Avocado puree is one of the easiest and most nutritious first foods for babies starting solids at 6 months. Simply scoop out ripe avocado, mash with a fork or blend, and thin with breastmilk or formula doodh (NAN, Lactogen, Similac) to reach the right consistency. No cooking needed! Avocado is naturally creamy, low in allergens, and packed with healthy fats that support your baby's brain development.
Why Avocado is Perfect for Indian Babies
Watch: Iron is most important fuel for 🧠 growth. You need to include iron rich food in your babies diet.
While avocado isn't a traditional Indian fruit, it has become increasingly popular in Indian cities and is now available in most supermarkets (Nature's Basket, BigBasket, local fruit vendors). Here's why it's an excellent choice for weaning (anna prashan):
Nutritional Benefits
Nutrient
Benefit for Baby
Healthy fats (omega-3)
Brain development and growth
Fiber
Smooth digestion and prevents constipation
Vitamin C
Immune system support
Folic acid
Cell growth and development
Vitamin B6
Brain function
Potassium
Heart and muscle health
Avocados contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid - the same good fat found in olive oil. This helps with brain development and keeps baby's skin soft.
No cooking required - less chance of contamination
Important: Always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any known allergies or health conditions.
Step-by-Step Avocado Puree Recipe
Ingredients
1 medium-sized ripe avocado
2-4 tablespoons breastmilk, formula doodh (NAN Pro, Lactogen, Similac), or water
How to Choose a Ripe Avocado
A perfect avocado for baby food should:
Feel slightly soft when gently pressed (like pressing a ripe mango)
Have dark green to black skin (for Hass variety)
Not have any brown, mushy spots when cut open
Tip: If avocados in the market are hard, keep them in a paper bag with a banana for 2-3 days to ripen
Method 1: Blender/Mixer Method (Smooth Puree)
Step 1: Prepare the avocado
Wash the outside of the avocado (even though you won't eat the skin, this prevents bacteria transfer)
Cut lengthwise around the pit
Twist to separate the two halves
Remove the pit with a spoon
Step 2: Scoop and blend
Scoop the flesh into your mixer/blender
Add 2 tablespoons of breastmilk or prepared formula
Blend until completely smooth
Step 3: Adjust consistency
For younger babies (6-7 months): Add more liquid for a thin, smooth puree
For older babies (8-12 months): Keep it thicker and slightly chunky
Serve immediately in a clean katori (bowl)
Method 2: Fork-Mashed (Quick & Easy)
Perfect for when you're out or don't want to use appliances:
Cut ripe avocado in half, remove pit
Scoop flesh into a clean bowl
Mash thoroughly with a fork until smooth
Add breastmilk or formula to thin if needed
Serve fresh!
Pro tip: Mash directly in the avocado shell for minimal cleanup!
Quantity Guide by Age
Age
Amount per Serving
Frequency
6-7 months
1-2 tablespoons
Once daily
7-8 months
2-3 tablespoons
1-2 times daily
9-12 months
3-4 tablespoons
1-2 times daily
Remember: Start with small amounts and watch for any reactions. Wait 3 days before introducing another new food.
Tips for Success
Storage Tips
Best served fresh - Avocado browns quickly once cut
Same-day use: Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and refrigerate for up to 24 hours
Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 1 month. Add a few drops of lemon juice to prevent browning
Add lemon juice: A tiny squeeze helps maintain green color (safe for babies 6+ months in small amounts)
Mixing Ideas for Older Babies (7+ months)
Once your baby has tried avocado alone successfully, try these combinations:
Avocado + Banana - Naturally sweet and creamy
Avocado + Boiled apple - Good for digestion
Avocado + Moong dal - Added protein
Avocado + Ragi porridge - Iron boost
Avocado + Sweet potato - Filling and nutritious
Formula Mixing Tips
If using formula doodh to thin the puree:
Prepare formula fresh according to package instructions
Use NAN Pro 1, Lactogen 1, or Similac for babies under 6 months transitioning
Use stage-appropriate formula (NAN Pro 2, Lactogen 2 for 6+ months)
Don't heat the avocado after mixing with formula
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using unripe avocado - Will be hard and bitter, difficult to digest
Overfeeding - Start small! Too much avocado can cause loose stools due to high fiber
Storing too long - Brown avocado is safe but may taste bitter and baby might reject it
Adding salt or sugar - Baby doesn't need added seasonings until 1 year
Ignoring freshness - Always use fresh puree; don't keep at room temperature for more than 1 hour
Is Avocado a Choking Hazard?
Pureed avocado is NOT a choking hazard when prepared correctly. However:
Always supervise baby during feeding
Ensure puree is smooth with no large chunks for younger babies
For baby-led weaning (8+ months), offer thin slices that baby can grip
Never leave baby alone while eating
When to Seek Help
Contact your pediatrician if after eating avocado, baby shows:
Rash, hives, or skin irritation
Vomiting or excessive spitting up
Diarrhea or bloody stools
Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
Difficulty breathing (seek emergency care immediately)
Note: Avocado allergies are rare but possible, especially in babies with latex allergies.
Expert Insight: As Dr. Sumitra says, 'Fed is best. Formula is a completely valid choice and provides excellent nutrition.'
FAQs
Q: Can I mix avocado with formula doodh like NAN or Lactogen?
A: Haan, bilkul! Mixing avocado with formula is a great way to add nutrition and achieve the perfect consistency. Prepare the formula as usual, then mix it into the mashed avocado. This works well with NAN Pro, Lactogen, Similac, or any formula your baby is already taking.
Q: My baby is 6 months and on breastmilk. Can I give avocado?
A: Yes! At 6 months, you can start introducing solid foods like avocado alongside breastmilk. Breastmilk or formula should remain the primary nutrition source until 1 year, with solids being complementary. Mix the avocado with expressed breastmilk for familiar taste.
Q: Avocado is expensive in India. What are good alternatives?
A: Great alternatives with similar nutrition include:
Banana - Naturally sweet, easy to mash
Boiled sweet potato (shakarkand) - Rich in vitamins
Ripe papaya - Good for digestion
Boiled and mashed lauki (bottle gourd) - Light and easy to digest
Q: Baby rejected avocado. What should I do?
A: This is normal! Babies often need 10-15 exposures to a new food before accepting it. Try:
Mixing with a food baby already likes (banana, cereal)
Offering at different times of day
Making it creamier with more breastmilk/formula
Trying again after a few days
Q: Can avocado cause constipation or loose motion?
A: Avocado is high in fiber, so it usually helps with regular bowel movements. However, too much can cause loose stools. Start with small amounts (1-2 tablespoons) and increase gradually. If baby gets constipated, the avocado might be underripe - use only fully ripe ones.
---
This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
Need personalized guidance?Book a consultation with our pediatricians or explore our Care Plans for 24/7 expert support!
Get 24/7 Expert Pediatric Care
Access 50+ pediatricians on WhatsApp anytime. Get instant answers for all your baby health concerns.