The TLC Cooking website states that most children begin to show interest in solid food by about 12 months old. Adding vegetables, such as carrots, is an efficient way to increase the vitamins, minerals and fiber your baby consumes--without adding additional cholesterol. Although there are many types of baby foods available at the store, it is cheaper and easier to control the ingredients if you make your own at home.
Step 1
Clean the carrots under running water or with a vegetable wash. The TLC Cooking website explains that this helps to remove any dirt or pesticides.
Step 2
Peel the carrots.
Step 3
Chop the carrots into smaller pieces on a clean cutting board. This will help speed up the cooking process.
Step 4
Cook the carrots by steaming, boiling or baking until they are soft. If boiling, the Babycenter website recommends using as little water as possible.
Step 5
Use a baby food mill, a food processor or a fork to mash up the carrots. Add a little of the cooking water to increase the moisture content of the baby food.
Tips and Warnings
- As your baby gets bigger and becomes more experienced with eating solid food, the TLC Cooking website recommends adding more texture by mashing the carrots less. This can help teach your baby how to chew, helping her move onto the same foods the entire family eats at mealtimes. If desired, place homemade baby food in ice cube trays or containers, and store in the freezer for later consumption.
- The Babycenter warns that bacteria can grow easily in baby food, so be sure to store any leftover baby food in the refrigerator for up to two days. Frozen vegetables can stay fresh in the freezer for approximately six months. Only serve your baby the amount of food you think she will consume at each feeding. Because baby's saliva can make it easier for bacteria to flourish in baby food, throw away what your baby doesn't eat. Never sweeten or add seasonings to homemade baby food. Not only is this unnecessary, corn syrup and honey can cause a fatal food poisoning called botulism. In addition, salt and other types of seasoning can encourage childhood obesity and may even lead to the development of diabetes and hypertension.
Things You'll Need
- Cutting board
- Baby food mill, a food processor or a fork
