Favorite Carrot Baby Food

Turn fresh carrots into a simple, nourishing Carrot Baby Food with this easy method—no special baby food makers required. Plus, learn how to make carrots for baby-led weaning, easy ways to add flavor, how to combine carrot puree with other baby food, and how to store it for future baby meals.

Carrot Baby Food

Making homemade baby food can seem so daunting, but I’ve found that it’s quite easy to make affordable, delicious baby food at home with cooking tools you likely already have on hand. And knowing a few simple ways to add flavor and keep things interesting for your little one can ensure the food you spend time making doesn’t go to waste.

I love this method of making a simple carrot puree for baby (or as a one year old food), and I also love using it to make simple baby food combinations. It’s a nutritious food that’s rich in vitamin A that can be offered from 4-6 months of age and up, or the age at which your pediatrician clears your kiddo to start solids.

It’s also so versatile if you wind up with leftovers and is really easy to store baby food. I still love this method of making carrots even though my kids are well past the baby stage.

And since I know so many families rely on baby-led weaning foods for introducing solids, I’ll share my go-to ways for how to cook carrots, in addition to my Roasted Carrot Fries, for that method as well.

So read on for the basic technique, flavoring options, baby food combinations, and storage tips.

Ingredients You Need

To make this baby food, here’s a look at what you’ll need:

• Carrots: I use fresh carrots, but you could use frozen if that’s what you have on hand.
• Liquid of choice: You can use water, sodium-free chicken or vegetable stock, breastmilk, or even formula.
• Optional spices including cumin, cinnamon, and/or Chinese Five Spice

TIP: The carrot puree will taste as good as the carrots you start with, so try them to make sure they taste sweet before you start cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This process is easy and just requires basic equipment—no special baby food makers necessary. Here’s a look at what to expect; Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full information.

1. Trim the ends off of the carrots.
2. Peel and dice them into even pieces.
3. Add the carrots to a pot fitted with a steamer basket. Add water and cover. Cook until soft.
4. Blend, thinning with desired liquid to achieve the desired consistency.

TIP: You can make it thinner to serve as a Stage 1 baby food by adding more liquid, or thicker as a meal for a 9-month-old-baby by adding less liquid.

What’s the best way to store this baby food?

You can store this Carrot Baby Food it in small airtight containers in the fridge or in the freezer. To freeze it, I like to portion the puree out into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. Then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for longer-term storage. See the Notes section of the recipe for the full details.

Can I make it without a steamer basket?

Yes, just boil the carrots directly in the water in the pot and proceed with the recipe.

Can I combine this baby food with other purees?

Mix with Crock Pot Applesauce, Sweet Potato Baby Food, Banana Puree, Bean Puree, or Butternut Squash Puree or any other homemade baby food that you like. You can also stir in olive oil or butter to add more flavor and healthy fats for kids (which little ones need for proper development).

TIP: Find my go-to no-cook Baby Food Recipes here.

How to Store

To store this carrot puree, place into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or portion into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. Transfer to a freezer bag and seal, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir if any separation occurs.

Carrots for Baby-Led Weaning

You can offer this puree by putting a little on a baby spoon and then handing the spoon to baby to feed themself. Or, you can try Roasted Carrot Fries , which are a stick shape that is easy for small hands to hold.

Best Tips for Success

• You can use water, breastmilk, formula, or sodium-free chicken or vegetable broth as your liquid.
• Make it thinner as a Stage 1 baby food by using more liquid or thicker as Stage 2 or Stage 3 baby food.
• The carrot puree will taste as good as the carrots you start with, so try them to make sure they taste sweet before you start cooking.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil to the finished puree to add healthy fats.
• Season the batch with 1/8-¼ teaspoon cinnamon, Chinese Five Spice, or ground ginger to add flavor. Or add a tiny pinch to each serving.
• Mix with Crockpot Applesauce, Sweet Potato Baby Food, Banana Puree, Bean Puree, Butternut Squash Puree, or any other baby food puree that you like.
• You can stir this puree into baby oatmeal or add to a toddler smoothie if you have leftovers.
• To serve this baby-led weaning style, put a little puree on a spoon, then hand it to baby to feel themself.
• You may also like my Broccoli Puree for Babies, Apples for Baby, Bananas for Baby, Easy Baby Food Combinations, and Prune Puree.

Related Recipes

Vegetables

Quick & Easy Sauteed Carrots

Breakfast

Fluffy Carrot Pancakes (with Yogurt!)

Breakfast

Favorite Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Smoothie Recipes

Favorite Carrot Smoothie

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I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it for your baby, so please comment below to share your experience. I love hearing from you!

This post was first published September 2020.