Avocado Puree
Avocado is a favorite first food for baby since it’s not very likely to be allergenic, has lots of healthy fats and nutrients including vitamin E, folate, and magnesium, and has a silky texture that’s great for new eaters. I love making avocado puree to share with baby since there’s no cooking involved and it’s so super easy to do with either a blender or a fork. This is an easy puree when first starting solids, it’s an easy baby breakfast component, and it’s also great for a baby snack since the fat in avocado helps keep baby full until the next chance for food, breastmilk, or formula. This is one baby food puree that’s best served soon after making, but you can always eat some of the avocado with baby—or check the storage suggestions below to avoid food waste.
Ingredients You Need
To make this avocado puree, you’ll just need ripe avocado and a fresh lemon, if you plan to store some for later. You can also add a little breastmilk or formula to make the puree a bit thinner, if desired. So easy! Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
How to Choose a Perfect Avocado
Look for an avocado that’s firm to the touch but has a little give, which indicates ripeness. A very soft avocado may be too ripe with brown spots by the time you get it home and eat it. So it shouldn’t feel as hard as a rock, but firm with a little softness. In a pinch, you can also use thawed frozen avocado. It can sometimes have a slightly different texture, but it’s fairly similar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the easy process involved in making this homemade avocado baby food. TIP: This is a great puree to eat along with baby, so if you plan to have some, skip adding breastmilk or formula.
BLW Avocado
To serve this puree baby-led weaning style, simply spread onto a lightly toasted strip of bread for baby to self-feed. You can also put the puree onto a spoon, hand the spoon to baby, and allow baby to feed themselves. Learn more about BLW Avocado Slices.
How to Store Avocado Puree for Later
To store in the fridge, place puree into small food storage containers and squeeze fresh lemon juice overtop. You’ll want any exposed part of the puree to be in contact with some lemon juice to prevent browning. To freeze, stir 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice into the mash and spoon into an ice cube tray. Freeze. Transfer frozen cubes into a freezer storage bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge in an airtight container. (You can also freeze directly in a freezer bag.)
Best Tips for Success
To do this with a fork, place desired amount of avocado onto a plate. Mash with a fork to reach the desired consistency, thinning with water, breastmilk, or formula as desired. To store in the fridge, place puree into small food storage containers and squeeze fresh lemon juice overtop. You’ll want any exposed part of the puree to be in contact with some lemon juice to prevent browning. To freeze, stir 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice into the mash and spoon into an ice cube tray. Freeze. Transfer frozen cubes into a freezer storage bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge in an airtight container. (You can also freeze directly in a freezer bag or add frozen avocado to smoothies.) Leave as a thicker mash for older babies. Spread onto toast sticks (about the size of your finger) for BLW-style feeding or offer a preloaded spoon. You can also offer avocado slices with the peel on as BLW avocado, too. Mix with Banana Puree, Sweet Potato Puree, Pureed Beans, Apple Puree, or any other baby food you like, such as butternut squash, pears, peaches, broccoli, mango, or peas. Add avocado baby puree to Rice Cereal or Baby Oatmeal or yogurt. See more of my favorite baby food combinations here.
I’d love to hear what you think of this recipe if you try it so please comment below with feedback!
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This post was first published November 2019.