Making baby food at home doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating. I’ve been known to whip out my NutriBullet Baby for smoothies, purees, and chunkier toddler options on-the-go. But moms everywhere are also settling into a rhythm of utilizing the slow cooker for those gummy-mouthed meals.
And from baby’s first foods (like sweet potatoes and other single-ingredient mashes), to more complex junior entrees (like baked pasta with veggies), you can do blender meals for your baby or toss a bunch of ingredients in the slow cooker and let the magic happen.
Ahead are 7 easy slow cooker baby food recipes:
More Baby Food Recipes:
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7 Easy Slow Cooker Baby Food Recipes
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Carrot & Nutmeg Baby Food
Many first-time parents don't realize that a little spice is nice. Babies are likelier to try (and enjoy!) new foods when they have some flavor variation. Nutmeg is a great choice for little ones; try this sweet and spicy combo in the slow cooker and dump in your blender at the end to smooth into a full-on puree as shown.
Photo & Recipe: Baby Foode
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Creamy Chicken Baby Food
Always consult with your doctor before moving baby on from fruits and vegetables to meats and dairy products, but most experts agree that they can start trying meats around seven or eight months. This super-yummy slow cooker chicken recipe for baby is way more appealing than a simply blended meat option!
Photo & Recipe: Dessert for Two
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Overnight Apple Oats
This is one of those baby foods so delicious you'll want to try some yourself. Overnight oats in the slow cooker are a healthy breakfast for the whole family. Try this recipe with apples, cinnamon, and ginger as a yummy baby food they'll love any time of day.
Photo & Recipe: Wholesome Baby Food Guide
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Simple Squash
Slow cooker butternut squash is a one-ingredient baby food for new eaters and also can be dressed up with butter or other fixings for an adult side dish. Make sure to thoroughly mash for the youngest foodies. You can also add breast milk, formula or water to make it more of a puree!
Photo & Recipe: Foodie with Family
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Veggie-Rich Mac & Cheese
One of life's greatest pleasures is macaroni and cheese -- am I wrong? There are endless slow cooker varieties out there, but this is a simple and healthier option for Baby's first mac than anything you'd find in a box or the ones packed with tons of cream and no nutrients. Once your little foodie is ready to try tender pastas, give this recipe a go. And make sure to leave out an extra bowl -- because you know you're going to want some.
Photo & Recipe: So Very Blessed
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Slow Cooker Strawberry Applesauce
And speaking of baby food you'll probably end up eating, strawberry-applesauce doesn't sound half bad to this mama. It's pretty amazing how two fruits and a little bit of water can produce such a tasty (and pretty!) baby food for your tiniest taste tester.
Photo & Recipe: The Magical Slow Cooker
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Purple Sweet Potato & Apple
Adding in attractive colors is a fun way to mix it up at meal time, and get little ones engaged. For two full servings of homemade baby food, I added even-sized chunks of half of an organic purple sweet potato and a whole honey crisp apple with three tablespoons of water to my NutriBullet Baby and blended into a puree. If you prefer the slow cooker route, use the same ratio (but double the recipe) for five hours. Yum, yum!
Photo: Jenny Studenroth, Our Life in Rose Gold
