Making Homemade Organic Baby Food
Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby!
As parents, we always want the best for our kids, and that includes their food. While pre-made baby food options are available and convenient, many of them contain preservatives and hidden toxins that may not be ideal for our babies! The good news is that making your own homemade organic baby food is easier than you might think. It can be a great way to ensure that your baby is getting the most organic and nutritious foods possible!
Gather your essential materials using this guide and check out some tips I've used to transition to making all homemade organic baby food for my sweet little one!
Choose Organic Seasonal Ingredients
Using organic produce whenever possible can help avoid your baby's exposure to harmful pesticides and chemicals. It’s also a good idea to choose fresh, seasonal produce, as they tend to be more flavorful and nutritious. I like to start with vegetables first because it helps baby build a palate before introducing an array of sweet fruits. Some starter vegetables to consider for homemade baby food include...
Sweet potatoes
Carrots
Peas
Butternut Squash
Green beans
Avocado
Once baby is comfortable with vegetables on their own, combine them with some fruits. Some suggestions are-
Bananas
Blueberries
Pears
Apples
Mangoes
Be sure to introduce these one at a time as consistently feeding the same food 4+ days in a row can help you easily rule out any allergies baby may develop.
Steaming and Pureeing the Food
Once you’ve chosen your ingredients, it’s time to steam and puree them. Start by washing and peeling the produce as needed. Then, cube the produce and steam until they’re soft and fully cooked. I like to use a steamer basket with a small bit of water in the bottom of a nontox saucepan.
Transfer the cooked produce to a blender - (can't recommend this Nutribullet enough) and puree until smooth. If the consistency is too thick, you can add a bit of water to thin it out.
I highly recommend waiting to add breast milk/formula until you are ready to serve. This way you can store food for longer in the freezer or refrigerator without having to follow breast milk storage guidelines so closely.
Storing and Serving
You can use small glass jars, silicone molds, or even simple ice cube trays to portion out the puréed food!
Use fresh food within 5 days of making it. Or label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or warm in hot water before serving.
Making homemade organic baby food can be a rewarding experience for both you and your babe! By choosing fresh, organic produce and preparing it yourself, you can rest assured that your little one is getting the most nutritious food possible!
