Making baby food at home is a great way to ensure your child is eating fresh, nutritious meals without food additives. You can also focus on finding organic ingredients. Homemade baby food can be simple, budget-friendly, and a wonderful way to introduce your child to the taste of real, whole foods.
With these essentials on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to begin the journey. It is easy enough to make your own baby food, and there are only a few essential tools that you need to get started. You won’t need to shop for much, including the ingredients. In addition to the essentials below, when you shop for ingredients, look for organic, nutritious fruits and vegetables. Your baby food won’t include any dyes, food additives for sale, sugar, etc.
Here’s what you need:
Blender or Food Processor
A good blender or food processor helps achieve a smooth, puree consistency that is perfect for babies just starting solids. Some parents also like using hand blenders for smaller portions.
Steamer Basket or Baby Food Steamer
Steaming fruits and vegetables preserves more nutrients than boiling. A steamer basket placed in a pot or an electric baby food steamer makes prepping food quick and easy.
Storage Containers or Freezer Trays
To batch-cook baby food and store it safely, invest in BPA-free containers or silicone freezer trays with lids. Ice cube trays work well too and make portioning a breeze.
Soft-Tip Baby Spoons and Feeding Bowls
Gentle, soft-tip spoons are perfect for feeding little mouths. Shallow feeding bowls with suction bases are also helpful for keeping meals mess-free.
Organic Produce and Whole Ingredients
Choose fresh, organic fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins whenever possible. These ingredients form the base of most homemade baby food recipes.
Strainer or Sieve
For extra-smooth purees, especially in the early stages, you can strain the food to remove any remaining lumps or fibers.
Labels
Keep track of dates and ingredients by labeling your containers. This ensures you’re rotating food properly and keeping everything fresh and safe.
