When Baby M first started solids, sweet potatoes were one of the first foods I was excited to try. They’re naturally sweet, easy to cook, soft enough for babies, and simple to prepare as either a smooth puree or soft roasted spears for baby-led weaning.

At the time, we were very much in the “new solids” stage. We had a high chair routine, a little time-to-eat song, and plenty of trial and error. And honestly? The verdict was clear: she loved the roasted sweet potato spears. The puree… not so much.

That’s one of the things I learned quickly about starting solids: babies have opinions. So I like preparing sweet potatoes two ways — as a puree and as soft spears — because it gives you options depending on your baby’s stage, preference, and feeding style.

Why Sweet Potatoes Are Great for Babies

Sweet potatoes are a great first food because they become soft and naturally creamy when cooked. They’re easy to mash, blend, or cut into soft spears, which makes them work for both traditional spoon-feeding and baby-led weaning.

They also have a naturally mild sweetness, which many babies enjoy. You don’t need to add salt or sugar. For babies, simple is best.

This post shows you how to prepare sweet potatoes for baby two ways:

• Smooth sweet potato puree
• Soft sweet potato spears for baby-led weaning

When Can Babies Have Sweet Potatoes?

Many babies are ready to start solids around 6 months old, but readiness matters more than the exact age. Your baby should be able to sit with support, have good head and neck control, and show interest in food.

Always check with your pediatrician if you’re unsure whether your baby is ready to start solids, especially if your baby was premature, has feeding concerns, or has any medical needs.

Puree or Spears: Which One Should You Make?

You can serve sweet potatoes as a puree, as soft mashed sweet potatoes, or as roasted/steamed spears.

If you’re spoon-feeding, sweet potato puree is easy to make and freeze. If you’re trying baby-led weaning, soft spears are easier for baby to grip and bring to their mouth.

You can also do both. That’s what I liked about this recipe. One sweet potato can become a few different baby-friendly options.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes
• Water, breastmilk, or formula, as needed for thinning puree
• Olive oil, optional for spears

Do not add salt for baby.

How to Make Sweet Potato Puree for Baby

Start by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly.

Instant Pot Method

Place the sweet potato cubes in a steamer basket inside the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot.

Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then carefully release the pressure.

Boiling Method

Add the sweet potato cubes to a pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 20–30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very soft and easily pierced with a fork.

Blend the Sweet Potatoes

Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding a little water, breastmilk, or formula until you reach your desired consistency.

Let the puree cool completely before serving it to baby.

How to Make Sweet Potato Spears for Baby-Led Weaning

Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into long spears that are easy for baby to hold. For younger babies, larger finger-shaped pieces are easier to grip than small pieces.

The most important thing is texture: the sweet potato should be fully cooked and soft enough to mash between your fingers.

Air Fryer Method

Lightly brush the sweet potato spears with olive oil. Air fry at 180°C for 4–6 minutes per side, or until soft.

Oven Method

Lightly brush the sweet potato spears with olive oil. Roast until soft and tender, about 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears.

Do not add salt.

How Soft Should Sweet Potatoes Be for Baby?

Sweet potatoes should be very soft before serving them to baby. For puree, they should blend easily until smooth. For baby-led weaning spears, they should be soft enough to mash between your fingers.

If the spears are too firm, cook them longer. Babies who are just starting solids are still learning how to manage food in their mouths, so soft texture is important.

How to Store Sweet Potato Puree

Once the sweet potato puree is cooled, spoon it into a silicone baby food tray or freezer-safe container.

Freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to thaw small portions as needed.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Puree

You can serve sweet potato puree plain, or thin it with a little water, breastmilk, or formula.

As your baby gets more comfortable with solids, you can leave the texture slightly thicker instead of completely smooth. You can also mix sweet potato puree with other baby-friendly foods your baby has already tried, like pear, apple, carrot, or plain yogurt.

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potatoes for Baby

Choose sweet potatoes that feel firm and heavy for their size.

Cut the sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

For puree, add liquid slowly. It’s easier to thin a puree than to fix one that’s too watery.

For baby-led weaning, make sure the spears are soft enough to mash between your fingers.

Avoid salt for babies.

Let the sweet potatoes cool before serving.

Freeze extra puree in small portions so you don’t have to make baby food from scratch every time.

FAQs

Can babies eat sweet potatoes as a first food?

Yes, sweet potatoes are a popular first food for babies because they cook until soft, have a mild flavor, and can be served as puree, mash, or soft spears. Always make sure your baby is developmentally ready for solids.

Do I have to peel sweet potatoes for baby?

For puree, I prefer peeling sweet potatoes so the texture blends smooth. For spears, you can peel them or leave some skin on depending on your comfort level and your baby’s stage. For young babies, peeled and soft is usually easier.

Can I add breastmilk or formula to sweet potato puree?

Yes. You can add breastmilk or formula to thin the puree and make the flavor more familiar for baby. Add a little at a time until you reach the consistency you want.

Can I freeze sweet potato puree?

Yes. Sweet potato puree freezes well. Spoon it into a silicone baby food tray, freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.

How do I reheat frozen sweet potato puree?

Thaw the frozen cube in the fridge or gently warm it until heated through. Stir well and make sure there are no hot spots before serving it to baby.

Can I add spices to sweet potatoes for baby?

You can introduce mild spices once your baby is ready and has tolerated the food plain. Cinnamon, cumin, or a tiny pinch of garlic powder can work well, but skip salt and added sugar.

Are sweet potato spears safe for baby-led weaning?

Sweet potato spears can work for baby-led weaning when they are cut into easy-to-hold pieces and cooked until very soft. Always supervise your baby while eating.

You May Also Like

• Check out my Starting Solids: How to Prepare Pears for Baby for another easy first food.
• Try Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese for a cozy toddler-friendly meal.
• If you’re looking for more kid-friendly ideas, check out my Zaatar French Toast Muffins.

Print Recipe

Starting Solids: Sweet Potatoes for Baby

Sweet potatoes are an easy first food for baby. Prepare them as a smooth puree for spoon-feeding or as soft spears for baby-led weaning.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 Baby Servings

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• Water breastmilk, or formula, as needed for puree
• 1 teaspoon olive oil optional for spears

Instructions

For Sweet Potato Puree

• Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
• To steam in the Instant Pot, place the sweet potato cubes in a steamer basket. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then carefully release the pressure.
• To boil, place the sweet potato cubes in a pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 20–30 minutes, or until very soft.
• Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a blender or food processor.
• Blend until smooth, adding water, breastmilk, or formula a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Let the puree cool completely before serving it to baby.

For Sweet Potato Spears

• Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into long, finger-shaped spears that are easy for baby to hold.
• Lightly brush with olive oil, if using.
• For the air fryer, cook at 180°C for 4–6 minutes per side, or until soft.
• For the oven, roast until tender, about 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
• Let the spears cool before serving.
• Check that the sweet potato is soft enough to mash between your fingers before offering it to baby.

Notes

Do not add salt for baby.

Always supervise your baby while eating.

For younger babies, soft finger-shaped pieces are easier to grip than small pieces.

For puree, freeze leftovers in a silicone baby food tray. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.

You can thin the puree with water, breastmilk, or formula.

Check with your pediatrician if you’re unsure whether your baby is ready to start solids.