Making Your Own Baby Food

I made pretty much all of my baby's food (he is now 2) and it worked fine. Wasn't really that much of a hassle. You just need a blender. The book I liked best was The Big Book of Recipes for Babies Toddlers and Children .. I still use it all the time. The nice thing about making baby food is that you can make more than you need and then freeze the rest in ice cube trays, and then just thaw what you need.

Hi, I made baby food for both of my children who are now 7 and 3 years old. It really wasnt too difficult, I just steamed the fruits and veggies we were eating prioir to seasoning any of them and then put them in a food processor to get the desired consistency, I actually used ice cube trays and froze them ahead of time, usually on Sunday afternoons and then placed them in those "snack sized" plastic bags(usually 3 cubes of food in a bag) I would then take those bags to the sitter or wherever we were going to be, and use them to feed the kids.

My kids are No worse for wear, actually they are very good "healthy" eaters and they will always try new things...I think this can be attributed to them not getting the "same old stuff" when they were young. My kids will eat tofu too, always have, and they ate tofu as babies...in place of ground meat a lot. Good luck
Jennie

Really just whatever you are eating can be put into a baby food mill or food processor. Some things are easy enough to mash with a fork. Add a little water if you need to. Avacado and banana need no preparation, just mash it up.

Great idea! I made both of my daughter's babyfood for at least most of the firsty ear (or until they were eating mostly table food). Start out with whatever you'd start with in a jar - apples, sweet potatoes, peas. With apples, for instance, just wash, peel, slice and core them, cook them in a pot with a little water and then must mash them up (or in a food processor when the texture needs to be really smooth at first). I'd freeze them into ice cube trays and just use a cube at a time. If I were going somewhere, I'd put a cube into a little Tupperware container and it'd be mostly thawed by the time I got to my destination (could add a little hot water to thaw/warm it when you get there). I loved making my own combinations and consistencies and I felt better knowing exactly what I was feeding them. I always felt they tasted better than that nasty stuff in the jars. There are a bunch of good books too - Superfoods is a good one and there's another but I can't remember the name of it...First Meals I think it's called. First Meals is a little better for a mainstream book (SuperFoods is more towards a life change than just making baby food). good luck!

You've already received lots of good advice so I'll keep it short. I've seen it written that you shouldn't season/spice you're babies food but I disagree. I never held back with what I fed my daughter (except with hot/spicy food as that could damage taste buds) and now she will eat just about anything! We had homemade curry last night and she even wanted some of that. She is curious about everything I am eating. She is 17 months old and has even had sushi (the cooked, rolled type). Good luck!

Hi, I made both of my sons baby food and now I am getting ready to make my daughters. Its easer than you think also you can find this thing called a baby food grinder or put everything into a food processor I found that using a blender doesn't work to well.The baby food grinder is from gerber and it runs about $7 or less. you can get fresh veggies and cook them until done and hen put them in the grinder but you will need to add formula or Breast Milk to it when it is grinded with you baby just starting out. and thicken the baby food in a month or so by a year old the baby should be able to eat stage 3 in baby food this means you do not have to add milk to the mixture but I always did to make sure there was no choking. I would not do fruit until you have done most of the veggies (carrots,peas,green beans, sweet potatoes) Also keep in mind if you want to save time cooking for the both of you make enough for everyone do not season until after you pull the baby's portion out and grind up what ever you are eating. It is more work then opening a jar of baby food but you know what is going into your babys mouth. Also there are these little bowls you can get to store the baby food in when you are finished cooking and grinding it I think Ziplock makes them the are small and round kinds like for snacks.

Hey A.! Good for you for thinking of making your babies food...I am doing it too, and was also worried that it would be "hard," but it is actually quite easy! You don't really have to 'cook,' just steam, dice and freeze stuff. I am using a book called "Super Baby Food" by Ruth Yaron that I highly reccommend. My son was right around six months when I started to explore the book. At first I thought it was kind of daunting, the book is like 500 pages long...but after reviewing it a second time (you DON"T have to read the whole thing) I got the hang of it. My son is eating kale and mangos and asparagus and other GREAT foods. It is really satisfying to see him eat such healthy, organic, freshly made food! This book has suggestions and recipes for ages 6 months to three years. Good luck! Let me know if you have more questions!
Cheers
P.

A., i RARELY ever BOUGHT PROCESSED BABY FOOD. i GOT A GOOD FOOD CHOPPER, DID THE MEATS, VEGGIES, FRUITS, ETC.. IN THIS LITTLE ELECTROC FOOD CHOPPER AND MY CHILDREN ARE very HEALTHY. ( sorry,, caps lock just jumps out at ya sometimes..) But I would very highly recommend it to anyone.. Get the tiny storage containers, store the food in the fridge but only a couple days at most, and there ya go. No adding baby food jars to the landfills, no wondering what preservatives and chemicals are going into your babys body anymore, and YOU get to decide what she eats and what you can do without,, ( such as high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, additives, insecticides, FD&C whatever food dye) no one can benefit from any of that. My kids are highly active, rarely EVER get sick or colds even, They have a great diet because that's what they were raised with. There are no potato chips, cheezy poofs, sodas, etc.. in this house. The kids do not ask for them in the grocery store. They ask for things like, fresh sprouts, apples, tangerines, zicchinis, etc.. for their snacks.
With obesity becoming an epidemic in American children it's time we stepped back and realized that it's us as the parents who need to take control of this. It's not up to an innocent child. We need to make the healthy start in our childs life so they can continue on their own when they're grown
A.

I made all my kids babyfood and it's not as hard as it sounds. My mother-in-law provided all my veges from her organic garden. Most grocery stores have a section of organic produce- worth the extra cost for your baby. I steamed the veges- put them through a babyfood grinder- and froze small portions in a ice cube tray. I also mixed veges together for a different flavor. Remember to always follow your pediatricians advice on adding new foods. Good-luck!!!!!!!!!!!

I have made all my son's food, he is almost a year old and eating mostly from the table, but it really wasn't that hard to do. Top 100 Baby Purees by Anabel Karmel is what I used. Some of them were kind of out there, and some were against APA guidelines, but others were so good I'm going to make them for the family to eat (just won't puree them).
Also, wholesomebabyfood.com is a good website - I got some ideas from there as well, they have some things that aren't in the book. Happy cooking
PS - the most time consuming thing is prepping - peeling, chopping, etc. We bought cheapo ice cube trays, froze them (each cube is approximately a 1 oz serving) then when they were frozen popped them out into large freezer bags - worked wonderfully - we have a deep freezer...Also, there is a big debate on organic v non-organic. From what I have read, if you are going to take the peel off something - apples carrots, potatos, etc, its' not work the price, because that's where most of the problem lies. If you are going to eat the skin, grapes, pears, etc then organic is good, but really, we couldn't afford to and he's none the worse for the wear!

I made my two children most of their baby food too. I really didn't find it that time consuming. Often, I would steam vegetables while we were eating dinner or while they were napping. I even made meat for them... I would just use the leftovers from a beef roast or chicken breast that we had eaten and puree those with lots broth. I didn't make their cereal, just veggies, fruits, and meat.

I used ice cube trays. They are about 1 oz. for each cube and once they were frozen, I would pop them out and put them in large freezer bags with the date I made it. When I needed some food, I just took out what I wanted and defrosted them while I was cooking dinner, etc. I also had some little sealable cube containers that I got from One Step Ahead... I found the ice cube tray to be more convenient, but would use the sealable ones to take to daycare or for the meat. (The daycare teachers were amazed that you could make your own baby food and thought it was really neat that I was doing that for them.)

I found that it was difficult to make green beans and peas because of the strings and outer casing on the peas. For those two vegetables (and carrots) I would get organic baby food in jars. Also, I read that you really aren't supposed to make your own root vegetables (beets, carrots) because there are nitrates in them and you can't get them out without the high temperatures of canning. When making apples, use red apples (green apples can make their bellies hurt). But, if you make your own food, you can make so many more interesting things than you can find in stores... my kids ate baby food broccoli.

I also tried to buy all of their food organic/natural. I found that even paying the higher prices for the organic, I was still saving money by making my own baby food. Good luck!

look for the book "super BAby Foods" It is blue. It is awesome and tell you everything you need to know!

I'm doing the same for my 6 month old son the only difference is I am a cook. I would suggest that you go to a book store (or as I did, Amazon) and get a baby food cookbook. Here's a great website I just found, It seems very informative and I find the charts helpful. http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/babyfoodrecipeintro.htm

First, I would suggest getting the book, "First Meals". I made my sons baby food and it worked out great. The great thing about the recipes in the First Meals book is you can make more and freeze it. I would just cook once a month and put the food in ice cube trays to freeze. It was the perfect portion size and it worked great! Just pop whatever meal you choose to serve out of the ice cube tray and into the microwave and it is a great time saver and it is healthier and cheaper for your child! Good Luck!

http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-make-your-own-baby-foo...

Just to offer a suggestion.. When my oldest daughter (who is 6), was about 3 months old I found a baby food grinder. It was the coolest thing, it wasnt automatic, it had a handle that you put food in the center turned the handle and the food was puree'd.. Awesome awesome.. I used it for 6 and 4 yr old, took it everywhere, it had only 3 pieces so it washed easy and it wasnt big and bulky.. My kids ate what we ate.. applesauce I fed them from the same jar as the rest of the family, as well as mash pots (just thinned them out), in the grinder I would put green beans, or carrots, instant baby food.. my kids hardly ate any " baby food", made it nice to save the extra money, with no fuss.. And with this grinder.. just like baby food has porkchops and applesauce mixed, I did the same thing, I would grind up a pork chop, mix it with applesauce and little extra water if it needed thinned out.. My children never had any vitamin defiencies and to this day they are still big fruit and veg eaters.. I just had my 3rd and I need to find another one myself !! I gave my old one away.. AFTER I TYPED AND SENT THIS I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE HERE IS THE WEB ADDRESS I FOUND ONE ONLINE, YOU CAN SEE WHAT I MEAN..
http://www.happybabyproducts.com/kidcofoodmill.html

we made some using the blender baby food book, but there are NUMEROUS books and websites out there. i never did her cereal, but did fruits and veggies... and then when i got too busy to do that, i switched to the earth's best organic foods, which are great not only because they are organic, but they have variety beyond peas, carrots, and green beans, and the usual fruits. it's not bad making your own food, but the secret seems to be big batches and freeze them. i think really all you'll need is a blender or food processor, as most things you can cook until they are soft and then puree to your preference of thickness. i think it's great that you are doing that, it will help you sort of "direct" your daughter's tastes as she grows, hopefully for the better. good luck!
J.

Hi A.,

I made almost all of my daughter's baby food and would highly recommend it. I found it to actually be less expensive, super convenient, and it made me feel really proud to know I was doing something so good for her. I would highly recommend the book called "Super Baby Food" by Ruth Yaron (i think that's the right last name...) She gives tons of detailed directions, money saving ideas, recipes, and nutrition information. I too am in the health fitness field and I think it's a great start for your baby. Good luck!

:) K.

I have been making baby food for my son, I find it very easy and conveinent. Check out the book "Super Baby Food" by Ruth Yaron, it really helped me to get an idea of what to do it also has great recipes for the whole family. I take a day after I go to the store to get the freshest fruits and veggies wash, steam, then puree in the food processor. I use ice cube trays to freeze then place in freezer bags. When it comes time for meals, I simply pop a couple cubes in the microwave for 20 seconds. I find it much easier to make my own food, I also enjoy knowing exactly what my son is getting. When I saw the baby food jars at the store I was disgusted by what the looked like.Good Luck with it.

Not sure how much info you have on this but it is NOT as difficult as you may think! HOWEVER, it does take a little planning and prep. ahead of time. I have a 2 and 4yr old and I made most of their food for the first year. I would grind of "process" and the put the food in icecube trays until frozen and then put the same food in zip lock bags. When ready to eat you could just take out veggie or meat or whatever you prefered and put in a bowl to thaw. I could freeze ahead enough for a week or so, and then I didn't have to do it daily! GOOD LUCK whatever you decide!:)

Let me begin by saying good for you for doing what is best for your family and stickng to your resolution! I have 2 girls the oldest is now 2 and I made all of her baby food, and now my youngest is 6 months old and have started her on homemade baby food.
I strongly suggest getting a veggie steamer (I have a veggie/rice steamer) and a blender. You have to have the blender but you could steam your veggies in a pot on the stove. The steamers are easier though. Most of the steamers come with instructions on how long to steam your veggies (and later meats).
Like you said, it is time consumming. It is best you take a half a day (yes, half a day!) and get it all done, as opposed to you doing a little throughout the week. You will find that it dirties a lot of dishes and to only wash them once is much easier.
As some suggest - and what I did with my first daughter - is to freeze the pureed food in ice cube trays. It works well and that is one way to do it. This go 'round I am putting 4-5 tablespoons in snack size zipoc and putting them in a gallon size freezer ziploc in the deep freezer. As I need different veggies I just pull out one of the smaller size bags out the larger bags and let it thaw out in the frigde. I am a SAHM and I am able to pull it out the frigde as I need it, but if you work you might need to portion it out and the cubes might be easier. You will find what works best for you.
If you google MAKING YOUR OWN BABYFOOD you will find zillions of recipies.

Here is a general guide to what to fed your baby and when.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_age-by-age-guide-to-feeding-y...

By the way, it it suggested that you don't make your own carrot babyfood because some of the places the veggie is grown has high amounts of nitrogen in the soil. If you do give your baby homemade carrot puree, keep it to a minimum.

If you need anything else or have any further questions once you get started just send me a private message. I would be glad to help. S.

Happy Pureeing!!

To echo many other moms' responses: it's very easy to make babyfood for your child. The book "Super Baby Food" was my bible. They teach you how to make and freeze everything using ice cube trays, and when your baby is older, muffin pans. I spend about 3-4 hours a month making and freezing batches of food, then we just move the cubes from freezer to fridge each night. Our boy eats a great variety of fruits, veggies & grains. Go for it.

I made my own food for my daughter and loved it. I have some great suggestions for making the process VERY easy and not so time consuming.

1. Buy a microwave vegetable steamer (you use less water than boiling them on the stove; all the nutrients stay in the veggies instead of the water that you'll through away).

2. Buy a blender (I used a Magic Bullet - as seen on TV - you can buy them at Kohl's, I believe).

3. Buy 4 or so ice cube trays

4. Buy frozen veggies (make sure to check the ingredients on the back...some have added salt and you don't want that)

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1. Throw your vegetable of choice in the microwave steamer pot, add water (I used more water than the bag of veggies recommended. This is sort of a trial and error process.) Throw in microwave for 5-7 minutes. The harder the vegetable the longer I'd microwave. Carrots take the longest usually. HINT: you want to have some excess water in the steamer when you are done. Reserve this water to throw into blender.

2. Place steamed vegetables and some of the water into blender. You may find you need to add more of the reserved water to get the right consistency.For a 6 month old I would make sure there are no chunks just yet. HINT: You may need to "shake the blender a little while it's blending to make sure all the veggies are getting blended.

3. Using a tablespoon, spoon out the blended veggies into the ice cube trays.

4. Freeze

5. When you are ready to use toss 2-3 cubes into a microwave safe dish and micowave. Be sure to stir thoroughly and check for hot spots before serving.

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Helpful thoughts:
1. You're saving TONS of money this way (a frozen bag of veggies costs $2 and will make 6-8 meals depending on how much your little one eats).

2. You're saving TONS of plastic from going into our landfills
by not using individual Gerber, pre-made infant foods.

3. You can add a little taste variety by adding things like garlic or other herbs. Just do a pinch at a time though.

4. This really can be convenient! If you are going away for the weekend but staying somewhere there's a micro and fridge just throw some cubes into a freezer bag and place in cooler bag (Target has some really cute ones in the camping isle.)

5. If you are going out to dinner with the little one just microwave the veggies ahead of time, place in serving dish with lid and take with you. HINT: make it a little hotter than you normally would that way by the time you get to dinner her dinner will still be warm.

I hope this was helpful!
Enjoy your little one!

It is so easy to make your own baby food. I have a son who is severely disabled and I made his food from the time he started eating until he got a feed tube in July '07 and he was almost 6. I would buy frozen veggies and steam them (boiling takes the vitamins out) and put them in either a blender or food processor until they were pureed. I would put formula or juice (just enough to make it smooth) in with the veggies. As far as fruit goes I preferred fresh fruit and it blends very well. If I was in a hurry I would use canned fruit and rinse it off. Even as he got older I would make his food. This is more stage 2 or even stage 3. I would make some chicken, pork or pork chops and I would put that in the food processor until it was very fine and mix it with potatoes (it is easier if the potatoes are already mashed) and some veggies, if I need to make it smoother I would add a little applesauce. I would make about 5 or six containers at a time (At 3 yrs it would last about 2 weeks) and just take them out of the freezer as needed. It got to the point that I was able to make him enough food for a month in one evening (about 2 maybe 3 hours.)
Good Luck!
Jenn.......

I have 4 children and I made all of their food. If you buy frozen vegetables all you need to do is boil or steam them. Put them in a blender or food processor. You can add water, juice or formula then puree. As she gets older you can add less to make it thicker. My children eat vegtables and fruits all the time voluntarily because of this. I highly recommend it.

I owned 2 baby food grinders! I believe that is why our kids will eat almost ANYthing!

you can google... baby food grinders to probably find them - they were an hour glass shape with a manual handle on top that you turned to grind the same food you made for everyone else! I think one company was something like happy baby

Hi A.,

My daughter is 13 now, but when she was a baby I was determined to make her food. There are books available with recipes and ideas. I used the ice cube trays to freeze the food. After cooking something like sweet potatoes I would blend it up in the blender and then put it in the ice cube trays and freeze it.
It did not work out for me however, because my daughter didn't like anything I made, except for bananas :)
I had to buy the baby food at the store. But hopefully your baby will love it. My daughter is still to this day the most picky eater I have ever seen.

A.:
Do it! It really isn't as inconvenient as it may seem. Reserve about 1-2 hours on a Sunday, grab all the fruits and veggies you can, and process them one at a time. Start with one fruit or veggie at a time, then after about a month of getting your baby used to the tastes (and ensuring she doesn't have any allergies), start mixing a few together. When introducing some veggies, it's important to mix a fruit in for the sweetness...I remember our daughter's favorite was avocado/pinapple(!). Then, put the processed mixtures in ice cube trays and, once frozen, put them in labeled frozen food bags. It's super easy to just take a few cubes out and warm them up with some milk/fomula mixed in...plus you can better measure it that way for less waste. You can get some great recipies from www.Cuisinart.com! Good luck and have fun!