With all the increasing prices of almost everything, now is the time to look for ways to save money. Learning how to make baby food is one of them. Making baby food at home will last for about a month if kept in the freezer. And the best thing in going for the do-it-yourself route is that you can make sure that your child is only eating fresh and nutritious food unlike buying pre-packed baby food. This can also train your little one to get used to eating the same food the rest of the family does which may actually help during the picky toddler years. Baby food prepared at home is really easy and less time-consuming than you may have thought.
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When choosing fruits and vegetables, make sure they are fresh. Try to use up what you buy in a day or two to ensure freshness. Take note that when your baby has just started eating solids. Introduce only one food at a time to spot possible allergies.
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Thoroughly wash fruits or vegetables to remove dirt and possible pesticides.
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Steam or boil the fruits or vegetables. You can use a steamer basket to preserve the nutrients of the food. If your baby has just started eating solids, the food should be mushy. On the other hand, if your little one has been eating solids for a couple of months, the food can be cooked until it can easily be pureed with a fork.
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Use a blender or food mill to puree the food. Add little liquid (breast milk, formula, or cooking water) as you grind. The right consistency depends on the child’s eating stage. Less liquid should be added as your baby adapts to solid food. Also remember to use few additives such as sugar, salt and other preservatives. Your child does not need them yet and they may even cause allergies.
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Do not forget to strain the food to get rid of fruit seeds or peels.
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Put the pureed food in ice cube trays and cover with cling wrap before placing it in the freezer.
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When frozen, put the cubes in another food container or zip-lock bags. Label them and put the date it was prepared.
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When serving, get enough cubes you need and reheat frozen cubes in a heat-resistant container in a pan of hot water. You can also place the food directly in a saucepan stirring often in low heat. Avoid heating meals in the microwave since it heats unevenly. But if it can’t be avoided, make sure to stir the food often during the heating process. There may be hot spots which could cause burn to your baby. When serving the food to your child, make sure it is not warmer than body temperature. Also, note that you should never refreeze the food that has already been heated.