Early Stage Baby Food Recipes

The early stage (4-6 months) is all about tasting and learning to swallow. Start with thin, smooth purees and gradually increase thickness over time.

Early Stage Characteristics

• Age: 4-6 months (after 4 months)
• Consistency: 10:1 ratio (rice:water = 1:10), thin and smooth
• Frequency: Once daily
• Amount: Start with 1-2 teaspoons, gradually increase to 1-3 oz (30-80ml)
• Texture: Completely smooth, no lumps

Basic Rice Cereal (10:1 Ratio)

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon (10g) white rice, 100ml (about 1/2 cup) water

Instructions

1. Soak rice in water for at least 30 minutes
2. Add soaked rice and water to a pot and bring to a boil
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes
4. Blend until completely smooth using a blender or food processor
5. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps
6. Cool to lukewarm temperature before serving

Tip: For the very first feeding, you can serve just the watery liquid on top.

Sweet Rice Cereal

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon (10g) sweet rice (glutinous rice), 100ml water

Instructions

1. Soak sweet rice for at least 2 hours (it needs more soaking time than regular rice)
2. Add soaked rice and water to a pot and bring to a boil
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes
4. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine mesh sieve

Note: Sweet rice has a nuttier, smoother taste than regular white rice.

Zucchini Puree

Ingredients: 20g zucchini, 1 tablespoon (10g) rice, 100ml water

Instructions

1. Peel zucchini and remove seeds, then slice thinly
2. Add soaked rice, zucchini, and water to a pot and bring to a boil
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes
4. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine mesh sieve

Note: Zucchini is an excellent first vegetable - gentle on digestion.

Potato Puree

Ingredients: 30g potato, 1 tablespoon (10g) rice, 100ml water

Instructions

1. Peel potato and slice thinly (remove any sprouted parts)
2. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch
3. Add soaked rice, potato, and water to a pot and bring to a boil
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes
5. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine mesh sieve

Note: Filling and mild-flavored - babies usually love it.

Sweet Potato Puree

Ingredients: 30g sweet potato, 1 tablespoon (10g) rice, 100ml water

Instructions

1. Peel sweet potato and slice thinly
2. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch
3. Add soaked rice, sweet potato, and water to a pot and bring to a boil
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes
5. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine mesh sieve

Note: Naturally sweet taste that babies love. Also helps with constipation.

Broccoli Puree

Ingredients: 20g broccoli florets, 1 tablespoon (10g) rice, 100ml water

Instructions

1. Use only the floret parts of broccoli; soak in salt water for 10 minutes to clean
2. Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes
3. In a separate pot, cook soaked rice with water, then add blanched broccoli
4. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes
5. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine mesh sieve (important to remove fiber)

Note: Rich in iron and vitamins. Make sure to strain well in the early stage.

Cabbage Puree

Ingredients: 20g cabbage leaves, 1 tablespoon (10g) rice, 100ml water

Instructions

1. Remove the hard core and use only the soft outer leaves
2. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes
3. Add soaked rice, blanched cabbage, and water to a pot and bring to a boil
4. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes
5. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine mesh sieve

Note: Easy to digest and gentle on baby's stomach.

Carrot Puree

Ingredients: 20g carrot, 1 tablespoon (10g) rice, 100ml water

Instructions

1. Peel carrot and slice thinly
2. Add soaked rice, carrot, and water to a pot and bring to a boil
3. Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes (carrots need longer cooking to soften)
4. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine mesh sieve

Note: Rich in beta-carotene with a natural sweet taste.

Suggested Introduction Schedule

Early Stage Tips

• Wait 3-5 days between new foods: This helps identify any allergic reactions
• Feed in the morning: Easier to observe any adverse reactions
• Time it right: Offer solids 30 minutes to 1 hour after nursing - not too hungry, not too full
• Don't force it: If baby refuses, try again in a few days
• Freeze in cubes: Make ahead and freeze in 1/2 oz (15ml) portions for convenience