Banana Avocado Puree

Why This Purée is Great for Babies

Avocado: Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are essential for brain development in babies. They are also nutrient-dense, providing vitamins like E, C, and B-6, along with potassium and fibre, which support healthy digestion and overall growth.

Banana: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness, making the purée appealing to a baby's palate. They are high in carbohydrates, offering quick energy for growing babies. Bananas are also rich in potassium and vitamin B6, which are important for muscle function and brain development.

Plain Yoghurt: Yoghurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium, crucial for developing strong bones and muscles. Whole milk yoghurt contains probiotics, which promote gut health and strengthen the immune system. It also adds a smooth, rich consistency to the purée, making it easier for babies to eat and enjoy.

This purée stands out because it has a versatile texture, which can be adjusted to suit your baby's age and chewing ability. The combination of ingredients is gentle on a baby’s developing digestive system, and it is simple and quick to prepare, requiring minimal effort. This makes it a well-balanced option for babies transitioning to solid foods, providing the essential nutrients they need for their growth.

Banana Avocado Puree Recipe 

Ingredients

• 1/2 ripe avocado (approximately a small handful of avocado flesh)

• 1/2 ripe banana (the riper the banana, the sweeter the purée)

• 2 tbsp plain yoghurt (choose whole milk yoghurt for added creaminess and nutrients)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Avocado: Wash the avocado thoroughly before cutting. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, then twist the halves to separate them. Remove the pit by scooping it out with a spoon. Scoop out the flesh of the avocado using a spoon, and place it into a clean mixing bowl or directly into a blender.

2. Prepare the Banana: Peel the banana and cut it in half. Then, cut each half into small chunks. Add the banana chunks to the bowl with the avocado.

3. Mash the Avocado and Banana: If you prefer a slightly chunky purée, use a fork or potato masher to mash the avocado and banana together in the bowl. Mash until you reach a smooth consistency with small lumps, suitable for your baby’s chewing ability. For a smoother purée, transfer the avocado, banana, and yoghurt to a baby blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Add the Yoghurt: Stir in the plain yoghurt with the mashed avocado and banana. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined, forming a creamy, smooth purée. If the purée is too thick, you can add a small amount of breast milk, formula, or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir or blend again to incorporate.

5. Serve: Transfer the purée to a baby-safe bowl. Make sure the purée is at a safe temperature before feeding it to your baby.

Tips

Introduce New Foods Gradually: If it’s the first time your baby is trying avocado, banana, or yoghurt, introduce each ingredient separately at first to check for any allergic reactions.

Use Whole Milk Yoghurt: Whole milk yoghurt provides essential fats that are beneficial for your baby’s brain development.

Avoid Sweetened Yoghurt: Always use plain, unsweetened yoghurt to avoid unnecessary added sugars in your baby’s diet.

Serving suggestions 

This creamy avocado and banana purée makes for a great snack or meal for your little one. You can serve it in a small, baby-safe bowl, ensuring the purée is at a suitable temperature for your baby before feeding.

For a more interactive experience, you can serve it with a side of soft-cooked vegetable sticks, such as sweet potatoes or carrots, which will allow your baby to explore self-feeding. You can also pair the purée with a small piece of whole grain toast or crackers for a slightly more textured option as your baby gets older and more confident with solids.

If you want to introduce some variety, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg to the purée. These mild spices can complement the natural sweetness of the banana and create new flavors for your baby to enjoy.

This purée can also be served as a topping for whole-grain pancakes or waffles for a more substantial meal. Just make sure to thin it out a bit if needed to make it easier for your baby to scoop or dip.

How to Store

Storing in the Refrigerator: After preparing the purée, immediately transfer it to a clean, airtight container. Glass containers with secure lids or BPA-free plastic containers work best to keep the purée fresh.

To prevent the avocado in the purée from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the purée before sealing the container with its lid. This reduces exposure to air, which causes oxidation and browning.

Write the date on the container using a label or marker. This will help you keep track of when the purée was made and ensure it’s used within a safe time frame.

Store the purée in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Due to the banana and avocado content, the purée may begin to brown over time. While this is normal and doesn't affect the safety, it’s best to consume the purée within this period for optimal freshness and appeal.

When ready to serve, take the purée out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Alternatively, you can gently warm it by placing the container in a bowl of warm water. Stir the purée well before feeding it to your baby, as it may separate during storage.

Storing in the Freezer

Portion the Purée to make it easier to thaw just the right amount later. Portion the purée into smaller, baby-sized servings before freezing. You can use an ice cube tray, silicone moulds, or small freezer-safe containers. If using an ice cube tray or silicone mould, spoon the purée into each compartment, filling it almost to the top.

Cover the ice cube tray or silicone mould with plastic wrap or a silicone lid to protect the purée from freezer burn and to keep it hygienic. Place the tray or moulds in the freezer and allow the purée to freeze completely, which usually takes several hours or overnight.

Once the purée is fully frozen, remove the cubes or portions from the tray or mold and transfer them to a labeled, freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date of preparation. This step saves freezer space and makes it easier to grab individual portions as needed.

The purée can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. After this period, the texture, flavour, and nutritional quality may start to decline.

When you’re ready to use the frozen purée, remove the desired number of cubes or portions from the freezer and place them in a container in the refrigerator to thaw slowly, which usually takes several hours or overnight.

If you need to serve the purée quickly, you can thaw the cubes by placing them in a bowl of warm water or using a baby food warmer. Avoid microwaving the purée, as this can cause uneven heating and potentially alter the texture.

After thawing, stir the purée well to ensure a smooth consistency. Serve immediately once it reaches the appropriate temperature for your baby. Do not refreeze any leftover purée after thawing. If your baby doesn’t finish the serving, discard the remainder.

Nutrition 

Suitable for 6 months +

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 120–150 (depends on yogurt and fruit ripeness)

• Protein: 2–3g (from yogurt)

• Healthy Fats: 7–9g (from avocado)

• Carbohydrates: 12–15g (from banana and yogurt)

• Fiber: 3–4g (from banana and avocado)

• Vitamin C: from banana and avocado

• Calcium: from yogurt

• Iron: from avocado

• Omega-3s: trace amounts from avocado

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredient brands and portion sizes used.