Simple Baby Purees for Every Season: Easy, Creative Combos to Try

Introducing solids can be exciting, overwhelming, or—most often—a little bit of both. One of the simplest ways to explore this new chapter is with purees made from fruits and vegetables. They’re nutrient-packed, easy to prepare, and full of flavor for curious little taste buds.

Whether you're browsing the Bébé app for inspiration, shopping for what's in season, or just trying to use up what's in your fridge, there's so much more to try beyond just apples and carrots.

Let's mix things up—literally.

Purees that mix fruits and veggies: Why it’s a win-win

Blending fruits and veggies isn’t just convenient—it opens the door to a rainbow of flavors and nutrients. Plus, combining naturally sweet and savory ingredients helps babies learn to enjoy a broader range of tastes from the start.

• Nutrients

• Flavors

• Colors

• Textures

And remember, variety doesn’t have to mean complicated.

According to Motherly, introducing a range of flavors during your baby’s “flavor window” (typically 6 to 18 months) may help them stay more open to trying new foods later on.

Seasonal baby purees: What’s fresh, what’s easy, and what works

A quick guide to what’s in season

Seasonal produce tends to be fresher, more flavorful, and easier on your grocery budget. A quick seasonal produce guide can help you figure out what’s available in your area right now.

Spring produce to try in purees

• Strawberries

• Peas

• Spinach

• Sweet potatoes

Summer puree ingredients that shine

• Zucchini

• Blueberries

• Peaches

• Corn

Cozy fall favorites for blending

• Apples

• Squash

• Pears

Winter veggies that make great purees

• Citrus

• Carrots

• Beets

Some families find that seasonal foods blend more easily and taste better, which makes them perfect for early purees.

Making purees at home: A simple, no-stress guide

Making baby food doesn’t need to be fussy. If you’re just getting started, here’s a gentle, go-at-your-own-pace guide. The goal? A soft, safe texture your baby can explore with confidence.

Step-by-step puree prep (no perfection needed)

Step 1 – Wash, peel, and keep it simple

• Rinse fruits and veggies thoroughly.

• For firmer vegetables like carrots, squash, or sweet potatoes, peeling makes for a smoother blend.

• If you're working with apples or pears, peeling may also help when baby is just starting out.

Step 2 – Chop and steam

Cut produce into uniform chunks so they cook evenly. Steaming is one of the best cooking methods because it helps preserve nutrients while softening the texture.

General steaming times (until fork-tender):

• Carrots, sweet potatoes, beets: 10 - 15 minutes
  
  

• Zucchini, peas, spinach: 3 - 6 minutes
  
  

• Apples, pears: 8 - 10 minutes
  
  

• Squash, cauliflower: 10 - 15 minutes
  
  

You don’t need a fancy steamer - just a pot with a steamer basket and lid will do. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork (but if you do want to simplify your process and you have been eyeing baby food makers, we have some suggestions for you).

Step 3 – Blend or mash

Once steamed, allow the food to cool slightly, then transfer to a blender or food processor. For younger babies (around 6 months), aim for a very smooth texture. For older babies, you can mash or leave some texture depending on their comfort level with solids.

Add liquid as needed to help the purée blend:

• Water from steaming

• Breastmilk or formula

• Low-sodium bone broth (for savory blends)

Start with 1–2 tablespoons of liquid and add more as needed to reach the consistency you want.

Step 4 – Store and serve

• Serve fresh: Let cool and serve right away.

• Store: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight containers.

• Freeze: Use silicone ice cube trays to portion purées and freeze for up to 3 months.

5 Puree recipes with fruit + veggie combos that just make sense

Looking for ideas beyond apples and bananas? These combos are fun, flavorful, and a little unexpected (in the best way). You can steam and blend them, or lightly mash for older babies.

Combos that babies tend to love

1. Carrot + Mango

Naturally sweet and vibrant, this combo is packed with beta carotene and vitamin C. It’s sunshine in a spoon.

2. Zucchini + Apple

Zucchini adds a mellow, creamy base that balances apple’s sweet-tart flavor. A great starter combo that’s also super hydrating.

3. Pea + Pear

Bright green peas offer protein and fiber, while juicy pear smooths out the earthy taste. A perfect entry into legumes.

4. Butternut Squash + Peach

The caramel notes of roasted squash plus the natural sweetness of peach make a cozy, fall-forward blend that tastes like dessert.

5. Spinach + Banana + Avocado

Don’t knock it till you try it. The banana and avocado make it creamy and sweet, while spinach sneaks in iron and fiber.

Fridge-friendly purees: No fancy ingredients required

You don’t have to make something elaborate to nourish your baby well. These blends use fridge or freezer staples you probably already have.

• Sweet potato + apple – a classic for a reason

• Broccoli + pear – mellowed by the fruit’s sweetness

• Cucumber + melon – light, fresh, and ideal for warmer days

• Blueberry + cauliflower – purple, pretty, and mild on flavor

More than just purees: Helping your baby explore new tastes over time

Purees are just the beginning. As your baby grows more confident with solids, you can offer new textures and mix in finger foods too.

Here are some easy ways to evolve your puree combos:

• Incorporate into pancakes, patties muffins

• Use purees as a base for smoothies

• Spread onto toast or sandwiches

It’s all about building on flavors your baby already knows—and letting them lead the way.

The Bébé Foodie app: Helping you feel confident about what’s on baby’s plate

The Bébé Foodie app was designed to help you feel more confident (and less overwhelmed) during every stage of feeding.

Inside, you can:

• Browse by ingredient, stage, or dietary need

• Save your baby’s favorite combos

• Get inspiration based on what’s in season or what you already have

Because every baby is different, and your food journey should feel just right for yours.

 

Written by Whitney Cardosi

Chef & Advisor at Bébé Foodie

 

Whitney Cardosi is a recipe developer and the founder of Wellness with Whit, where she helps millennial moms simplify health and nutrition through coaching, cooking classes, and workshops. At Bébé Foodie, Whitney brings her passion for joyful, stress-free family meals to life with nourishing recipes designed for little ones and their parents. She's also the author of In the Kitchen: Healthy Meals You’ll Actually Enjoy, a cookbook full of family-friendly inspiration.