Babies grow so fast. Before long your baby will be ready for more than just a bottle to eat. When it is time to move on to solid foods, give your baby the best by making your own baby food. Now there is nothing wrong with buying commercially prepared baby food. But there are many advantages to making your own.
Freshness
When you make your own food for your baby you are ensuring the freshness of the food you give your baby. You can puree fresh fruits and vegetables, and as your child grows you can add other foods your family enjoys. Just blend the foods in your blender or food processor until you get a smooth consistency that your baby can handle. You may need to add a little liquid to some foods, but most should puree nicely.
Cost Efficient
Buying commercial baby food can cost quite a bit over time. But by making your own using food you already buy for your family you can reduce those costs considerably. There are no special foods to buy, no special equipment. Just your blender and the food your family eats!
Control
You are in charge of what goes in your baby's food. Not some corporation, you the parent. Only you understand your child's needs the best. Perhaps your child has a food allergy. By making food for your baby yourself, you can avoid the foods that trigger the allergy.
Convenience
Now many people will think that opening a jar of baby food would be more convenient than making your own. But that isn't always so. When you puree food for your baby, you can make enough to freeze to use later. Because freezing keeps it fresh, you will always have the best baby food on hand.
Tips for Making Baby Food
To make the best homemade baby food, try to buy only organic fruits and vegetables. If you can't find organic, make sure you thoroughly wash the produce to remove any traces of pesticides. Cube the produce and remove any stringy or tough parts. Steam vegetables so they are soft, but still retain the nutrients.
Puree the produce in a food processor or blender. When the mix reaches the right consistency, pour the mixture into ice cube trays and cover with plastic wrap. After the cubes are frozen, remove them and store in individual zipper freezer bags. Storing the baby food this way makes it easy to use only what you need. Remove the food you will need for each day the night before and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator. If you warm the food in the microwave, make sure you stir it thoroughly to prevent any hot spots.
As your child grows, you can move on to introducing the foods your family normally eats. Puree them first and avoid foods with excess salt, sugar, and fats. Children get enough of these things as they grow. There is no need to introduce them at an early age.
Making your own baby food can be rewarding and beneficial for both you and your baby. It is easy to do and can help shape your child's tastes and help them learn to love fresh foods!
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