Better Than Gerber Banana, Carrot, & Mango Baby Food Recipe
This homemade banana, carrot, and mango baby food recipe is better than the store bought Gerber baby food version in every way. It’s so good I use this same recipe for breakfast as a smoothie bowl, lunch as a gazpacho (cold soup), or as a sweet treat smoothie or popsicle so it definitely a recipe the entire family can enjoy. This recipe is incredibly refreshing, absolutely delicious, easy to prepare and store. Make it in bulk or prepare it same day.
Jump to RecipeI’ve said it before, a homemade baby food recipe is extremely easy to prepare, make, and store. Parents know healthy, quick, and easy options to feed our babies are in high demand and often times when our babies are well, babies, we turn to store-bought brands like Gerber baby food for a quick way to feed our baby. If you use my meal preparation tips, you’ll find maximum easy. It will save you a lot of time you will be grateful to have back.
DOES THIS BABY FOOD RECIPE REALLY JUST HAVE BANANA, CARROTS, AND MANGO?
Yes! None of those things you have to look up. It’s alllll natural!
I add a little water, or when my children was first entering the sitter stage (6-8 months), I used breastmilk (or formula) instead of water for the liquid.
Disclosure: This post contains Amway affiliate links which means, if you make a purchase, I’ll receive a very small commission which helps with blogging expenses. Every recipe is FREE to you, and the price you pay is the same for linked products.
WHY MAKE YOUR OWN BABY FOOD?
Whole foods are key for nutritious eating, and a great choice to feeding babies. I love making baby food. It’s just as easy as making a soup or smoothie.
- It’s EASY!!!!
- Inexpensive and easy to find ingredients.
- You know exactly what ingredients are going into your baby.
- This homemade baby food recipe is one the entire family can enjoy breakfast, lunch, snack-time, or dessert.
The Basics of Feeding An Infant
Before we start making recipes for baby, let’s go over the basics of feeding our babies. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies can start eating solid foods at 6 months. Your doctor may allow as early as 4 months old, so make sure to ask your pediatrician.
How much do babies eat?
Babies normally only eat a teaspoon or two at first if any at all. Other times they only chew at first. It is wise to store in ice cube size portions to avoid waste.
- Sitting unassisted is usually a good indication they are ready to eat a little larger portion, usually increasing from 1-2 bites to 2 ounces, and mixing foods.
- At at around 10 months old, they are eating 3-4 ounces per sitting and eating more finger foods.
- When your baby turns 1 they will get a majority of their nutrients from table food.
Organic vs. Non-organic produce
Please refer to the EWG “dirty dozen” and “clean 15” to see if organic is best.
RECIPE NOTES + TIPS TO MAKE THIS EVEN EASIER
TOOLS YOU NEED TO PREPARE A HOMEMADE BABY FOOD RECIPE
- Something to cook the food in. A pot or crockpot are my preference. I’ve linked the pots I use.
- Pureeing tools. Immersion blender, blender, or food processor.
- Storage containers (fridge and freezer storage). I use reusable ziplocked bags and ice trays.
- Having a really good knife set is really helpful. Be careful because they will be sharp! I’ve linked the knives I use.
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BABY FOOD
- Store in 1 ounce portions and increase as baby gets older.
- Reusable pouches are environmentally friendly and still less expensive that buying baby food.
- If freezing, store and use over 1-2 months.
- If storing in fridge, it lasts two or three days.
Other helpful notes + tips for making this baby food recipe (Meal Preparation)
- How to thaw frozen baby food? Thaw an individual portion it in the microwave on defrost or place an individual portion in the fridge and let it unthaw overnight or in a cup of water.
- Banana, carrots, and mangos puree really easily and are all great stage 1 foods to introduce to babies between ages 4-6 months.
- Bananas need no preparation. I prefer really ripe bananas for the natural sweetness but using bananas at any stage work well.
- Frozen mangos work just as well as fresh. I almost always make this recipe with frozen mango chunks.
- This recipe uses equal weights of carrots and mango and makes 10 ounces. Sometimes on meal preparation day, I triple the recipe and make in bulk so I can use it for the entire family. And of course, popsicles!
HOW IS THIS HOMEMADE BABY FOOD RECIPE BETTER THAN GERBER?
Without any change to the recipe, this recipe grows with your family by simply changing the serving container and other minimal changes. What remains the same is the refreshing flavor of the carrot, banana, and mango combination.
To turn this homemade baby food recipe into a smoothie, serve it in a cup.
For a breakfast smoothie bowl, I follow the same instructions, and have fun playing with toppings. One of my favorite topping combinations for this as a smoothie bowl is coconut flakes, crushed walnuts or pistachios, and a drizzle of coconut cream.
For a summertime lunch, this is an easy gazpacho (cold soup) option as is without toppings or by adding a dusting of crushed pistachios. Sometimes I add a drizzle of a high quality balsamic vinegar when I’m feeling really fancy.
Want a popsicle? Prepare as instructions call and place into your popsicle mold, freeze, and enjoy.
Finally, consider adding plain protein powder to any of these if using for the family and not as a baby food recipe. I’m a big fan of the Nutrilite All Plant Protein Powder. Make sure to add it when you are pureeing. Two scoops adds an additional 10 grams of protein to the recipe.
Better than Gerber baby food hands down with all the options you have to use this recipe for the entire family.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Boil carrots for 30 minutes. The time remains the same even if you are preparing a larger portion that the recipe calls. Place in blender or food processor with one ripe banana and the frozen mango chunks. Add the water. Puree until smooth. It’s that easy every time.
Because the mango is frozen, I don’t cool the carrots before blending.
Check out other homemade baby food recipes
- Green Bean, Sweet Potato And Pumpkin Baby Food Recipe
- This seriously delicious lentil recipe includes a baby food version.
- Copycat Gerber Apple Chicken Baby Food Recipe
- Other Homemade baby food recipes
Better Than Gerber Banana, Carrot, and Mango Homemade Baby Food Recipe
Equipment
- pot
- knife
- Food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 1 medium banana
- 4 ounces baby carrots (or carrots of choice)
- 4 ounces frozen mango chunks (fresh works also)
- ½ cup water (if for infant use breast milk or formula for liquid also)
Instructions
- Cover raw carrots with water and boil for 30 minutes.
- Strain water.
- In a blender or food processor, add softened carrots, banana, frozen mango chunks and ½ cup of cold water.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately, or store in refrigerator 2-3 days, or in freezer up to two months.
- For storage in freezer, it is best to place in small ice cube portions. Defrost in microwave at time of use, or place desired amount in refrigerator to thaw day before use.
- For smoothie bowl-place in a bowl and add desired toppings. For smoothie, serve in a glass. For gazpacho, place in bowl and add desired toppings. For popsicle, place in popsicle maker and freeze.
GOT QUESTIONS? I’m happy to help. Leave a comment and add some stars to let me know if you enjoyed this recipe. Let me know how you re-created it too. Also, please share it on social media. Tag #thenaturalfoodie. Thanks! -Salei
