7–9 months — textures & finger foodsRecipes

Combos They'll Love

Tasty flavour pairings that make mealtime more exciting

One of the nicest things about this stage is how much you can play with flavours. Babies at 7–9 months are extraordinarily open to new tastes — far more so than they'll be as toddlers. Combining two ingredients creates something more interesting than either one alone, and it sets the foundation for a genuinely adventurous eater.

Why flavour combos work

Early exposure to a wide range of flavours — including combinations — helps shape your baby's palate in lasting ways. Research shows that babies who try varied flavours in the first year tend to be more accepting of new foods later. Pairing a new flavour with one your baby already enjoys is a great way to build acceptance gently. Think of it as flavour bridging: familiar + new = a better chance of success.

Sweet + savoury combos

These pairings work beautifully as purees or mashed dishes. Sweet potato and red lentil is a classic — just simmer both until soft and mash together. Carrot and a pinch of ground cumin has a warm, gentle depth that babies often love. Mango and chicken might sound unusual, but the sweetness of mango balances lean chicken really well; blend together with a little cooking water for a smooth puree or serve diced soft mango alongside shredded chicken as finger food. Broccoli and mild cheddar cheese is another winner — steam the broccoli and stir in a little grated cheddar while warm.

Fruity + creamy combos

Fruit pairs especially well with creamy bases. Try apple and spinach — lightly cook both and blend for a vibrant green puree that's sweeter than it looks. Pear and parsnip, roasted or steamed then mashed together, creates a naturally sweet and subtly earthy flavour that most babies take to immediately. Banana stirred into full-fat plain Greek yogurt is one of the easiest wins you'll have — no cooking needed. For something a little different, try ripe avocado blended with a soft-boiled egg yolk for a rich, nutrient-dense combo.

Tips for serving

For younger babies in this stage (around 7 months), most of these combos work best as purees or mashes. By 8–9 months, you can serve many of them as soft finger foods — diced soft mango pieces, strips of ripe avocado, or small pasta shapes tossed in a cheesy broccoli sauce. Make a small batch (2–3 portions) and freeze in ice cube trays so you always have variety on hand without cooking from scratch every day.

Key takeaways

Early and varied flavour exposure helps build a more adventurous palate that lasts through childhood.

Pairing a new flavour with a familiar one is a gentle way to encourage acceptance.

Sweet potato and lentil, mango and chicken, and banana with yogurt are all easy, nutritious combos to start with.

Fruit pairs brilliantly with creamy foods like Greek yogurt and avocado for naturally sweet purees.

Batch-cook and freeze combos in ice cube trays so you always have variety ready without extra effort.

Scientific sources

The guidance in this guide is based on these references.

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