Easy Homemade Baby Food Recipes for Indian Moms

As a mom from Jaipur, I know how exciting and scary it can be to start your baby on solid foods. Homemade baby food recipes are simple, fresh, and full of love. They use ingredients from our Indian kitchens like rice, dal, fruits, and veggies. You can make purees or mashes at home without fancy tools. This saves money and lets you control what goes into your baby's tummy. Let me share some easy recipes I tried with my little one. They helped her grow strong and happy.

Why Choose Homemade Baby Food?

Store-bought baby food is easy, but homemade is better in many ways. First, it's fresh. You pick ripe fruits and clean veggies yourself. No preservatives or added sugar. As an Indian parent, I worried about my baby's first bites. Homemade food feels safe and familiar, like the khichdi my mom made for me.

It also saves money. A banana or apple costs little, but jars add up. Plus, you can add Indian flavors gently. Many moms ask if homemade food is nutritious enough. Yes, it is. Just balance fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins. My baby loved it and had fewer tummy issues.

When to Start Introducing Solids

Most babies are ready around 6 months. Look for signs like sitting up, showing interest in your food, or losing the tongue-thrust reflex. I started with my daughter at 6 months. She grabbed my spoon during lunch!

Talk to your doctor first. Every baby is different. In India, many families start with rice water or dal soup. Start slow and introduce one new food every few days. Watch for allergies like rashes or stomach discomfort.

Easy Recipes for 6–8 Months Old Babies

At this stage, keep food smooth and thin. Use a blender or masher and start with single ingredients. Here are some recipes I made often.

Apple Puree

Wash one apple, peel it, and cut into small pieces. Steam until soft, then mash or blend with water. Serve warm. My baby smiled after her first spoon. It is also helpful for mild constipation.

Carrot Mash

Peel and chop one carrot. Boil until soft and mash well. You can add breast milk for creaminess. Start plain before adding any spice.

Rice Cereal

Soak two tablespoons of rice and grind into powder. Cook with water to make a thin porridge. It is filling and easy to digest. Brown rice can be used for extra nutrition.

Tasty Recipes for 8–10 Months

Now babies can handle thicker textures and mixed foods. Offer two to three meals a day.

Khichdi

Cook rice and moong dal with water until soft. Mash lightly and add a little ghee. This is protein-rich and very comforting for babies.

Banana Oatmeal

Cook oats in water and mix with mashed ripe banana. This makes a healthy and filling breakfast. Local bananas work perfectly.

Vegetable Puree

Boil potato, carrot, and peas. Mash together to introduce different tastes and colors.

Fun Recipes for 10–12 Months

Babies become more active and curious. You can introduce soft finger foods now.

Idli Pieces

Steam mini idlis and cut into soft pieces. Serve with curd. Fermented foods help digestion.

Fruit Yogurt

Mix mashed mango or papaya with plain curd. Do not add sugar. It is cooling and refreshing in summer.

Dal Rice

Mix cooked dal and rice with soft vegetables. This helps babies transition to family food.

Common Doubts and How to Handle Them

Many parents worry if homemade food is enough. It is, when you offer variety. Introduce new foods slowly. If the baby refuses, try again later. Do not force-feed.

Always maintain hygiene. Wash hands, clean utensils, and store food safely. Prepare small portions and avoid reheating multiple times.

My Personal Tips

• Start with familiar Indian ingredients.
• Be patient; eating habits change daily.
• Involve grandparents for bonding.
• Track food reactions in a small diary.
• Keep feeding time relaxed and happy.
• Enjoy the process; it creates lifelong memories.

Parenting is challenging, but feeding your baby homemade food is deeply satisfying. Trust yourself, keep learning, and enjoy every small milestone.