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By 8 months, babies are usually ready for more variety, texture, and flavor. Their little hands may even be reaching for the spoon—or trying to feed themselves. This stage is ideal for introducing chunkier purees, mashed meals, soft finger foods, and a wider range of flavors, including gentle spices and healthy fats.
At this point, your baby may be eating two to three small meals a day in addition to breast milk or formula. These recipes are designed to be simple, nutritious, and easy to prep ahead. You’ll see more combination recipes, soft grains, and even small pasta shapes they can gum safely.
Whether spoon-fed or exploring with fingers, every recipe below helps support your baby’s transition to eating like the rest of the family—just in baby-sized bites.
1. Mashed Chickpeas, Sweet Potato, and Paprika
Boil chickpeas and sweet potato, then mash together with a pinch of smoked paprika for a warm, slightly earthy flavor.
Olivia’s Tip
Blend half and mash half to give a mix of smooth and soft texture—great for chewing practice.
Get the Mashed Chickpeas, Sweet Potato, and Paprika recipe
2. Cottage Cheese and Peach Mash
Mix peeled, chopped peaches with full-fat cottage cheese for a protein-rich, naturally sweet combo.
Olivia’s Tip
Use soft, ripe peaches and mash with a fork for a gentle texture babies can gum easily.
Get the Cottage Cheese and Peach Mash recipe
3. Pasta with Pumpkin and Chicken
Cook small pasta (like stars or mini shells) and mix with mashed pumpkin and shredded cooked chicken.
Olivia’s Tip
Make it soft! Slightly overcook the pasta and shred chicken finely to help baby chew and swallow comfortably.
Get the Pasta with Pumpkin and Chicken recipe
4. Mashed Lentils with Brown Rice and Tomato
Simmer red lentils, brown rice, and diced tomato until soft, then mash. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with nutrients.
Olivia’s Tip
Remove tomato skins before cooking if you’re blending—makes it smoother and easier to digest.
Get the Mashed Lentils with Brown Rice and Tomato recipe
5. Avocado, Mango, and Quinoa Mash
Blend soft avocado and mango with cooked quinoa. It’s rich, fruity, and full of healthy fats and fiber.
Olivia’s Tip
This one’s also great chilled—perfect for warm days or soothing sore gums.
Get the Avocado, Mango, and Quinoa Mash recipe
6. Zucchini, Corn, and Rice Puree
Steam chopped zucchini and corn kernels, then blend with soft-cooked rice for a mild, creamy puree.
Olivia’s Tip
Strain if corn kernels leave behind a gritty texture—smoothness still matters at this stage.
Get the Zucchini, Corn, and Rice Puree recipe
7. Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Mash
Steam baby spinach, mix with ricotta, and stir into soft-cooked pasta. A gentle way to introduce cheesy, creamy flavors.
Olivia’s Tip
Chop or mash everything well to avoid any large chunks or stringy spinach bits.
Get the Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Mash recipe
8. Pear, Blueberry, and Oatmeal Bowl
Simmer peeled pear and blueberries, then stir into warm oats for a sweet, fiber-filled breakfast.
Olivia’s Tip
Mash gently for a textured finish, or blend if your baby isn’t ready for chunks yet.
Get the Pear, Blueberry, and Oatmeal Bowl recipe
9. Ground Turkey and Veggie Mash
Cook ground turkey with carrot and zucchini, then mash together with a little olive oil for moisture.
Olivia’s Tip
Always double-check the texture—there should be no tough or chewy bits for your baby.
Get the Ground Turkey and Veggie Mash recipe
10. Mashed Banana, Yogurt, and Flaxseed
Mash a banana and stir in plain full-fat yogurt and a pinch of ground flaxseed. It’s creamy, sweet, and full of omega-3s.
Olivia’s Tip
Only introduce flaxseed if your pediatrician says it’s okay—start with a tiny pinch and increase slowly.
Get the Mashed Banana, Yogurt, and Flaxseed recipe
11. Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cheese Mash
Steam both veggies until soft, then mash with a small spoonful of mild shredded cheese.
Olivia’s Tip
A little cheese goes a long way—keep it light to avoid upsetting your baby’s tummy.
Get the Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cheese Mash recipe
12. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Mash
Mash soft roasted sweet potato with well-cooked black beans. It’s filling and introduces new flavors and textures.
Olivia’s Tip
Mash beans thoroughly or blend them in if your baby isn’t used to their skins yet.
Get the Sweet Potato and Black Bean Mash recipe
13. Apple, Carrot, and Cinnamon Puree
Steam carrots and apples together, then blend with a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy, fall-inspired treat.
Olivia’s Tip
Don’t overdo the cinnamon—babies only need the tiniest hint for flavor.
Get the Apple, Carrot, and Cinnamon Puree recipe
14. Egg Yolk and Avocado Mash
Hard-boil an egg, then mash just the yolk with ripe avocado for a protein-rich, creamy meal.
Olivia’s Tip
Only use egg yolk at this stage and introduce egg whites later (per your pediatrician’s advice).
Get the Egg Yolk and Avocado Mash recipe
15. Salmon, Potato, and Pea Mash
Flake soft-cooked salmon and mix with mashed potatoes and peas. It’s a great way to introduce fish.
Olivia’s Tip
Make sure the salmon is boneless and cooked until flaky—double-check for bones before serving.
