Many parents may not realize just how easy it is to make their own baby food. Pre-made baby food that you buy at the store is convenient but it is also expensive and not nearly as nutritious as fresh fruits and vegetables. Freshly made baby food is definitely healthier for baby but many parents claim they just don't have the time to make their own. You may be surprised at how quick and easy it is to make and store freshly made baby food and you'll find how much easier it can be on your wallet.
Recently there have been a flood of all in one baby food maker products enter the marketplace. These products are designed to steam and then puree fruits or vegetables in the same container. If you are like most families in America you have more kitchen appliances and gadgets than you know what to do with so you probably already have enough tools to make your own baby food. A rice cooker with a steamer insert is a great way to steam fruits and vegetables if you don't want to boil water and do it the old fashioned way or use a microwave. Almost everyone has a food processor or blender in their house that will puree fruits and vegetables to your desired consistency. You might even have the Magic Bullet, which just might be the greatest "baby food maker" out there because of how quick and convenient it is. Keep in mind you don't need something that plugs in either. Potato ricers, potato mashers and food mills all work just fine too. Don't be tricked into buying another expensive kitchen appliance like a baby food maker that will end up collecting dust next to the waffle maker you got for wedding and used twice.
So you've decided you want the best for your baby and you want to make your own baby food but you have no idea what to steam and puree. First you will want to speak with your doctor about what foods are appropriate for each age group and which foods should be avoided, and always try to buy organic or locally grown produce. The doctor will probably start baby on root vegetables like squash, sweet potatoes and carrots for a month or two before introducing other vegetables. Once good eating habits have been established, you will probably get the green light to introduce green vegetables like brocolli and spinach as well as fruit. Keep in mind that getting kids to eat their vegetables can be much more challenging than fruits so it might be a good idea to wait until your baby enjoys plenty of vegetables before introducing fruits.
A great resource for parents who make their own baby food is the Baby Bistro Recipe Box from Baby Bistro Brands. The box includes recipes, nutritional information, shopping guides and safety tips. There is a recipe box for children up to twelve months and another recipe box for toddlers one to three years old. With recipes like avocado mish-mash and applesauce pumpkin pudding, there is a recipe in the box for even the pickiest eaters. Order the recipe boxes or books online at babybistrobrands.com.
Save yourself time and energy by making as much baby food as you can at a time. Most fruits and vegetables can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours so any portions that are not going to be used within 48 hours should be frozen immediately. Pouring pureed fruits and vegetables into ice cube trays is an easy way to freeze baby food. For the safest and most environmentally friendly way to store baby food, look to Wean Green baby food containers. Wean Green baby food containers are made of durable glass cubes with silicone sealed lids, and are BPA, PVC, Phthalates and Plasticizer free so they can be frozen and heated without concern. Order online at weangreen.com.
The day your child starts to eat from a spoon there is no looking back. It will get messy, especially in the beginning when food looks more like a new, fun toy to your child rather than a meal. Protect your floor from inevitable messes with the SplatMat from BooginHead. The SplatMat is a 52 inch round mat that goes under the high chair so that spilled food "splats" on the mat on not on your floor. It cleans easily and works well for other messy activities besides eating. Available at Babies R Us or online at booginhead.com. Also from BooginHead, try the SippiGrip to keep your child's sippy cup attached to them and off the floor.
Making your own baby food may seem like a daunting task but it really is much easier than you might think. Commit yourself to making a week's worth of food at a time and you will always have a freezer full of healthy and preservative free baby food. You will have peace of mind knowing you are feeding your baby only the best and that you are establishing healthy eating habbits early in life.
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