Remember that meat dishes should be served to babies from about 8 months and up. These ages are somewhat flexible, depending on your baby's growth and development. Some pediatricians recommend not serving meat until 10 months, while some suggest babies as young as 6 months have their first chicken or beef.

• Wash and peel the carrots. Cut into small pieces.

• Place in a saucepan with enough water to cover the carrots. Bring the water to a boil; then simmer until the carrots are very tender, about 15–20 minutes.

• Place the carrots in a food processor or blender with the rice.

• Dice chicken. Add to the food processor, and purée for 30 seconds.

• Add water, breastmilk, or formula, 1 tablespoon at a time, to make the mixture smoother. Continue puréeing until smooth.

The Best Liquid

While water is an effective thinner, you can also use homemade chicken or vegetable stock, if your baby has already tried them. Don't use them in combination recipes until you're sure that they are well tolerated, and avoid store-bought bouillons, which contain a lot of salt and other spices.