How to Mash Foods for a Baby

Mashing your own baby food lets you know all the ingredients.

While many parents choose to purchase pre-packaged baby food, making your own food for your baby is a fairly simple process. Begin introducing foods such as cereal to your child at around six months old, introducing additional food items one at a time to ensure that your baby does not have an allergy to any of the foods. Before mashing your own food to your baby, talk to your pediatrician about the best time and types of foods to introduce to your specific child.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh food
• Fork, blender or food mill
• Storage containers

Instructions

1. Prepare your work area. Before starting to make your baby food, wash your hands well and scrub your work surface and any cooking utensils with warm, soapy water to ensure your work surface is clean.

2. Prepare your ingredients. Wash fruits and vegetables before peeling them and removing any seeds. Remove all fat, gristle, bone, skin and other connective tissues from meat products. If necessary, cook your ingredients by boiling them in a small amount of water until tender, or steam or bake your food.

3. Mash your food. Cut large pieces of food into smaller chunks and mash the food with a fork. Use a blender or food mill to puree foods that are harder to mash by hand.

4. Check the consistency. Test that your baby food is smooth by rubbing a small amount between your fingers. If your food is not smooth, add water, fruit juice or formula to help reach a better consistency.

5. Package and store your baby food. You may feed your baby right away, or store your baby food for later use. According to the National Network for Child Care, refrigerated meat products and raw fruits should be used within a day, while cooked vegetables may last up to three days. To freeze your baby food, place it in a cupcake or ice tray to freeze, then transfer it to a sealed bag for up to a month and thaw in the refrigerator or over the stove.

Tips & Warnings

• Babies do not need flavorings added to their food. Avoid adding salt, sweeteners or other seasonings.

References

• The University of Maine: Making Your Own Baby Food
• National Network for Child Care: Making Baby Food