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How long to boil carrots for baby food


Puree Carrots For Baby Recipe

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This puree carrots for baby recipe is a great stage 1 baby food recipe that can be made in 3 ways and served either as carrot puree, carrot mash and baby-led weaning for your 6 month old baby or older. Only 5 min prep.

*This post has been reviewed by Dora Babic-Cikos, PhD Nutritional Science

Ingredients and nutrition

  • Ingredient: this is a stage 1 baby food puree so we will just use 1 ingredient - a carrot (for carrot puree combinations scroll to the bottom)
  • Type: you can use any type of carrot you like, including baby carrots or even antioxidant rich purple carrots
  • Nutrition: it will depend on what type of carrots you use, but the majority are full of carotenoids, antioxidants that have been found to protect from cancer. Carrots mostly contain water and complex carbohydrates (and fiber) and are a low glycemic index food, meaning they don't spike up the blood sugar like processed carbs
  • How to store carrots: unwashed carrots keep at room temperature for a week or so, or a little longer in the fridge. If you want them to last longer then wash, peel, and submerge in cold water to store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks

How to cook carrots for baby recipe?

There are 3 methods to make carrot puree for babies: steaming, boiling and roasting.

Steaming retains the most nutrients, followed by roasting and then boiling. Most of the beneficial nutrients found in carrots are water-soluble meaning that they are released into the water while cooking. That's why roasting and steaming are far better options than cooking.

TIP: If you want to try out baby-led weaning in addition to puree, scroll below to find instructions on how to prepare and serve baby-led weaning carrots.

Method 1: How to steam carrots for puree?

  1. Trim the tops, peel, wash the carrots and cut them into chunks.
  2. Place water in a saucepan. Once boiling place the carrots in a steamer basket on top, cover and steam for about 15 minutes until soft. Retain the water from steaming for the puree.
  3. Transfer the carrots to a blender, food processor or Vitamix and blend. Add water tablespoon by tablespoon until you reach the desired consistency.

Method 2: How long to boil carrots for baby food?

  1. Trim the tops, peel, wash the carrots and cut them into chunks.
  2. Place water in a saucepan. Once boiling add the carrots, cover, turn the heat to medium and cook for about 15 minutes until tender.
  3. Transfer the carrots to a blender, food processor or Vitamix and blend. Add water tablespoon by tablespoon until you reach the desired consistency.

Method 3: Roasted carrot baby food

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Trim the tops, peel, wash the carrots and slice them horizontally.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil so they soften while roasting and spread them in one line on the tray.
  4. Roast for about 30 minutes.
  5. Transfer the carrots to a blender, food processor or Vitamix and blend. Add water tablespoon by tablespoon until you reach the desired consistency.

How to feed carrot to baby?

Carrot baby food for 6 month old baby:

  • Puree carrots - have a few spoons available. Place puree on a preloaded spoon in front of the baby so they can explore. Or place a tiny bit of puree on the tray so they can dip their finger and then lick it. The more we allow children to have control over their feeding the better their relationship with food will be.
  • Mashed carrots for baby food - If you have already given your baby many different stage 1 purees and they are doing great with feeding then you can offer them mashed carrot which has a little bit more texture. Follow either the boiling or steaming method and then mash the carrot with a fork. Give them a preloaded spoon or place a small amount in front of them.
  • Baby-led weaning - using the boiling or steaming method make sure the carrots are cut in half horizontally and they are so soft that they can be mashed in between your fingers.

Baby food carrot for 9 month old baby+:

  • Pincer grasp - this is a great time for your baby to try developing their pincer grasp skills so cut the boiled or steamed carrot into pieces the size of your fingernail and serve on the baby's plate or tray.

Carrot baby food storage

  • Puree is best stored in airtight containers in the fridge. In freezer use ice cube trays or specific trays for baby puree like this one from Keedo Feedo.
  • Store in fridge for 3 days and freezer for up to 6 months
  • Thaw overnight in fridge in airtight container
  • To serve remove it 2 hours in advance from the fridge so the puree reaches room temperature and then you don't have to reheat it
  • Reheat in a small saucepan on the stove with a tsp of water

Baby allergy to carrots?

Carrots are not really classified as a common allergen but that doesn't mean someone cannot be allergic to carrots. The good thing is that known carrot allergies haven't been shown as fatal and severe ones but rather manifest as an oral allergy mostly when a raw carrot is ingested.

Main symptoms are itchiness of the mouth and/or throat and swelling of the mouth, tongue, or face. The bad thing here is that a small baby won't be able to tell you if they have an itch so it is very important to observe your baby each time a new food is offered (including carrots) and check for any unusual symptoms or behavior while eating.

If you notice that your baby is allergic, immediately remove all foods from their mouth and reach out to your doctor/pediatrician.

FAQ

Can carrots be given to babies?

Yes, carrots are a great first food for baby because they are a sweet vegetable with lots of vitamins. They can be given to babies from 4 months onwards. However most recommendations state that babies should start solid foods at 6 months old. See here more recipes for 6 month old baby.

How to give carrots to babies?

You can either give as a carrot puree, mashed with a fork, very soft but in bigger chunks for baby-led weaning, or if your baby is ready for pincer grasp then cut into small pieces. All methods require carrots to be cooked until soft.

Can you puree raw carrots for baby?

No because they are a very hard vegetable so it is better to cook. Also, for younger babies their digestive system is not yet developed to be able to efficiently process raw carrots so eating raw ones (if they are at all able to) might lead to digestive problems like tummy ache or constipation.

Does carrot puree cause constipation in babies?

Carrots or carrot puree are not a known constipation-causing food since it does contain fiber but each body and digestive system reacts differently so constipation after eating carrot puree cannot be ruled out. If you notice that your baby has trouble passing stool and is cramped after eating carrot puree than you might want to cut back on it for a few days and offer it alongside fiber-rich foods such as wholegrains or seeds.

If you've tried this recipe for kids then rate the recipe below and leave us a comment!

More homemade baby food recipes you will enjoy

Puree Carrots for Baby Recipe

This puree carrots for baby recipe is a great stage 1 baby food recipe that can be made in 3 ways and served either as carrot puree, carrot mash and baby-led weaning for your 6 month old baby or older. Only 5 min prep.

5 from 5 votes

Author: Dora

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Servings 6

Fridge Life? 3 days

Freezable? 3 months

  • ▢

    Small Blender optional

  • ▢

    Food Processor optional

  • ▢

    Vitamix optional

  • ▢ 500 g carrots
  • ▢ ¼ cup water
Method 1: How to steam carrots for puree?

  • Trim the tops, peel, wash the carrots and cut them into chunks. Place water in a saucepan. Once boiling place the carrots in a steamer basket on top, cover and steam for about 15 minutes until soft. Retain the water from steaming for the puree.

  • Transfer the carrots to a blender, food processor or Vitamix and blend. Add water tablespoon by tablespoon until you reach the desired consistency

Method 2: How long to boil carrots for baby food?

  • Trim the tops, peel, wash the carrots and cut them into chunks. Place water in a saucepan. Once boiling add the carrots, cover, turn the heat to medium and cook for about 15 minutes until tender.

  • Transfer to a blender or food processor and blend. Add water tablespoon by tablespoon until you reach the desired consistency.

Method 3: Roasted carrot baby food

  • Preheat oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Trim the tops, peel, wash the carrots and slice them horizontally. Drizzle with olive oil so they soften while roasting and spread them in one line on the tray. Roast for about 30 minutes.

  • Transfer to a blender or food processor and blend. Add water tablespoon by tablespoon until you reach the desired consistency.

Age: 4-6 months and up

Storage:

  • Airtight containers in the fridge. In freezer use ice cube trays or specific trays for baby puree like this one from Keedo Feedo
  • Store in fridge for 3 days and freezer for up to 6 months
  • Thaw overnight in fridge in airtight container
  • To serve remove it 2 hours in advance from the fridge so the puree reaches room temperature and then you don't have to reheat it
  • Reheat in a small saucepan on the stove with a tsp of water

 

Baby-led weaning: to serve baby-led weaning use the boiling or steaming method but cut the carrots in half lengthwise and make sure they are so soft they can be mashed between your fingers before serving to the baby.  

Serving: 1gCalories: 34kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 58mgPotassium: 267mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 13922IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 0.3mg

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Carrot Puree Recipe for Baby (Stage One)

Home » Feeding Style » Baby Food Purees » Stage One » Carrot Puree Recipe for Baby

This Carrot Baby Food Puree is a great starter puree for your baby! Filled with nutritious steamed carrots and a pinch of nutmeg, this easy-to-make and fresh-tasting recipe is a great starter puree for your baby. Great for Stage One or 4-6+ months.

Medically reviewed by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).

This baby food puree is sssoooooo fresh, colorful, and full of essential nutrients for your baby that it’s almost too intense to look at 🧡 seriously, #nofilter!

But believe me, this mouthwatering carrot puree is for real!

This fresh-tasting homemade puree is made with steamed carrots and a pinch of nutmeg that brings out the earthiness of the carrots. Honestly, they’re a flavorful combo made for each other. 😋

If you compare the color, taste, or texture of this homemade recipe to its store-bought counterpart, you would be shocked at the difference🙅‍♀️… and not in a good way.

The good thing about realizing the difference is that it will get you completely hooked on making your little one their own homemade baby food purees.

After all, we only want the best 🏆 for our babes!

Is it your first time making homemade baby food? Then, I suggest you start this journey by reading my in-depth Guide on how to Make Homemade Baby Food. The detailed guide goes over all the important information such as the best cooking tools to have on hand, safe storage, how to know when baby is ready for solids, how to introduce purees, the best first foods for baby, and more! You can also check out my best-selling cookbook for even more information and recipes.

Carrot Baby Food Video

Watch this video to see how easy it really is to make this homemade Carrot Baby Puree!

Reasons to Love this Carrot Puree
  • creamy and smooth
  • nutrient-dense — good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, high in vitamins A and K, and contains folate and vitamin B6
  • baby food for 4-6 months and up — stage 1 baby food puree 
  • freezer-friendly
  • fast to make — done in less than 20 minutes
  • great for baby’s first bite
  • tastes yummy — your baby will love it

Ingredients
  • Carrots: This star ingredient is easy to find and usually very inexpensive. If your budget allows, I recommend going for the organic version as the cost per ounce is only pennies more than the conventional version. You can also use frozen carrots, you will just need to add in a few minutes to the cooking time.
  • Nutmeg: We are going to add a pinch of nutmeg to this puree to tone down some of the carrot’s natural sweetness with earthy spice. You can always skip the nutmeg if you prefer.

Tips on Peeling Carrots: It’s totally up to you if you peel the carrots or not. Since we are pureeing the cooked carrots until smooth, there will not be any difference in the taste or texture. However, there will be a little more fiber in the baby food, so if it’s your baby’s first time eating carrot puree, you may peel the carrots just so you don’t overload your baby’s tummy with too much fiber.

Health Benefits of Carrots
  • They contain a ton of beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A, which is necessary for protecting eye health and immune function.
  • High source of antioxidants to help strengthen immunity
  • Good source of fiber, which helps keep the digestive system working properly
  • High in vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting
  • Contains calcium to help strengthen bones

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Peel and Chop: Wash, peel and roughly chop the carrots into pieces the same size.
  2. Steam: Place the carrots inside a steamer basket and steam for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
  3. Transfer: Transfer the cooked carrots into a blender, then add nutmeg.
  4. Blend: Puree until smooth, adding water if needed to thin out the puree.
  5. Serve: Serve or freeze for later.

Tools Needed

These tools will make it a lot easier for you to make this healthy Sweet Potato puree. For more of my favorite kitchen tools make sure to check out my shop.

  • blender or food processor
  • saucepans
  • knives
  • veggie peeler
  • spatula
  • freezer tray
  • storage containers for fridge
  • stasher bag
  • reusable pouches

Other Cooking Methods

While I love the crisp flavor you get when you steam the carrots, there are several ways you can cook carrots for baby food. 

Roasting

Peel and roughly chop 2 pounds of carrots before placing them onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1-2 teaspoons of high-quality olive oil and sprinkle with spice (if preferred). Roast in a preheated 425-degree F oven for 20 minutes or until tender when pricked with a fork. Puree in a blender as directed below. 

Boiling

Place 2 pounds of peeled and roughly chopped carrots into a medium saucepan, fill with water until the carrots are covered, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until tender when pricked with a fork. Puree in a blender as directed below. Note that boiling tends to leave foods less nutritious since much of the nutrients leach into the water while cooking, and then that water is typically discarded. To preserve maximum nutrients, you may want to choose roasting or steaming. If you prefer boiling, save some of the water so you can use it as your liquid for thinning out the puree. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can carrots be baby’s first food?

Carrots can 100% be your baby’s first food if you want it to be. It is recommended to wait to introduce the top eight allergen foods to your baby once a few other well-tolerated foods have been introduced, but otherwise, foods can be introduced in any order so choose whatever you are most excited for your baby to have.

When can babies have carrots?

Babies can have carrots as one of their first foods. When a baby can start on solids is determined by their own rate of development, which generally comes between 4-6 months of age. Some of the developmental milestones babies need to reach in order to start solids include: if your baby has solid control of their head and neck, if your baby has doubled in weight, and if your baby is reaching for or opening their mouth when you eat (see my guide here). Before you start your baby on purees, you should consult with your pediatrician to make sure your child is developmentally ready.

Are carrots a common allergen for baby?

No, carrots are not a common allergen, however, as with any food, start with a small portion and be aware of any signs that might be an allergic reaction after introducing it.

Do carrots cause constipation for babies?

Steamed carrots, though unlikely, may cause constipation in some babies, so avoid giving too much.

Can you add spices/herbs to this puree?

Yes! In this recipe, we are adding a pinch of nutmeg, but feel free to use the following spices instead: cumin, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, thyme, rosemary, or fresh ginger (see quantity recommendations in the recipe card). 
Tip on Spices: I always add spices or herbs to my baby food purees, but you can choose to leave them out in all of your baby food. You do you! Either way, this puree will surely taste amazing. 

How to Store Carrot Baby Puree
Refrigerator

You can store this puree in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

Freezer

This puree can be frozen for up to 4 months.

  • Spoon puree into a freezer storage container – do not overfill. 
  • Place the lid on the storage container or cover with a piece of saran wrap, and label with the date and recipe name.  
  • Place the tray into the freezer and let it freeze completely — preferably overnight. 
  • Pop-out the baby food cubes and place them in a ziplock baggie or stasher bag. Don’t forget to relabel the baggie or stasher bag for future reference.

Need more information on how to store your baby foods? Head over to my Best Baby Food Storage Containers – Plus 6 Tips on Freezing and Thawing post!

Label Tip: Don’t forget to label your purees before you place them in the fridge or freezer with the name of the puree and the date you made it. Take it from me; by the end of the week, you will completely forget what is in your freezer and how long it’s been there. 😉

Great Carrot Combination Purees

While Carrot Puree is great and satisfying by itself, it’s also super easy to mix and match with other nutrient-dense baby food purees. So give these fun flavor combos a try!

  • Apples
  • Sweet Potato
  • Pears
  • Parsnips
  • Peach
  • Multigrain Baby Cereal
  • Chicken
  • White Beans
  • Soft Tofu
  • Pumpkin 
  • Mango
  • Cauliflower
  • Yogurt
  • Beef

Carrots for Baby-Led Weaning: Carrots are also a great food to serve to your baby whole for baby-led weaning (6+ months) or as a finger food (9+ months). You can always serve baby a combination of purees and finger foods right from the start.

Puree Feeding Tips

  • Place a small amount of puree on the tray during spoon feeding, so that your baby can dip their fingers or hands in the puree. Allowing baby to explore foods in this way helps them learn to self-feed and can help them be more willing to try new textures and foods in the future.
  • Have a spare spoon (or three!) – even very young babies often want to be involved in feeding themselves as much as possible. Giving baby an extra spoon to hold can be helpful in giving her a sense of control and also promotes hand-eye coordination.Allow baby to use spoons as a teether during the meal. There are many great options out there but a few we particularly love include the Olababy 3 Piece Set, the NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils, and the ChooMee FlexiDip Baby Starter Spoons.
  • Try adding a little seasoning or spice to purees – babies like flavor! Or consider changing the temperature of purees from time to time, to slightly warmed or slightly chilled. Varying these aspects adds to the sensory experience!

Or watch a shortened version of this video here.

  • 1 lb carrots, trimmed, peeled and roughly chopped
  • pinch nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2-1 cup reserved water, fresh breast milk, formula or fresh water

  • Steam: In a medium saucepan, bring 2″ of water to a boil over medium heat. Place the carrots into a steamer basket, cover and cook for 9-11 minutes or until tender. Reserve steamer water. Let cool slightly.

  • Transfer: Place the cooked carrots into a blender or food processor and add a pinch of nutmeg, or any spice/herb you are using. Add in 1/2 cup of liquid

  • Puree: turn on the blender or food processor and puree for 1-2 minutes on medium. If puree is too thick, add in 1/4 cup liquid at a time, until you achieve desired consistency. I had to add in 1 1/4 cup water.

  • Eat: Serve and enjoy, or freeze some for later.

Age: 4-6 months and up

Yield: roughly 24 ounces

Notes on Nutmeg: adding spices to your baby’s first purees is completely optional but totally safe. Nutmeg rounds out the acidic taste carrots sometimes have and make this puree taste grounded and full-bodied. 

Additional Spices: Feel free to substitute in a pinch or two of ginger powder,  freshly minced ginger, curry powder, cloves, finely minced fresh chives, or 1/4 minced garlic clove.

 

 

 

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90,000 children's carrot puree - a simple and tasty recipe with step -by -step photos
  1. recipes
  2. Recipes for children
  3. Carrot puree
  • We will need:
  • Carrots 250g
9001 Show as large photos with description

Step 1

1

1. Take a young carrot.
It is pre-washed and cleaned and cut into small cubes.

Step 2

2

2. Place the sliced ​​carrots in boiling water and cook over low heat for 20-15 minutes until soft.

Tip

! Recommendation: Do not use sugar, salt and spices in children's meals.

Step 3

3

3. Pass the prepared vegetables through a sieve or puree with a masher, or with a blender.

Tip

! Recommendation: if you get a thick puree, you can add a decoction. Since the child will not be able to eat too thick mashed potatoes and not get comfortable in the body.

Step 4

4

4. Carefully inspect the cookware for cracks (this should not be used).
Wash with degreasing agents and rinse thoroughly under running water.
Pour water into the bottom of each jar in a layer of 1-1.5 cm.
Turn on the microwave oven at maximum power (from 700 to 800 W and above, in this case, the time is simply reduced) for 3-5 minutes, depending on the volume of the container.
Using clean oven mitts, take out the hot dish and place it on the ironed cloth.

Tip

Sterilization involves the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms that may adversely affect the human body. On an industrial scale, this is achieved using high temperatures and pressures. At home, steam treatment is most often used. Warming dry cans in the oven is also used.

Recipe category: Recipes for children

Tags: puree, baby puree, carrot puree, vegetable dishes, healthy eating, vegetarian recipes, recipes for children

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Recipes for children

How to introduce carrots into complementary foods: carrot puree for babies

Carrots rich in beta-carotene are a very important product in baby food. Follow our simple step-by-step guide to learn how to introduce carrots to your baby's diet and how to make baby carrot puree.

Before starting the preparation of carrot puree, let's find out from how many months carrots can be introduced into complementary foods. Do not rush and introduce carrots into complementary foods as one of the first vegetables, since an allergy to carrots in infants is possible. What vegetables are better to start with complementary foods, see the table of complementary foods.

However, from 7-8 months you can try to give a little carrot puree to the baby. Don't forget how to introduce complementary foods: start with a small dose (half a teaspoon of carrot puree is enough) in the morning meal so that during the day you can see if the child has an allergic reaction. With normal tolerance, gradually increase the serving.

Category
  • Health and care
Publication date

Carrot vitamins for the whole family

Step 1: Select and Buy Carrots

Look for carrots with a smooth surface and bright orange color. The root crop should be of natural shape, without bends. Do not buy carrots with a blackened top - it indicates that the vegetable is stale.

Step 2: Wash and prepare the carrots for cooking

Wash the carrots under cold running water. If you're worried about nitrates, you can soak it for 2 hours in cold water. Clean and remove greens. Cut the carrot into small pieces.

Category
  • Lure
Publication date

10 Myths and facts about nitrates in homemade baby food

Step 3: Cook the carrots

Pour water into a medium saucepan, place over heat and bring water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer carrots until soft. How much to cook carrots for feeding? Approximately 10-15 minutes. Drain and rinse the carrots in cold water for three minutes to stop the cooking process.

Step 4: Puree the carrots

Puree the carrots in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add water as needed to achieve desired consistency. After your baby is ready for more solid foods, usually around 10 months old, instead of mashing the carrots, you can cut them into pieces.

Step 5: What goes best with carrot puree

Carrot puree is delicious on its own or combined with other vegetables, fruits, meat and fish. After the child has mastered the monocomponent vegetable puree, you can mix carrots with various fruits, other vegetables, meat or fish.

Try combining carrot puree with: