The best first foods to make in a baby food maker are smooth, single-ingredient purees that are gentle on a new tummy and rich in iron — think steamed pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot, well-cooked pureed meat or chicken, and iron-fortified baby cereal. A baby food maker that steams and blends in the one jug makes these especially easy, because steaming softens the food and locks in nutrients before you blend it to the right texture.

Below is a practical, Australian guide to what to make first, why iron matters so much, how to prepare each food, and how to store it safely.

When is your baby ready for first foods?

Most babies are ready to start solids at around 6 months, but not before 4 months. According to the Raising Children Network, signs of readiness include being able to hold their head steady while sitting supported, showing interest in your food, and reaching out to grab things and bring them to their mouth.

If you're still weighing up timing and signs, our full guide on when to start solids in Australia walks you through it step by step.

Why iron-rich first foods matter

By around 6 months, the iron stores your baby was born with begin to run low, and breast milk or formula alone no longer meets their iron needs. That's why the NHMRC Infant Feeding Guidelines recommend that first foods include iron-rich options. A baby food maker is perfect for this, because it can steam and puree iron-rich vegetables and meats into a smooth first texture in minutes.

For a deeper look at iron, see our guide to iron-rich first foods for babies.

The best first foods to make in a baby food maker

Iron-rich purees to start with

• Pureed meat and chicken — well-cooked and blended smooth with a little cooled boiled water or your baby's usual milk. One of the most iron-rich first foods you can offer.
• Iron-fortified baby cereal — mixed with expressed breast milk or formula to a smooth, runny consistency.
• Lentils and legumes — steamed until very soft, then pureed. A great plant-based iron source.

Easy first vegetables

• Pumpkin — naturally sweet, soft and quick to steam.
• Sweet potato — smooth, mild and a firm favourite.
• Carrot — steam until very soft so it blends silky.
• Broccoli, peas and zucchini — brilliant once your bub is happy with milder flavours.

Gentle first fruits

• Apple and pear — steam then puree for an easy-to-digest first fruit.
• Banana and avocado — no cooking needed; simply blend to a smooth texture.

Simple combinations once single foods are established

Once your baby has tried a few foods on their own, a baby food maker makes it easy to combine them — pumpkin and chicken, sweet potato and lentil, or apple and pear. Introducing common allergens (such as well-cooked egg and smooth peanut butter thinned into a puree) in the first year is also recommended by ASCIA — introduce one new food at a time and watch for any reaction.

How to prepare first foods in a baby food maker

The beauty of an all-in-one baby food maker is that it steams and blends in the same jug, so nutrients aren't tipped down the sink with the cooking water.

1. Wash, peel and chop your fruit or veg into even pieces so they steam evenly.
2. Steam until very soft — soft enough to squash easily between two fingers.
3. Blend to a smooth, runny puree for first tastes, adding a little of the steaming water, cooled boiled water or your baby's usual milk to loosen it.
4. Check the temperature — always stir and test before serving so it's just warm, never hot.

As your baby gets the hang of eating, gradually blend for less time to leave more texture, then move to mashed and soft lumps. For more ideas, browse our baby food puree recipes.

How to store homemade first foods safely

Homemade baby food keeps in the fridge for up to 48 hours, or can be frozen for up to a month. Freeze purees in small portions — an ice-cube tray or silicone freezer tray is ideal — then transfer to a labelled container or reusable pouch once solid.

For daycare, outings and self-feeding, refillable reusable food pouches are a tidy, waste-free way to serve homemade purees. If you'd like a full routine, our guide to the easiest way to make homemade baby food covers batch-cooking and storage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best first food to give a baby?

There's no single "perfect" first food, but iron-rich options are a smart place to start — such as pureed meat, iron-fortified baby cereal, or well-cooked lentils. Smooth vegetable purees like pumpkin and sweet potato are also gentle, popular first tastes.

Can you make first foods in a baby food maker from 4 months?

Most babies are ready at around 6 months, and solids shouldn't be started before 4 months. Always look for signs of readiness and chat with your child health nurse or GP if you're unsure about timing.

Should you steam or boil vegetables for baby food?

Steaming is generally better than boiling because fewer nutrients leach into the water. A baby food maker steams and blends in the same jug, so the goodness stays in the puree.

How smooth should first purees be?

For very first tastes, aim for a smooth, runny puree — a little thinner than yoghurt. As your baby gets used to eating, gradually make purees thicker and leave more texture to help them learn to chew.

How long does homemade baby food last?

Homemade purees keep for up to 48 hours in the fridge and up to one month in the freezer. Freeze in small portions and never refreeze food that has already been thawed.

Do I need to introduce allergens as first foods?

ASCIA recommends introducing common allergen foods (like well-cooked egg and smooth peanut butter) in the first year, one at a time, while continuing breast or bottle feeding. A baby food maker makes it easy to blend these into a smooth texture.

This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your GP or child health nurse.