Baby food - to make or buy?

Guest Blogger: Kari Johnson
​If you're finding yourself at a crossroads to buy or make your own baby food, here are a few helpful tips to help you decide!
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​Benefits of homemade baby food:

1. Increased nutritional value (fresh produce with zero additives).
2. You know exactly what your baby is eating.
3. Larger variety of foods/mixtures to accommodate your baby’s taste buds and growing pallet.

Disadvantages:

1. Storing homemade baby food for an extended period of time requires some thought and tools. 
2. Prep work.
3. The dreaded clean up. 

What about the time it takes to make baby food?
The time is takes to make baby food is both a pro and a con. If you have a blender and a peach that is just a little too soft, you could have fresh food in a matter of seconds. On the other hand, if you don't have a few staples ready to go or if your baby's needs are a bit more specific, then you may be spending a bit more time in the kitchen. 

So...exactly what do you need to make baby food?
A steamer or a stove top steaming insert for your pot, a blender, and containers with a tight seal for refrigerator and freezer storage.

​Recommended starting age is at 6 months for a variety of pureed and mashed foods to be introduced. 

1. Steaming instead of boiling fresh vegetables and some harder fruits allow the produce to become very tender while retaining a majority of the important nutrients needed for your growing baby.
2. Blending each ingredient to a complete pureed texture creates a safe texture for your baby and incorporates important fiber into their diet.
3. Start simple with single ingredients offered one at a time for several days before combining multiple items. Remember, your baby is sensitive to taste so added salt, sugar, or seasonings are not needed.
4. Fresh vegetables and fruits are important as your baby grows. A variety introduces a variety of vitamins and minerals needed in their diet.
5. Iron and Zinc are important for your baby’s health and are found in pureed meats, iron fortified cereals, and lentils.
6. Remember, it is not unusual for a baby to refuse new foods the first few times. Keep trying every few days for the familiar taste to grow on them. 

My recommendation is that you do a little of both. Aim to make some of your foods, while having store-bought as back up during those particularly busy times. The more you make, the easier it gets so you may be surprised later on what you can whip up quickly from scratch! 

references

1. Mayo Clinic. Healthy Lifestyle: Infant and Toddler Health. 2017. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20046200