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Avocado:
Packed with healthy fats (monounsaturated fats), which are essential for your baby’s brain development, cognitive function, and skin health. Fibre helps with digestion, promoting a healthy gut. Rich in potassium, which supports healthy heart function and muscle development.
Carrots:
A great source of vitamin A (from beta-carotene), which is crucial for healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage, and the fibre supports digestion.
Prunes:
Known for their fibre content, prunes help prevent constipation, a common concern for babies starting solids. They also provide a good amount of vitamin K for healthy bone development and potassium for muscle and heart health.
Milk:
Adds calcium and vitamin D, which are vital for strong bones and teeth. Protein promotes healthy muscle growth.
Choose the Right Ingredients:
Use fresh, ripe avocados for a creamy texture. A ripe avocado will yield to gentle pressure when squeezed. Select sweet carrots for a naturally pleasant flavour. Baby carrots or organic carrots are great choices. Ensure the prunes are soft and pitted, making them easy to blend after steaming.
Ensure Proper Steaming:
Chop the carrots into uniform pieces to ensure they steam evenly. Steaming the carrots and prunes together saves time and allows the prunes to soften perfectly.
Adjust Consistency as Needed:
If the purée is too thick, add extra milk (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency. For younger babies just starting solids, aim for a smoother, thinner texture. Older babies may enjoy a slightly thicker purée.
Introduce Ingredients Gradually:
If this is the first time your baby is trying these ingredients, introduce them individually over a few days to monitor for any allergies or sensitivities.
Serve Fresh:
Avocado tends to oxidise and turn brown over time. To keep the purée fresh, serve immediately or store leftovers with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to minimise exposure to air.
Portion Wisely:
Divide the purée into small servings, especially if freezing. Ice cube trays work well for portion control. Thaw only what you need to avoid waste.
Taste Test Before Serving:
Though the purée is for your baby, taste it yourself to ensure it’s flavourful and smooth. The combination of ingredients should result in a mildly sweet and creamy purée.
Hygiene is Key:
Ensure all tools (blender, knives, cutting boards, and storage containers) are properly cleaned and sanitised before use.
Make It Fun:
Use a colourful baby spoon or a fun feeding bowl to make mealtime enjoyable for your little one.
For Prunes:
Dates: Use pitted, steamed dates for similar sweetness and fibre content.
Raisins: Soak or steam raisins as a substitute, though they may result in a slightly different flavour.
For Avocado:
Banana: Add a ripe banana for creaminess and sweetness if your baby doesn’t like avocado.
For Milk:
Water: Use water for a neutral liquid if milk isn’t available.
Vegetable Broth: For added nutrients, use unsalted vegetable broth instead of milk.
Olive Oil: Add a teaspoon of olive oil for extra healthy fats.
Nut Butter : A small spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter can enhance the flavour and nutrient profile.
Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon can complement the natural sweetness.
Nutmeg: A tiny dash adds warmth without overpowering the dish.
Basil or Mint: Add a single fresh basil or mint leaf for a fresh flavour (ensure it’s finely blended).
1. Standalone Purée
Serve the purée in a small baby bowl as a complete meal or snack.
Use a soft baby spoon to ensure gentle feeding and an enjoyable experience.
2. As a Topping or Filling
On Pancakes or Waffles: Spread a thin layer of the purée on baby-friendly pancakes or waffles.
3. In Baby Cereal: Stir a few spoonfuls of the purée into iron-fortified baby oatmeal or rice cereal.
On Toast: Spread it on whole-grain toast for older babies who are practicing self-feeding.
4. Finger Food Companion
Use the purée as a dip for soft finger foods like steamed carrot sticks, sweet potato chunks, or teething biscuits.
Let your baby explore textures and practice self-feeding by dipping soft foods into the purée.
5. Mixed with Yoghurt
Stir the purée into plain unsweetened yoghurt for added creaminess and flavour. This makes a great snack or breakfast option.
6. In a Squeeze Pouch
Transfer the purée to a reusable squeeze pouch for convenient, mess-free feeding on the go.
Serve the purée warm, cold, or at room temperature depending on your baby’s preference. Warm purée can be more comforting, especially for younger babies. Always test the temperature before serving to avoid burns. Serve in a high chair with a bib to minimise mess and encourage safe feeding habits.
Refrigeration
Storage Time: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Let the purée cool to room temperature before transferring it to the container.
Press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the purée to minimise air exposure and prevent oxidation, especially since avocado can turn brown.
Reheat gently in a small saucepan or microwave until lukewarm. Stir well and test the temperature before serving.
Freezing
Storage Time: Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Divide the purée into small portions using Ice cube trays or airtight containers. Cover or seal tightly to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
Thawing:
Remove a portion and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
For faster thawing, place the container or frozen cube in a bowl of warm water.
Safety Notes:
Always discard any purée that smells sour, has an off colour, or has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Avoid reheating the purée more than once to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
Wash and peel the carrots, then chop them into small chunks for even cooking. Place the carrot chunks and prunes in a steamer basket over boiling water.
Cover and steam the carrots and prunes together for 10–12 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The prunes will soften during steaming, making them blend easily.
Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
Once the carrots and prunes are done steaming, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add the avocado flesh and your chosen milk.
Blend the mixture until smooth or textured. Add more milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Allow the purée to cool to a safe temperature before serving it to your baby. Serve immediately or store for later.
Suitable from 6 months
Carrots: High in beta-carotene and fibre for vision and digestion.
Prunes: Provide fibre and potassium to aid digestion and bone health.
Avocado: Packed with healthy fats for brain development and vitamins for growth.
Milk: Adds protein and calcium for strong bones.
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