How to Make Baby Food

Making baby food from regular--even organic--groceries costs half as much as buying pre-made baby foods and takes very little time (10 minutes or less once foods are cooked). Save money now!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A blender
• An assortment of vegetables and fruits (read labels of pre-made baby foods for ideas, such as yams, peas, carrots, squash, apples, pears)
• Rice or lentils
• Ice cube tray meant for large ice cubes and resealable plastic bags meant for freezing
• Small plastic containers or recycled baby food jars and lids

1. Cook the fruits, vegetables and rice/lentils until soft in consistency. Peel vegetables as required (applies to carrots, yams/sweet potatoes, beets, etc...). Cooking breaks down the food, making it easier for your baby to digest. When boiling fruits or vegetables to soften them, do not discard the cooking water--you can add it to the puree later. Portions to keep in mind: Two apples or four medium carrots (peeled and sliced, then boiled in water to cover) amount to about 12 oz of puree.

2. When fruits, vegetables and rice/lentils are fully cooked, puree them thoroughly, one at a time, in a blender. Add water, cooking water (see above) or juice to the puree if it does not slosh a little while mixing in the blender (check out the consistency of pre-made baby foods). Keep in mind that rice and lentils will soak up additional moisture once pureed. If using these ingredients, add more water or juice. If you already know which foods your child will or won't eat, consider mixing the pureed ingredients (e.g., carrots and peas, yams and apples, beets, carrots and rice).

3. Allow ingredients to cool, then pour mixtures into clean storage containers, label them (food type and date) and freeze. Or, pour mixtures into the compartments of a large ice cube tray and freeze. Muffin tins also work for this purpose. When foods are frozen, dump the food cubes into freezer-type plastic bags labeled with the food type and date.

4. To use frozen baby foods, remove a day's worth of foods from freezer in the morning and allow to thaw at room temperature. To thaw quickly, seal foods in a plastic bag or container and submerse in hot water. Avoid thawing foods in plastic containers in the microwave (plastic particulates may adhere to the foods).

Tips & Warnings

• Always choose ingredients at the peak of their freshness.
• Wash and peel foods before boiling or baking them.
• Consider pureeing foods that are already on the family's menu: if you're having peas with dinner, boil a few extra cups.
• If you don't know whether your child will eat a particular food or combination of foods, prepare a few smaller portions to test with your child before pureeing large quantities.
• If you're pressed for time, consider making a few jars of one food or simple combination of foods every few days, when your supplies are running low. This method of rotation ensures you use up what's already in the freezer and takes minimal time.
• Consider using "pump and seal" breast milk storage bags to store baby foods. Lay the bags flat to freeze (the thinner profile gives foods more surface area, which allows them to thaw quickly).
• Use frozen foods within a month.
• Avoid (or use sparingly) foods that are difficult for children to digest, such as onions, cabbage, broccoli, and beans).
• Introduce foods one at a time over the course of 3-5 days to ensure your child does not react adversely.

[EarthMother]

on 6/30/2009 How to Make Baby Food - after reading this I want some baby food. (LOL) You get a recommend. Smile!