Feeding time doesn’t have to be boring – and it definitely doesn’t have to mean plain formula every day. With a little creativity (and the right ingredients), you can whip up formula recipes your baby will love that are nutritious, safe, and soothing. Whether your baby’s fussy or just ready for something new, these formula-friendly combos are sure to win over tiny tastebuds and give you a few more quiet moments.
If you’re in the process of introducing solids, try mixing a little fruit and veg in with their regular formula for a tasty and nutritious meal. Here are 7 tasty recipes your little one will love.
Apple and semolina layered pudding
(1 portion)
Ingredients
1 apple
30g semolina
90ml water
3 servings Novalac premium formula
Preparation
- Peel, deseed and chop the apple.
- Put it in a saucepan and cover with water.
- Cook under cover on low heat and stir occasionally with a fork until puréed.
- Reconstitute the formula.
- Cook the semolina on low heat in the formula mix.
- Stir regularly until the semolina softens and swells.
- Serve lukewarm or cold.
Cream of pumpkin
(1 portion)
Ingredients
150g pumpkin
1 tbsp cornflour
Parsley
5 servings Novalac premium formula
Preparation
- Peel and dice the pumpkin.
- Cook in a saucepan of water for 30 minutes.
- Take 150ml of this heated water and put it in another saucepan on high heat.
- Add the cornflour to this water, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the formula.
- Blend together with the drained pumpkin and parsley.
Carrot turnip purée
(1 portion)
Ingredients
100g fresh or frozen carrot
50g turnip
1 tsp butter
2 servings Novalac premium formula
60ml water
Preparation
- Wash, peel and cut all veggies into pieces.
- Cook in a steamer or pressure cooker.
- Reconstitute premium formula with water.
- Blend milk with veggies.
- Add butter and serve warm.
Pear & prune smoothie
(1 portion)
Ingredients
2 fresh prunes or 3 dried prunes
½ ripe pear
120ml water
4 servings Novalac premium formula
Preparation
- Wash, peel and deseed the pear.
- Cut the pear into small pieces.
- Rinse the prunes and pit them.
- Mix the pear and prunes together.
- Blend the reconstituted formula with the fruit mix.
- Can be given using a feeding bottle or with a spoon.
Apple raspberry smoothie
(1 portion)
Ingredients
½ apple
125g raspberries
1 small full cream yoghurt
120ml water
2 ice cubes
4 servings Novalac premium formula
Preparation
- Wash, hull, peel and deseed the apple.
- Wash raspberries.
- Put all the fruits in a blender and mix.
- Mix the premium formula with water.
- Add yoghurt and reconstituted formula to the mix and blend.
- Put into two bowls and let it cool.
- Refrigerate and serve chilled.
Chocolate pudding
(1 portion)
Ingredients
20g cornflour
10g sugar
40g dessert dark chocolate (with no cow’s milk protein)
240ml water
8 doses Novalac premium formula
Preparation
- Reconstitute the formula with 120ml warm water.
- Mix in the chocolate.
- Add corn flour to the rest of the cold water.
- When the chocolate formula is hot, leave it on high heat while you pour in the corn flour blend. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens.
- Add the sugar and stir.
- Pour the mixture into two bowls.
- Keep refrigerated.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post and is based on personal experience and personal brand preference of the content author. BabyYumYum reserves the right to its opinions and fully supports the notion of promotion that breast is best in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) infant feeding guidelines. Breast milk is the best food for infants. Good maternal nutrition is essential to prepare and maintain breastfeeding. If breastfeeding is not applied, an infant formula may be used according to the advice of health professionals. Preparation and storage of any infant formula should be performed as directed on the tin in order not to pose any health hazards.
FAQ’s: Tasty Formula Recipes Your Baby Will Love
Can I cook with baby formula?
Yes, baby formula can be used in recipes, especially no-cook ones like smoothies or when added after food has cooled slightly. However, avoid boiling formula, as this can reduce its nutritional value.
What types of recipes can include formula?
You can mix baby formula into purées, cereals, fruit blends, mashed vegetables, or chilled smoothies. Always prepare the formula as directed before mixing it into food.
Is it safe to use leftover formula in recipes?
No. Always use freshly prepared formula. Leftover formula (over an hour old) can harbour bacteria and should be discarded to protect your baby’s health.
Can I freeze meals made with baby formula?
It’s not recommended to freeze formula on its own. If a recipe includes formula, it’s best to prepare the base (e.g. puréed fruit or oats), freeze that, and add freshly made formula when reheating and serving.
What’s an easy formula-based recipe for babies starting solids?
Try mixing baby rice cereal or finely mashed banana with prepared formula. It’s smooth, gentle on little tummies, and ideal for first foods.
Are there specific flavours that go well with formula?
Yes. Mild fruits like banana, pear or apple work well, as do soft-cooked vegetables like sweet potato and butternut. These can mask the formula’s taste if your baby is fussy.
Can I use any formula brand in baby recipes?
Yes, as long as you prepare it exactly according to the instructions. Never alter the powder-to-water ratio or use a different liquid to mix it.
Is it safe to warm formula-mixed food?
Yes, but gently warm it (not boil) and always check the temperature before feeding. If heating in the microwave, stir well to avoid hot spots.
How can I make formula-based recipes more appealing?
Use natural flavour boosters like cinnamon or finely ground oats (if age-appropriate), and offer food in fun shapes or colourful bowls to encourage interest.
Can I use ready-made formula in recipes?
Yes, you can use ready-to-feed liquid formula as long as it’s within expiry, kept cold, and added safely to the recipe without heating it excessively.
References:
- NHS – Feeding your baby: first solid foods
- La Leche League – Using formula safely
- South African Department of Health – Infant Feeding Guidelines
Disclaimer: Always consult your paediatrician before introducing new foods or altering how you use formula in your baby’s diet. Follow WHO and local guidelines regarding infant feeding.
How is baby formula made? Explore the process involved in creating this vital infant nutrition, including ingredient mixing and quality checks.
