Starting the tiny babe in your life on solids can seem like a particularly intimidating task. Maybe you aren’t sure where to start and need a little guidance or maybe you, like me, are trying to find the healthiest way to introduce foods all the while getting a bang for your buck! The information out there can be overwhelming. I am here to let you know that making homemade baby purees is not only easy but it is cost effective for a family budget and truly allows your baby’s palette to expand to big and fun horizons. So where to start?
Look no further!
“freezing baby food” by brungrrl is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
I am here to give you some of my favorite starter tricks and tips on those first few weeks to first few months of making homemade baby purees and how to efficiently store the creations you make.
First solid foods typically start around 6 months of age or when baby is giving you ready cues as in sitting up supported, good neck control and showing interest in foods. So once baby is ready, and so are you, get that baby food train rolling!
One thing to note- it is recommended to try one food for at least 3 days to rule out any food allergy.
How to Make Your Own Baby Purees
What will you need:
- A good baby food processor is an added perk but not necessary as once food is softened it can always be hand mashed. I prefer to blend mine because it saves time and it assures me that it is as smooth as possible for those beginner stages.
- Ice cube trays
- Pad of paper
- Sharpie
- 4 + different food items: Recommended to think ahead and do things that could be mixed in a palatable fashion.
What you will do:
- Start with labeling each ice tray numerically. Lets say you have 3 ice trays? Label the bottom or side with a sharpie 1, 2 and 3.
- Use a notepad to keep track- or chart- what foods are in each ice cube tray for easier future reference and dates made.
- Steam or boil until softened and blend your baby purees one at a time.
- Fill 4 of the ice cube spots with each food item and freeze!
Storing Homemade Baby Food
Once frozen, those cubes are good for up to 30 days in the freezer but once defrosted only 2 days in the fridge.
With this strategy of storage you will get 3 food cubes to introduce and leave the fourth to play with and mix and match later on given you haven’t noticed any sensitivities!
Blended flavors can be fun and delicious for your tiny tot.
The ice cube storage method has so many perks. It doesn’t take up tons of room in your freezer, for one. It also gives you an organized variety of foods to choose from once your babies palette starts becoming more developed.
The lack of waste is my favorite part.
Babies will not eat a ton starting off. It is more for getting the hang of textures, flavors, swallowing and using their tongues!
So you aren’t having to utilize bigger containers to only fill them a quarter way- or less and you aren’t dumping down the drain! Phew!
This will also give you the opportunity to use your baby purees as “add ins” for other recipes like putting a bit of peach in their oatmeal or a touch peas to their potatoes!
All in all let this be an adventure for both you and your babe.
Food can be rewarding, creative and an experience worth a lifetime.
Love, light and a little grace..
-Olivia
Olivia Whalen is mama to three young girls who is devoted to creative learning, exploration and free range imagination. Olivia enjoys thinking outside of the box when it comes to preparing homemade baby food or meals for her family. She most enjoys allowing the little minds in her life to flourish and with that you will see her write about creative kid crafts, recipes that fit a family budget and keep everyone asking for more, tips and tricks for a tiny babe, and beginner homesteader fun! Some of her hobbies include gardening, hiking, reading, cooking or just basking in motherhood.