How to Make Homemade Baby Food

Have you ever thought about making your own baby food? This thought never came to mind with my first child. I was working full-time and just didn't think I'd have the time or energy to do so. However, when baby number two arrived, I thought I'd give it try. I was not working outside of the home anymore and I considered my job to involve doing what was best for my children.

In this article I will be giving you the basic steps and directions you will need to be able to start making your own baby food.

Is Baby Ready for Solids?

Usually by the age of six months a baby is ready to try solid foods. You may want to discuss your child's readiness for solid foods with your pediatrician before you begin.

Some things to look for to indicate if your child is ready to begin eating solid foods include: the loss of the tongue-thrust reflex which protects a baby from choking, but it will also push any solid foods right back out of the mouth; your baby can show you when he is becoming full by turning away from the bottle; your baby can sit up and hold his head up without any help; your baby has an interest in food and watching you eat; your baby has doubled his birth weight; and your baby has begun to wake during the night, especially after good sleeping patterns had already been established.

The Step by Step Process

1.) Bake, steam, or boil the vegetable or fruit
2.) Puree the cooked vegetable or fruit using a blender or food processor
3.) Freeze and store the puree

Yes, it's really that easy! Now, time for the details.

Bake, Steam, or Boil the Vegetable or Fruit

You will first need to cook the veggie or fruit that you will be using, the exception being bananas and avocados. The cooking process helps to break the food down which makes it easier for your baby to digest. Remember to peel the skins off the food before cooking.

Fresh foods are always the best. However, you can use frozen fruits and vegetables also. When using frozen foods check the label for added salt in veggies and syrups in fruits. If you cannot find these, simply rinse the fruits and vegetables very well before you cook them.

The best way to soften the food and keep the nutrients is through baking, steaming, or boiling in just enough water to cover the food. All of these methods also allow for making large batches of food at one time.

Puree the Cooked Vegetable or Fruit

You may want to thin your purees and you can do this either before or after the food has been frozen. I, personally, fine it easier to freeze the puree first and then thin it to a desired consistency after it thaws. You can thin a puree with water, formula, or juice.

After cooking the vegetable or fruit, you transfer it to the blender or food processor for pureeing. You will need to set the machine to puree or grind and you may need to use some extra water or formula to help smooth the food.

Stage 1 foods are pureed thin and watery and are baby's first solid food.
Stage 2 foods are a little bit thicker and with slightly more texture.
Stage 3 foods are chunky and thick.

Freezing and Storing

Do not refreeze any foods, including breast milk, that were allowed to thaw and were not cooked. This can cause harmful bacteria to grow on the foods.

If you don't plan on freezing your baby food, it is important to refrigerate it and use it within 48-72 hours. It would be best to make your baby food on a day-to-day basis if you do not plan on freezing it. This will cut down on waste and will also prevent bacteria from growing on the foods.

If you will be freezing your baby food, you will want to invest in either ice cube trays with lids or small plastic disposable containers with lids. After you finish pureeing the food, you will transfer the puree into either of these containers and then put them in the freezer. After the baby food is completely frozen, you will then remove the baby food from these containers and transfer to freezer bags. At this time, you will label the bags with the date of preparation and the contents. When you are ready to use the food, simply thaw and reheat. All frozen foods should be used within one month of freezing.

Babies and Food Allergies

Some experts recommend using the "four day wait" rule when introducing new solid foods. This allows you to introduce one new food at a time for several days in a row. This will allow you to better determine how your baby will react to each new food, to develop a likeness for each food, and to determine any sensitivity your baby may have. If your baby begins to show signs of an adverse reaction you should be able to determine which food has caused the reaction.

Citrus fruits should not be used in making baby foods. The acids found in these foods could cause gastrointestinal problems or a dermatological response.

Possible signs of an allergic reaction include: sudden diarrhea and/or vomiting; sudden rash; runny nose; hives; irritability; gas; breathing problems; swelling of the face, lips, tongue; closure of the throat. If your child experiences any of these, please seek advice from your pediatrician.

Good Foods to Try

Fruits - avocado, apple, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, mango, peaches, pears, plums, and pumpkin

Vegetables - asparagus, green beans, beets, carrots, eggplant, peas, white and sweet potatoes, butternut and acorn squash, zucchini, and summer squash

Again, please check with your pediatrician before starting your baby on any solid foods.

Benefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

1.) You know what your baby is eating
2.) You can control the consistency of your baby's food
3.) It's cheaper

Dos and Don'ts

Do use thinners like water, breast milk, formula, or juice
Do follow the "four day wait" rule
Do throw out any uneaten foods to prevent bacteria growth
Do freeze in ice cube trays or plastic containers
Do use feeding time as a fun time to bond with your child
Don't force feed your child
Don't use eggs
Don't use acidic foods like citrus
Don't use canned fruits or veggies
Don't use nuts, raisins, or peanut butter
Don't add salt or sugar

It really is this easy! Good luck and have fun!