How to Make Your Own Baby Food
by David Cummings
Instead of the exception, comparison shopping and coupon clipping is the norm these days. Parents are always thinking about ways to save money, and making your own baby food can be a great way to stick to a tight budget.
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. Your favorite retailer will have ice cube trays if you do not have one.
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. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower can be particularly gassy and you may need to avoid them with your baby. 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. Foods such as apples or squash can be cooked prior to being pureed. 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. Avoid chunking foods if your baby is just starting on solids. 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 husband and father who regularly writes on a variety of family topics. He is committed to helping parents create more-enjoyable family time and to working with children-oriented organizations. David is also the General Manager for BustlingBaby.com - a company that offers the convenient baby ring sling and baby travel systems as well as other necessary mobility products. |