Make Your Own Baby Food

When I was pregnant with Saya, I always wondered about making her baby food when she was ready for solids. Thankfully, I worked with someone who had experience with making the baby food. My boss had discussed some basic details and had encouraged me to give it a try and I am so thankful that I did. It was so much easier then I thought it would be. Just an hour or so of my time made weeks worth of food. One of the best parts of the process was that the food can be frozen for up to 3 months. This was and still is addicting and now that Saya is eating pretty much what we serve for dinner, it is all even easier. Not to mention, as a mother it made me feel great knowing exactly what was being put in my daughters mouth. No artificial ingredients or preservatives when you make your own food. It's even better when you use the organic veggies and fruits. So for the weary, I ask that you give it a try. You may find it just as easy.


One thing that I kept in mind in making the pureed baby food was that I made sure I made this process an inexpensive one. So when I purchased some of the tools needed, I made sure that I would use it for more than just making her food. This is key because you will get your money's worth out of the tools. Not a penny wasted.

TOOLS NEEDED:
Blender / Food Processor / Food Mill
Ice cube trays (preferably with a lid)*
Veggie Peeler
Freezer Bags (Qt or Gallon size)
Veggie Steamer pot insert**
Permanent Marker - To label the Freezer Bags with Food Item and Date Made

*You can get away with regular ice cube trays but you will want to make sure that you securely wrap the tray with plastic wrap + aluminum foil to protect the food. The food only needs approx. 24 to freeze properly, so this wrapping will be sufficient .
**You'll need to cook the veggie / fruit  so you can choose to steam the food or bake which are the two preferred methods. I have a veggie steamer insert which cost all of $11.


OPTIONAL:
These can make your life easier but are definitely not necessary to accomplish this task.
Apple / Pear Slicer
Potato Masher / Fork
  
SOURCE:
WholesomeBabyFood.com
This is a GREAT website that provides the details on what foods to feed at each stage of the baby's life. It includes awesome recipes and tips as well. If nothing else, it is a great read.


This was my go to guide for it all. I still reference it from time to time to review the foods that can be fed to Miss Saya during the different stages.


PERSONAL NOTE:
I want to point out that there were some foods that I chose not to make due to the time and effort it would have taken to make, which of course can be very limited at this stage of the child's life. In these cases, I just purchased the organic pre-made versions you find in almost any grocery store. So far these foods include: rice cereal, oatmeal, peas, green beans and prunes.


Good luck and feel free to ask any questions about this process!