If the baby formula shortage taught us anything, it’s that we only have ourselves to truly rely on when it comes to feeding our littles. So, here’s 8 tips to start making your own baby food!
by Regina Thomas | Regina Thomas is a Southern California native who spends her time as a freelance writer. She loves cooking at home when she can find the time and taking walks with her Golden Retriever, Sadie.
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You know what they say, the best things in life are homemade! When it comes to baby food, this old adage remains true. Not only is homemade baby food more nutritious than its store-bought counterpart, but it’s also less likely to contain harmful additives and preservatives.
If you’ve considered making your own baby food at one point or another, but stayed away from trying it because you didn’t feel confident doing it, then you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’re going to give you 8 super easy tips to start making your own baby food. These tips will help you feel confident that your little one is getting a healthy dose of baby food. So, let’s get started!
1. Choose the Right Ingredients
When it comes to picking out ingredients for homemade baby food, opt for fresh, organic produce whenever possible. Why organic? Well, organic foods are very healthy since they are grown without using any harmful pesticides and chemicals. They’re also generally more nutrient-dense, and you’ll be supporting sustainable agriculture practices by choosing them.
2. Get the Right Equipment
Preparing homemade baby food doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment. In fact, all you really need is a blender or baby food processor to puree the ingredients, and some ice cube trays to store the food in. If you want to get a little more creative, however, there are some great baby food makers on the market that come with all the bells and whistles, like steamers and grinders.
3. Start Simple
When you’re first starting out, it’s best to stick to simple recipes with just a few ingredients. Once your baby gets used to the taste and texture of homemade food, you can start experimenting with more complex flavor combinations.
One important thing to keep in mind while still keeping your recipe simple is always to ensure it has a good source of protein. Protein is vital for your baby’s overall growth, so make sure it’s included in every meal.
4. Be Food Safe
Just like when you’re cooking for adults, it’s important to practice food safety when preparing homemade baby food. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands, especially before handling any food. Also, be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables using either warm or running water. And when it comes to cooking meat, poultry, and fish, make sure it’s cooked through completely before pureeing it.
5. Know How To Store It
Nothing spoils a good meal like letting it go bad. So, when you’re starting to prepare larger batches of homemade baby food, it’s important to know how to store it correctly.
Ideally, you should store homemade baby food in single-serving portions in the freezer. That way, you can use only what you need and avoid any waste. When storing baby food in the fridge, use covered containers and consume within 2-3 days.
6. Be Creative With Your Combinations
You don’t have to limit yourself to just fruits and vegetables when making baby food. There are all sorts of different ingredients you can use to create healthy and delicious meals for your little one.
Try incorporating some whole grains into your recipes, like quinoa, oats, or barley. You can also add in some healthy fats, like olive oil or avocado. And don’t forget about beans and legumes! They’re rich in proteins and can be pureed into just about anything.
7. Get a Little Help From the Internet
Starting to make your own baby food can seem like a daunting task. Luckily, there’s no shortage of resources available to help you out.
The internet is packed with recipes, cooking tips, and even printable charts that can show you exactly what ingredients to use and how to combine them. So, if you ever get stuck, just do a quick search, and you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
8. Have Fun With It!
Like with anything in life, the more fun you have with it, the better the results will be. So, don’t be afraid to try new recipes in the kitchen and let your creativity run wild. Explore different flavor combinations and textures, and who knows… You might end up creating one of your child’s favorite recipes.
The Takeaway
Making homemade baby food is a great way to give your little one a healthy and delicious start in life. And, with these tips in mind, it’s easier than you might think! Start today and see for yourself how simple and rewarding it can be.
