Make Your Own Baby Food - Fruits Stage 1

The benefits of making your own baby food are enormous ...

• You know exactly what your baby is eating - none of the dreaded "fillers" commonly found in commercial baby food
• You know that the ingredients are fresh and healthy
• You can "tailor make" your baby's food to best suit his/her preferences and needs
• You will save money. These homemade baby food recipes cost a fraction of the price of ready made foods
• And most importantly ... making your own baby food is tremendously satisfying - for you AND your baby.

Are you concerned that you don't have enough time to make your own baby food?

It's not nearly as time consuming as you might think! On the baby food preparation and storage page you'll learn how to prepare batches of food quickly and easily. After all, cooking for baby should not be a chore - but a PLEASURE! 

Your baby might be ready for solids if he/she

· Sits up alone, without assistance

· Consistently seems hungry after a full feeding

· Shows interest in or grabs at your food

· Can refuse food by turning head

· Has outgrown reflex to spit out solid food

  

Mom of 3 Boys recommends introducing one food at a time, waiting at least 3-4 days before introducing another food. Watch closely for adverse reactions such as excessive gas, diarrhea, vomiting or a rash. If there is a reaction, discontinue food and wait at least 2 more weeks before reintroducing the food.

Apple Sauce

3 medium-sized apples (Red or Golden Delicious)
½ cup water
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Peel and chop apples into cubes (about a 1 inch), discarding the core. Place apples in sauce pan with water and cinnamon and simmer on medium-low heat until apples are tender – approximately 10-12 minutes.
Once apples are tender, all contents of pan (including liquid) to food processor. Puree until smooth. Add water if necessary.

Dispense apple puree evenly into ice cube trays and freeze until solid.  When ice cubes are frozen, remove cubes from tray and store in a resealable plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Label package with contents and date. Use within 1 month. Before serving, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Peary Delicious

2-3 ripe medium-sized pears
½ cup water

Chop pears into squares (about a ¼ inch), discarding the peel and core. Place pears in sauce pan with water and simmer on medium-low heat until pears are tender – approximately 10-12 minutes.

Once pears are tender, all contents of pan (including liquid) to food processor. Puree until smooth. Add water if necessary.

Dispense pear puree evenly into ice cube trays and freeze until solid.  When ice cubes are frozen, remove cubes from tray and store in a resealable plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Label package with contents and date. Use within 1 month. Before serving, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Peachy Keen

3 medium-sized ripe peaches
½ cup water

Cut peaches in half, removing pit. Place fruit flesh-side down into pan and add water. Simmer fruit on medium-low heat until thoroughly tender and skin peels easily from flesh – about 10-12 minutes. Once cool to the touch, remove skin.

After skin is removed, add fruit and liquid to a food processor and puree until completely smooth. Add more water if necessary.

Dispense peach puree evenly into ice cube trays and freeze until solid.  When ice cubes are frozen, remove cubes from tray and store in a resealable plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Label package with contents and date. Use within 1 month. Before serving, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Banana Ramma

Bananas actually qualify as a white fruit, despite its bright yellow exterior.  Banana sweet flavor and smooth texture provide for a perfect first food. 

1 ripe banana

Mash ripe banana with a fork until smooth. Serve immediately.