Written by Elizabeth Rietz

So your baby is finally ready for the world of solid food? This is an exciting time to introduce a variety of first foods to a palate that is virtually a blank canvas. While you’ll likely face some challenges along the way, it will be a fun adventure for your baby.

Making your own baby food is actually quite easy. Many parents like to go this route because it assures them that they are giving their babies the freshest, best-quality ingredients. Also, you can make large quantities at one time and can freeze for later.

Don’t be intimidated to roll up your sleeves and give it a try. I’ve included basic recipes and resources below to help you get started.

First Fruit Puree

-You may use sweet apples or ripe pears.

1.    Peel and core your apples or pears.
2.    Chop into small pieces and place in a heavy-bottomed saucepan with a little water.
3.    Cover and cook on low heat until fruit is tender. Or steam the fruit over the water for the same amount of time.
4.    Blend the fruit to a smooth puree. Add a little apple juice, boiled water or water from the pan to the puree.
5.    Serve lukewarm and freeze remaining amount in an ice cube tray.

-You may also mash a raw banana, avocado or half of a papaya and puree with a little breast milk or formula. Note that these raw fruit purees do not freeze as well.

First Vegetable Puree

-For the first vegetable puree, you may use sweet potatoes, potatoes, butternut squash or pumpkin.

1.    Boil water in a pot on your stove top.
2.    Chop vegetables into small pieces and place in a steamer or colander over boiling water.
3.    Cook for 15 – 20 minutes.
4.    Blend vegetables into a puree using some of the liquid from the steamer or the pan.
5.    Serve to baby lukewarm.
6.    Pour the remaining puree into an ice-cube tray and freeze.

Source: “First Meals” by Annabel Karmel.

“Eat Your Greens” Puree

1/2 Cup Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 Cup Baby Carrots, chopped
1/2 Cup Green Beans, ends removed
1/2 Cup Broccoli Florets
1/2 Cup Peas, fresh or frozen
1. Put sweet potatoes and carrots in a steamer over boiling water, cover and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Add remaining ingredients and steam for another 3 minutes or until fork tender.
3. Put in a food processor and puree.
4. Serve.

Source: Weelicious blog

Book Resources:
“First Meals” by Annabel Karmel
“Super Baby Food” by Ruth Yaron
“Homemade Baby Food Pure and Simple: Your Complete Guide to Preparing Easy, Nutritious, and Delicious Meals for Your Baby and Toddler” by Connie Linardakis and Constantina Linardakis

Web Resources:
Weelicious blog
WholesomeBabyFood.com
FreshBaby.com
“Making Baby Food” video by Parents TV

For the busy, working parent who wants to serve homemade baby food but just doesn’t have the time, there are new homemade baby companies popping up across the country or are readily available in your local Whole Foods. Visit these sites for more information:
Homemadebaby.com
HappyBabyFood.com
YummySpoonfulls.com
BabyCubes.com
BohemianBaby.com