Making homemade baby food was kind of like breastfeeding.
I knew I was going to do it.
Knew it was best for my baby.
I didn’t think much more about it.
But when it came time for AG to have solids (at 6 months), I got a little overwhelmed.
I didn’t know where to start.
Didn’t know what to buy, what to feed her first, etc.
So, I sent a mass text to my friends with kids.
They were all such wonderful help and made this whole baby food making process pretty darn easy!
First, I went and bought this book, Super Baby Food.
A few friends suggested it.
It lists all the food you can think of, tells you how to cook it, when to buy it and how to store it.
It was exactly what I was looking for.
Then, I gathered everything I would need to make the purees.
{I started with carrots and sweet potatoes}
Most of the food I make AG is steamed.
I use this steamer in the microwave for all of my steaming.
This is a small one and there is also one a bit bigger.
They are only $8-$11 from Pampered Chef.
You can find them here.
I fill them with veggies, add a little water and throw them in the microwave for 3-7 minutes, depending on what I’m making and how much.
After the food is steamed or soft, I put it in the food processor.
I was given a baby bullet for a shower gift but returned it when I started making baby food.
This food processor is so easy to use and clean. Plus it’s quiet!
Then, I put the food into freezer trays.
A friend of mine told me about these Good Grips trays that come with a lid.
I bought two at Bed, Bath and Beyond for about $10.
Once food is pureed, I use a small scoop (another Pampered Chef must have) to scoop it into the ice cube trays.
I usually leave them in the trays over night to freeze.
When you take them out of the freezer trays, let them sit for a few minutes until they easily pop out of the trays. Then, place the cubes in freezer bags.
I defrost them when needed for meals. It only takes a minute.
I’ve done the freezer cube method for almost everything AG has eaten.
Works wonders.
That's how I did Millie's too.
I thought about buying the baby bullet but too expensive and I can do the same thing with my food processor.
This is a great post! I made babyfood for Matthew (who is almost 6 now) didn't for Lill (who is now 4) life was just so hectic with 2 toddlers, and I am going to make it again with my JD, when it's time. I loved doing it, and like you said, it isn't as difficult as it looks!
Also I love the Annabel Karmel books, not only for purees but also for continued healthy eating as a toddler.
I'm about two weeks in to making my own baby food and am loving it! I was a little overwhelmed to start too and thought I'd hate it bcs of the amount of work it took…but it's so easy, doesn't take long at all and is so rewarding!
Thank you for this great post! We will be approaching the 6 month mark soon, and I am starting to feel the exact same way.. where to start! will be buying that book right now!
I love this! I'm totally thinking about trying to make my own baby food! This is really helpful!
Nice! I made all my girls baby food too. It was overwhelming at first, like you said – but once I got the hang of it…
Soon you can start adding spices to expand her palate. Mint in peas, cilantro in avocado, cinnamon in various fruits, etc.
I bought these tiny little 2 oz Tupperware containers with lids at the dollar store ($1.00 for ten) that are so easy to stack and it saves a step. I just leave them in them and defrost them in their container. No bag, no dropping the slippery cubes, no mess. I used my food processor at first, then bought a baby bullet and now I'm back to the processor. The bullet is LOUD and you can NEVER get all the food out of the bottom of it. I feel like I waste an ounce or two of every veggie I make! I have a metal colander I sit in a pot of boiling water to steam my veggies. I really need to invest in an actual steamer! 🙂 I am going to check out this book! Great post.
Love your freezer trays with lids! I may have to get those! I'm really happy with how making baby food is going! 🙂 If you have time/energy- I think it is really great!
I have that steamer! And I love her 'me no likey' face. TOO CUTE!