in lowering the risk of asthma -- a perfect choice for one of Baby's first foods.
- Get the recipe for Baby's First Applesauce
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Alexandra Grablewski
Spicy Sweet Potato Baby Food

Awaken Baby's taste buds with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice and a dash of cumin. These pureed potatoes can promote eye health and help prevent constipation.
- Get the recipe for Spicy Sweet Potato Baby Food
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Beef and Carrot Puree

Pureed meat can be added to the menu for babies ages 8-11 months. Combine with a vegetable for a healthful and delicious combo meal mom and Baby will love.
- Get the recipe for Beef and Carrot Puree
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Apples and Peaches Baby Food

Make the most of in-season produce by freezing fruit, such as the peaches used in this recipe, to use later in the year. Your baby will still get the same nutritional benefits as she would if you used fresh fruit.
- Get the recipe for Apples and Peaches Baby Food
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Sweet Potato Surprise Baby Food

For baby food that's fast and healthy, combine sweet potatoes with water for a tasty meal you can easily freeze and reuse. Ice cube trays work great for freezing mini portions of leftovers that defrost in no time.
- Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Surprise Baby Food
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Peach and Pear Baby Food

Your baby will love this sweet, antioxidant-rich treat that's a cinch to make.
- Get the recipe for Peach and Pear Baby Food
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Green Pea Delight Baby Food

A first-food favorite, green peas promote healthy bones and digestion.
- Get the recipe for Green Pea Delight Baby Food
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Alexandra Grablewski
Apple and Cabbage Baby Food

For a colorful twist on applesauce, try this variation with red cabbage and raisins for added fiber and vitamin C.
- Get the recipe for Apple and Cabbage Baby Food
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Alexandra Grablewski
Curry Pea Baby Food

Introducing new flavors and textures early on, such as yogurt and curry, can help your baby develop good eating habits.
- Get the recipe for Curry Pea Baby Food
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Alexandra Grablewski
Beans, Collards, and Rice Baby Food

Brown rice adds fiber and flavor to this healthy medley that you can make with fresh or frozen vegetables.
- Get the recipe for Beans, Collards, and Rice Baby Food
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