Are bananas a good first food for baby


Banana Puree for Babies - Eating Bird Food

Banana puree is a great first food when introducing solids to babies and can be made easily by mashing or blending fresh ripe bananas.

It seems like only yesterday we were starting our little one on solids! Bananas were one of her favorites foods, which was great because they’re so easy to serve to baby because there’s no need to cook the bananas before mashing or pureeing!

I know there are outliers but most babies tend to love bananas because of their sweetness so hopefully your babe will enjoy this banana puree too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bananas are widely available and inexpensive.
  • Banana puree is a great stage 1 food for babies because it’s sweet and has a smooth consistency.
  • They are low on the allergy scale so they’re often a safe choice to start baby on.
  • There are two easy ways to make banana puree and it’s also easy to meal prep and store in the freezer!

Bananas Make a Great First Food For Babies

Bananas are a great first food to introduce to babies because they’re naturally soft and mushy, easy to digest and loaded with vitamins and minerals. You can also easily mix bananas with rice cereal or oatmeal to add a little natural sweetness or just serve bananas straight up – mashed, pureed or you can serve larger spears or halves of a banana if you’re following a baby led weaning approach.

How to Make Banana Puree

Option 1: Mash

Mashing a banana is super simple and all you need is a fork! Place your banana on a plate and mash with a fork until the banana is the consistency you desire. Use in desired recipe or serve to baby as is.

Option 2: Blend/Puree

Blending the bananas in a food processor or blender makes for a smoother puree, which is perfect when you’re just introducing babies to solid foods and need thinner purees.

Simply add 2 bananas into a food processor or blender and process until the bananas are smooth and creamy. You can make the puree thinner by adding a little breast milk or formula, if needed. Once you’ve made the puree, serve to baby as is or mix with another puree to make a new flavor. See some ideas below.

Foods That Pair Well With Banana Puree

Banana puree pairs well with so many things, especially veggies because its natural sweetness will make them more palatable to baby! Here are some ideas:

  • Green veggies – kale, spinach, avocado, zucchini, peas
  • Orange veggies – sweet potato, butternut squash, carrot
  • White veggies – cauliflower
  • Other fruit – mango, strawberries, peaches, apples, kiwis,
  • Dairy – yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese
  • Grains – quinoa, oats
  • Legumes – chickpeas, lentils
  • Seasonings and spices – curry, ginger, mint, nutmeg, cinnamon

Banana Baby Food Combo Ideas

Here are some banana baby food combos that might be fun to try:

  • Banana, peach and strawberry
  • Banana, cinnamon and oatmeal
  • Apple, banana and strawberry
  • Banana, zucchini and spinach
  • Yogurt and banana
  • Avocado and banana
  • Peas, banana and kiwi

Olivia also loved the combo of banana, blueberry, quinoa and flax that I shared in my baby food combinations post. This one has a lot going on so it’s best for stage 2 eaters.

Banana Puree for Toddlers

For toddlers, banana puree can be used as a mix-in to sweeten up yogurt or baby oatmeal, as a dip for baby pancakes or put into reusable pouches for an easy, mess-free snack.

Bananas and Constipation

One thing to note is that bananas can slow digestion and in turn cause constipation. I know there were a couple times when we first started solids that Olivia dealt with constipation. Whenever it happened we tried to cut back on bananas knowing that they wouldn’t help the situation. If your baby does deal with constipation, I recommend limiting bananas and trying to add in more foods with fiber like pea puree or prune puree or juice. We used prune juice a couple times and it worked!

How to Store

Fresh banana baby food should be stored in the fridge and used within 3-4 days. For longer storage, I recommend freezing the puree! I like using silicone ice cube tray or freezer safe jars because they make it easier to thaw smaller amounts for serving to babies.

How to Thaw

I recommend thawing frozen banana puree in the fridge the night before you want to use it, but you can also thaw it with a warm water bath. It thaws quickly if you’re defrosting a small amount to serve to a baby.

Banana Puree FAQ

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Using frozen bananas is an easy way to save ripe bananas before they go bad. Check out my tips on how to freeze bananas.

How can I tell if a banana is ripe?

Look for a banana that is yellow with some brown spots. Typically you will find green bananas or overly ripe bananas at the grocery store, so it’s best to buy them a few days before you want to use them. Using a banana that is ripe will result in a slightly sweet flavor. If the banana is too brown it will be mushy and overly sweet.

Can I use a green banana?

Using a banana that is ripe is the most ideal, as it will result in a slightly sweet flavor. If the banana is too brown it will be mushy and overly sweet. Too green and it won’t be very sweet.

Are bananas healthy?

Yes! Bananas are loaded with full of vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.

Can you quickly ripen bananas?

Bananas not ripe yet? There are a few things you can do! Start by keeping the bananas together, they will ripen faster when close together, and store them in a warm or sunny spot.

If you need them to ripen faster, you can place them in a brown paper bag with another high ethylene producing fruit, such as another ripe banana, an apple, potatoes, peaches, pears, avocados or blueberries. Fold the bag over a few times to trap the ethylene in the bag and allow the bananas to ripen. This will take about 1-2 days.

Other Ways to Use This Puree

Banana puree is great for babies, but there are so many other ways for older kids and adults to enjoy it too. Here are some ideas:

  • Topping for pancakes and waffles – level up your breakfast or brunch by topping pancakes or waffles with this puree. Try it on my almond flour pancakes!
  • Serve over ice cream – mix banana puree into your favorite ice cream or simply serve over top of ice cream or frozen yogurt for an extra touch of sweetness that packs in some nutrients!
  • Swirl into oatmeal, yogurt or chia pudding – add a boost of flavor and nutrition by adding banana puree to oatmeal or chia pudding. It’s perfect for my banana bread overnight oats.

I also have a ton of banana recipes that require mashed or pureed bananas! Highly recommend my vegan banana bread or oatmeal chia cookies.

More Baby Food Purees

  • Sweet Potato Puree
  • Butternut Squash Puree
  • Peach Puree
  • Avocado Puree
  • Carrot Puree
  • Pea Puree
  • Pumpkin Puree
  • Applesauce

More Recipes and Resources

  • Oatmeal For Babies
  • Healthy Smash Cake
  • Banana Pancakes For Babies
  • Baby Yogurt Melts

Be sure to check out my full collection of banana recipes as well as all of the baby food recipes here on EBF.

Banana Puree for Babies

5 from 2 votes

Fresh banana puree is a great first food and baby will love it because it tastes sweet! Easily make it by mashing or blending ripe bananas.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 4

  • 1-2 ripe bananas
Smooth Banana Puree
  • Add 2 bananas into a food processor or blender and process until banana is smooth and creamy. Serve to baby as is or make the puree thinner by adding a little breast milk or formula.

Chunky Mashed Banana Puree
  • Place banana on a plate and mash with a fork until the banana is the consistency you desire. Use in desired recipe or serve to baby.

  • food processor

Serving: 4ounces Calories: 53kcal Carbohydrates: 13g Protein: 1g Sodium: 1mg Potassium: 211mg Fiber: 2g Sugar: 7g

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Please leave a comment and star rating on this post and share on social media using the hashtag #eatingbirdfood. I love seeing your recipe shares!

Baby First Foods, First Food recipes for Baby's First Foods - The Best first foods to introduce to your baby between the ages of (4) and 6 months old

Baby’s first taste of solid food should be a single ingredient, age appropriate food. A few wonderful choices for first foods for babies, as many pediatric resources are now acknowledging, are tasty and creamy avocados, bananas and sweet potatoes. These healthy and nutritious foods make really great first foods for baby because they are easy to digest and full of vitamins, minerals, fats and other nutrients a growing baby needs..

This page is full of recipes for fresh homemade first foods for baby and are idea first food recipes to introduce to your baby between the ages of (4) and 6 months old. Many parents still begin to introduce solid foods (complimentary or weaning foods) to their babies prior to the age of 6 months olds. These recipes acknowledge and accommodate this fact.  Ideally, babies should have nothing but breast milk and/or formula during the first 6 months of life.

Read more about baby being ready for solids and view our list of resources that advocate delaying solid foods.

Nutritious and Tasty & Wholesome Baby Food for First Food Feedings

Avocado – a great first food for baby, avocados burst with essential fats and nutrients that a growing baby needs. Smooth and creamy, avocados are easily digested and well tolerated by most babies!

Vitamins:  A, C, Niacin, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium

Step 1: Peel and take out the pit of a ripe avocado – do not cook

Step 2:Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork

Step 3:There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked

Step 4:Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up. Learn More about Avocado 


Bananas – bananas are another great first food for your baby. Research indicates that bananas and their mucosal properties actually help coat the tummy and help aid in digestion. Bananas are sweet, which may help baby more readily accept the first food experience. Learn more about bananas and if it’s true that sweet fruits and veggies should not be introduced first.

Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Magnesium, Calcium

Step 1: Peel a ripe banana – do not cook

Step 2: Place banana in a food processor/food mill or blender and puree

Step 3: You can also mash the banana in a bowl using a regular fork – heat in microwave for 25 seconds prior to mashing for extra softness

Step 4: Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.


Organic Brown Rice Cereal – Did you know that baby’s first food does not have to be a commercial infant rice cereal? Many pediatric resources are acknowledging the fact that avocado, banana and sweet potato make great first foods for baby.

If you decide to make homemade baby cereal, make it with brown rice (organic if preferred). Whole grains are more healthy and nutritious for your baby (and for the whole family). Learn more about whole grains. You may also be interested in reading our Cereal FAQ explaining what types of grains to use, how long they may be stored and more.

  • 1/4 c. rice powder (organic brown rice ground in blender or food processor)
  • 1 cup water

Step 1: Bring liquid to boil in saucepan.

Step 2: Add the rice powder while stirring constantly.

Step 3: Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired

Serve warm.


Pears

Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium

Step 1: Peel and cut into chunks so as to avoid the little seed portion.

Step 2: Steam gently until tender;

Step 3: Place in a blender/food processor and puree until smooth. You may be able to just use a fork too.

Step 4: Use the leftover cooking water if needed but Pears tend to be very runny and watery without adding liquid – Add some baby cereal to thicken if needed.


Acorn or Butternut Squash (winter)

(nutrient info for squash of all types may be found at our Tips on Squash page)

Step 1: Cut acorn, hubbard, or butternut squash in half, scoop out seeds

Step 2: Place an inch of water in a baking pan, then place squash halves “face” down in the pan. Check on water level while baking

Step 3: Bake in a 400 degree oven for 40 minutes or until the “shell/skin” puckers and halves feel soft then scoop squash “meat” out of the shell

Step 4: Place squash “meat” into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 5: Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency.

Step 6: You can also peel the squash, scoop out the seeds and then cut into chunks and boil/steam until tender (like when boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes)

Step 7: Follow steps 4 and 5


Yams/Sweet Potato

Vitamins: A (24,877 mg ), C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Sodium, Selenium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Calcium

Step 1: Wash and poke holes in sweet potato with fork then wrap sweet potatoes in tin foil – do not peel for baking/microwaving. (you can also do this in the microwave – only use plastic wrap and cook for 8 minutes on high or until tender)

Step 2: Place in a 400 degree oven and bake for 30 minutes or until soft.

OR

Step 3: Peel sweet potatoes and cut into small chunks

Step 4: Place chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover potato

Step 5: “Steam” boil until tender, be sure to check on the water level.

Step 6: Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the sweet potatoes

Step 7: If you have baked your sweet potato, remove skins and use liquid from your preferred source

Step 8: Place sweet potato into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 9: Add the reserved water or other liquid as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.

Learn why a Yam really is NOT a Yam and other information about serving Sweet Potatoes to your Baby


More First Foods & Homemade Baby Food Recipes

Mango (6-8 months – sometimes over 8 months – learn more about Mango)

Vitamins:  A (1262 IU in one cup. ), C, E, K, Folate
Minerals:  Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium

  • 1 Ripe Mango

Step 1: Peel, Deseed and mash Mango until smooth

Step 2: Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.

Apples (Applesauce)

Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium

This recipe is written so that you may use any amount of apples you wish.

Step 1: Peel, core and cut apple into slices/chunks

Step 2: Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples

Step 3: Boil/steam until tender; be sure to check on the water level and stir.

Step 4: Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency. If your masher will not achieve a puree type of consistency, then follow steps 5 – 7

Step 5: Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the apples

Step 6: Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 7: Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree

Step 8: Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up the

Step 9: Ask your pediatrician about adding some cinnamon for new tastes.

 

 HINT.  You may also buy an “Adult” jar of Natural applesauce from your local grocers.  Make sure you buy Natural Applesauce however. Read the labels if you are unsure.  The only ingredients should be apples and water or just apples.  A few companies may add ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or citric acid to their Natural Applesauce; this is fine.

Why do you suggest peeling fruits and veggies; Nutrients are found in the peels right?

  Salt and sugar are not needed when making baby food. Omit these items, preferably at ALL times, in your baby’s meals. Other spices such as cinnamon, garlic powder, pepper etc. may be introduced as early as 7 months with your pediatricians consult.

 Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.


More Baby Solid Food and Baby Food Recipe Topics:

Solid Food Stages & Feeding First Solids Month Range of Feeding Stages & Tips for Feeding First Solid Foods

Introducing Solid Foods by Age Chart for information about what food to avoid and what foods are appropriate for certain ages.  

How Much Food Should Your Baby Eat? Not as much as you may be thinking. Read our article and ease your mind.

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Banana for children | Nutrilak

08/17/2022 Reading time: 7 minutes