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How to Make Your Own Baby Food

By David Cummings

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 19Jun2009
Word count: 553
Viewed: 327 time(s)

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Jarred baby food is quite expensive. While the per-jar cost may not seem too bad when you start buying it, you will soon notice that it adds up quickly, especially when your baby starts eating purees well. You may also wonder how fresh the food is. In reality, you could be feeding your baby food that is older than she is. One way to avoid the expense and concerns of jarred baby food is to make your own, and it is much easier than you might think.

The Supplies

The most important supply for making your own baby food is a good blender or baby food mill. At the beginning, your baby is going to need her food very finely pureed. You will also need a storage option. Many moms freeze their baby food in ice cube trays and then remove it and store it in freezer bags. If you do not have an ice cube tray, you can get one for very little at your favorite retailer.

The Food

You will probably start your baby on produce, and there is no right or wrong produce to use first. Few babies have allergies to vegetables, so choose the produce that is in season and looks as fresh as possible. Keep in mind that corn is hard on a baby's tummy and can be an allergen. If your baby is particularly gassy, you might want to avoid cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Try to use the fruits and vegetables you buy within two days if they are fresh. You can use frozen varieties as well.

Watch for Nitrates

Some vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, spinach, squash, and beets, contain nitrates, which in high levels can be dangerous for your baby. Because you do not want to avoid these foods, you need to make sure that you are not increasing the nitrates that are found in them. Some well water will contain nitrates, so have your water tested or only use bottled water for baby food preparation. Also, avoid storing these foods for long after they have been cooked, unless you are going to freeze them, because this can increase the number of nitrates they contain.

Making the Food

Wash your fruits and vegetables before you begin. If there is a skin on the food, peel it. If the food is hard, such as an apple or squash, cook it before you puree it. Baking, boiling, or steaming is the most nutritious way to do this. Then, add a little liquid to the food, which could be breast milk, formula, or the water the food was cooked in, and grind or puree it until it is very runny. If your baby is just starting on solids, do not give him food with chunks in it. As he adjusts to this new way of eating, you can make the food chunkier. Keep out the amount of food you need for no more than two days, and then freeze the rest in ice cube trays. When you are ready to introduce meats, make sure they are cooked thoroughly, and use the same process. Soon your baby will not need the food to be pureed, but until that time, you can feed her food that you know is fresh, healthy, and tasty by making it yourself.

David Cummings is a devoted parent and author on family topics. He is dedicated to helping parents improve family time together and to ensuring a brighter future for all children via contributions to children organizations. David is the General Manager for Bustling Baby, LLC - a company that knows the hectic parenting lifestyle and offers products to make life with baby easier, such as quality ring slings

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