Turn fresh carrots into a simple, nourishing baby food with this easy method…no special baby food makers required. Plus, find easy ways to add flavor, combine it with other purees, and store it for future baby meals.
Carrot Puree for Baby
Making homemade baby food often seems so daunting, but I’ve found that it’s quite easy to make affordable, delicious baby food at home with cooking tools you likely already have on hand. And knowing a few simple ways to change up a basic puree to add flavor and keep things interesting for your little one can help ensure that the food you spent time making doesn’t go to waste!
TIP: Read on for the basic technique, flavoring options, baby food combinations, and storage tips.
Ingredients in Carrot Puree
TIP: The carrot puree will taste as good as the carrots you start with, so taste them to make sure they taste sweet before you start cooking.
How to Make Carrot Puree for Babies Step-by-Step
This process is easy and just requires basic equipment—no special baby food makers required.
- Peel and dice the carrots.
- Add to a pot fitted with a steamer basket. Add water and cover. Cook until soft.
- Blend, thinning with water to achieve the desired consistency.
TIP: You can use breastmilk or formula instead of the water if desired and make it thinner as a stage 1 baby food or thicker as stage 2.
What’s the best way to store this baby food?
You can store it in small airtight containers in the fridge or in the freezer. See the Notes section of the recipe for the full details.
Can I make it without a steamer basket?
Yes, just simmer the carrots directly in the water in the pot and proceed with the recipe.
Can I combine this baby food with other purees?
Mix with Applesauce, Sweet Potato Puree, Banana Puree, Bean Puree, or Butternut Squash Puree or any other baby food that you like. You can also stir in olive oil, or butter to add more flavor and fats (which little ones need for proper development).
TIP: Find my go-to no cook Baby Food Recipes here.
Tips for Making the Best Carrot Puree for Baby
- To store, place into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or portion into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. Transfer to a freezer bag and seal, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir if any separation occurs.
- You can use breastmilk or formula instead of the water if desired and make it thinner as a stage 1 baby food or thicker as stage 2.
- The carrot puree will taste as good as the carrots you start with, so taste them to make sure they taste sweet before you start cooking.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil to the finished puree to add healthy fats.
- Season the batch with 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, Chinese Five Spice, or ground ginger to add flavor. Or add a tiny pinch to each serving.
- Mix with Applesauce, Sweet Potato Puree, Banana Puree, Bean Puree, or Butternut Squash Puree or any other baby food that you like.
- You can stir this puree into baby oatmeal or add to a smoothie if you have leftovers.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it for your baby, so please comment below to share your experience. I love hearing from you!
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Turn fresh carrots into a simple, nourishing baby food for baby with this easy method. Read the NOTES for additional flavor options.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced carrots
- water, breastmilk, or formula
Instructions
- Set a medium pot fitted with a steamer insert or basket over medium high heat. Add about 2 inches of water and bring to a simmer.
- Turn down to medium heat, add the carrots to the steamer basket or insert and cover.
- Cook for about 20 minutes, or until very soft when poked with a knife. Remove lid and cool slightly.
- Add carrots to a blender. Add 1/4 cup water and blend, adding more water as needed to make a puree. (You can add additional water to make it thinner as well.)
- Add optional flavors, then serve and/or store.
Notes
To store, place into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or portion into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. Transfer to a freezer bag and seal, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir if any separation occurs.
You can use breastmilk or formula instead of the water if desired and make it thinner as a stage 1 baby food or thicker as stage 2.
The carrot puree will taste as good as the carrots you start with, so taste them to make sure they taste sweet before you start cooking.
Stir in 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil to the finished puree to add healthy fats.
Season the batch with 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, Chinese Five Spice, or ground ginger to add flavor. Or add a tiny pinch to each serving.
Mix with Applesauce, Sweet Potato Puree, Banana Puree, Bean Puree, or Butternut Squash Puree or any other baby food that you like.
You can stir this puree into baby oatmeal or add to a smoothie.
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