As a writer, I tend to read and research a lot (some might call it obsessive). So of course, I looked into everything I could while pregnant, from my chances of breastfeeding after my breast reduction, to the pros and cons of jarred versus homemade baby food.

I’ll be the first to admit that had it not been for one line in a magazine article, I’d be feeding my little girl jarred baby food right now. The line that sealed my fate as a homemade baby food gourmet went something like, “Most commercially prepared baby food has been on the market longer than your baby has been alive.”

Now, rationally I know that preservatives are running amok throughout my own body, and that my four sisters and I thrived on the jarred stuff, but for some reason I cannot pinpoint, my gut reaction to my baby eating food with an expiration date that might take us past her first birthday just made me gag.

“No way,” I said, looking at my husband. “She’s getting homemade food from the first bite.”

While plenty of my friends are serving up commercial baby meals, I never wavered in my decision to make my own food at home. So I researched and researched and researched, and finally decided I was ready to prepare some baby food in advance so I’d be ready when the time came. (Remember, I have already admitted that I am obsessive. Feel free to point and laugh.)

Knowing that the recommended age for the introduction of solids is about six months, I ran out to the grocery store when Eliana was just three months old, and came home with boxes of whole grain brown rice, sweet potatoes, apples, pears, bananas, and green beans. And with just a small pot to steam the veggies and fruits, a blender and a few ice cube trays, I made more food than I can probably use before freezer burn sets in for less than twenty dollars.

That, my friends, is another bonus. Instead of paying $1.00 for a two-pack of the packaged stuff, I made over 100 servings of baby food for about $15.00. And I’m no mathematician, but less than six cents per serving seems like some pretty smart shopping to me.

Another benefit I never would have initially thought of is the reduced waste I am generating each day. Instead of throwing away or recycling a jar of baby food, I merely rinse a teacup and set it aside for the next day’s use.

To date, I have prepared pumpkin, apples, banana, butternut squash, homemade rice cereal, pears, and green beans, and I continue to enjoy every minute.

Some might ask if the time involved is worth it. Of course, I will say, before explaining that the 30 minutes it might take me to steam, peel, puree, and freeze one sweet potato is nothing when it comes to savings gobs of money and the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what my baby is eating.

The process is relatively simple. For beginning eaters, simply boil or steam your selected produce, making sure to water it down to a runny consistency with either breastmilk or formula. As your baby grows and teeth come into the picture, you can begin to mash your food before freezing in ice cube trays. Just one cooking session can yield enough food for a month’s worth of servings, and it takes minutes to choose your selection for the next day to allow time for the cubes to defrost in the refrigerator (or simply defrost in the microwave and cool to room temperature before serving, being sure to stir well to get rid of any hot spots.)

Remember to avoid adding any sweeteners to Baby’s food and skip the spices until Baby is about eight or nine months old. Also be sure to allow about three to five days between new foods to help pinpoint allergic reactions or digestive issues with a particular food.

After you have introduced several individual foods without any problems, feel free to mix it up with offerings like rice cereal mixed with bananas and apples or green beans mixed with sweet potato.

Recipes galore are available online at sites such as Wholesome Baby Food and Babycenter. You might also want to look into the smart and practical Baby Bistro and Toddler Bistro box recipe sets for tips on when to introduce certain foods and fun and tasty recipes like Simply Sweet Potatoess, Maize and Manzana Mush, and Grant’s Great Pumpkin Custard.

Remember, homemade baby food is not a requirement for a healthy and happy baby as many parents know. It can, however, be a very rewarding experience for both you and your little one.

For those of you who have tried making your own baby food, what tips and favorite recipes do you have to share? We’d love to hear from you!

 

also on baby gooroo®

Is your baby ready? Follow your instincts.