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.
Sweet Pea's
Sweet and delicious, it’s sure to please your little one’s palette. And the recipe could not be easier!
1 package frozen organic peas*
½ cup water
Place frozen peas in steamer. (If you don’t have a steamer, place
metal colander over a pot of boiling water and cover.) Steam peas for
6-7 minutes or until tender.
Remove cooked peas from steamer/colander and put in food processor. Add water and process until completely smooth.
Once cooled, distribute mixture evenly amongst ice cube trays or cupcake tins, dependent upon desired portion size. 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.
*You can substitute frozen peas with fresh, but I’ve found
the quality is exactly the same and it’s much less labor intensive to
use the pre-shelled frozen peas. And we busy moms need all the
time-savers we can get!
Sweet 'Toes
2-3 medium sweet potatoes
1/3 cup water
¼ tsp. fresh ground cinnamon (optional, for babies at least 6 months old)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for babies at least 6 months old)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Place washed sweet potatoes directly
on a baking sheet, lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 45-50 minutes or
until sweet potatoes are completely tender. Set aside to cool.
Once sweet potatoes are cool, peel off
skin and cut into large chunks. Place sweet potatoes in food processor,
add water, cinnamon (optional) and vanilla (optional) and puree until
completely smooth. Add more water if necessary, to achieve desired
consistency.
Distribute mixture evenly amongst ice cube trays or cupcake tins, dependent upon desired portion size.
Green Bean
Go get your green on with this yummy vegetable staple! Their mild flavor ensures little ones will gobble up their greens!
1 lb. fresh green beans, washed and ends removed
½ cup water
Place green beans in steamer. (If you don’t have a steamer, place
metal colander over a pot of boiling water and cover.) Steam beans for
7-8 minutes or until tender.
Remove cooked beans from steamer/colander and put in food processor. Add water and process until completely smooth.
Once cooled, distribute mixture evenly amongst ice cube trays or cupcake tins, dependent upon desired portion size.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.
Carrots
1
4 ounce large carrot, cut in 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup water
Place carrot in a medium saucepan. Add water. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer,
covered, 15
to 20 minutes or until tender.
Remove carrot with a slotted spoon and put in food processor. Add water and process until completely smooth
Once cooled, distribute mixture evenly amongst ice cube trays or cupcake tins, dependent upon desired portion size. 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.
