Baby food is readily available in the supermarket, but you may find it's just as easy and less expensive to make your own. The benefits of homemade baby food include a fresher taste and fewer additives. The downside to making your own food is the labor involved and a shorter "use-by" date. Compare the pros and cons for your family before you undertake the project of preparing and storing homemade baby food.
Step 1
Peel fruits and vegetables before you cook them for your baby. Peels and skins are tougher than the flesh and may be too hard for a baby's developing system to digest. Peeling also removes pesticides and other impurities that you don't want your baby to eat. Large chunks of peel could also be a choking hazard.
Step 2
Skin chicken or turkey before cooking. Like vegetable and fruit peels, the skin is tough and your baby may not digest it easily.
Step 3
Boil or bake foods that are not naturally soft until fork-tender; exact times will differ according to the specific food, so keep a close watch on the stove. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray but don't add other oils or seasonings when you bake produce or meat. Boil foods with a small amount of water.
Foods that are already soft, like bananas or avocados, can be mashed with a fork without cooking.
Step 4
Mash the cooked vegetables, fruits or meats to the desired consistency with a fork, a blender or a food mill, adding water when needed. Young babies in the 4- to 6-month age group may take to the idea of eating solids more easily when the meals are very smooth and almost runny. Older babies, especially those who have teeth, may be more equipped to eat chunkier baby food.
Step 5
Store homemade baby food in airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Use the leftovers within a couple of days.
Step 6
Freeze homemade baby food to extend its life for up to eight months, according to Baby Center. Spoon small portions of each food into the divided sections of an ice cube tray. Place the tray in the freezer for several hours until the baby food is frozen.
Step 7
Pop the frozen baby food cubes out of the tray and put them into a zip-top freezer bag. Mark with the date and keep in the freezer until you're ready to use individual portions.
Things You'll Need
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat
- Vegetable peeler
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Cooking spray
- Fork
- Blender
- Food Mill
- Airtight containers
- Ice cube trays
- Zip-top plastic bags
