By Dara Gurau, RD
When my eldest daughter turned 6 months and I was ready to start feeding solids, I wanted to be as prepared as possible. I went out and bought all of the fanciest gizmos and gadgets you can imagine. A top of the line ‘baby blender,’ very special mini freezer cubes and storage bags and containers specifically made for baby food. I didn’t just want to cook up and serve her regular old baby purees and finger foods. As a dietitian and self-proclaimed “foodie,” I wanted to feed her top-notch gourmet baby food that would be welcomed in any 3-star Michelin restaurant.
My daughter on the other hand, didn’t seem to notice or care what she was served. When it came to broccoli, it didn’t matter what equipment I used or how much I fancied it up, she didn’t want anything to do with it. What I came to realize was that making your own baby food does not have to be so complicated.
Homemade vs Store-Bought
There is absolutely nothing wrong with store-bought baby food. It is a very convenient and healthful option if you don’t have the time or desire to make your own. I always had a jar or two of homemade baby food in my pantry as a back-up. Both homemade and store bought baby food are nutritious options for your baby.
With homemade baby food you can customize the combinations to fit you and your baby’s exact tastes. You can create your own food combinations and use food and flavours from your family’s traditions. It’s also a great way to use up some of the food you already have on hand. Homemade baby food is also more economical than the jars or pouches you purchase at the grocery store.
Getting Started With Homemade Baby Food
Before you get started making your own baby food, be sure to wash your hands, workspace and utensils well with warm soapy water. You can make your own baby food with just a fork, potato masher, or any standard blender. No need for any fancy equipment (thank goodness I saved my receipts!).
Making your own baby food gives you the chance to experiment with different textures and learn what your baby prefers – smooth purees, minced, soft and lumpy or finger food. It also lets you adjust and adapt textures as your baby’s preferences and ability to manage solids changes. By 9 months of age, your baby should be eating a variety of textures.
How To Prepare Homemade Baby Food
Meat, Poultry and Other Protein Sources
Beef, pork, turkey, chicken, salmon, eggs, tofu, beans and lentils are all great options. It’s best to cook meat using moist cooking methods such as boiling, steaming or braising as it helps to keep it extra soft and tender and prevents it from drying out or becoming too tough.
Eggs can be prepared by soft scrambling the whole egg, mashing the egg yolk with breastmilk or extra formula and using the white as finger food.
Beans, lentils and tofu can be easily mashed or given as finger food. Choose canned beans and lentils without added salt.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables can all be used to prepare food for your baby. Choose frozen and canned fruits and vegetables without added sugar or salt. You can cook fruits and vegetables by boiling them in a small amount of water or steaming them on the stove top or in the microwave.
Be sure to cook them really well so they are soft and then mash or puree with a little bit of the leftover cooking liquid until you’ve reached your desired texture. Apples, pears, carrots, squash and peas are excellent options to start with. Some very soft fruits like peaches can be easily mashed without cooking.
Whole Grains
Most baby cereals have added iron which babies need after 6 months, so making your own cereal isn’t recommended. Baby cereals are great to add to homemade baked goods once your baby is onto finger foods or for coating slippery soft food like soft cooked pears and peaches so it’s easier for your baby to hold them. Once you’re ready to move on, oats and barley are great whole grains to try next.
Dairy Products
Hard cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella can be grated or cut into very small pieces. Cottage cheese, ricotta cheese or full-fat yogurt are a great way to introduce dairy and can be mixed with other pureed fruit to change up the flavour.
Cow’s milk is fine to use in cooking and baking, but it is recommended to wait until 9-12 months until offering it up as a beverage.
It’s important to use a separate small dish or bowl when feeding your baby and to avoid feeding directly out of the container you’ve used to store your food. This ensures you don’t contaminate the batch of baby food you’ve just made. Be sure to throw away the remainder of the food your baby hasn’t finished.
My Favourite Baby Food Combinations
When it comes to creating your own flavour combinations, everyone has their own preferences. So feel free to let your imagination run wild! Here are some of my favourite baby food combinations:
- Apple and cauliflower
- Peas and salmon
- Squash and peaches
- Cauliflower, zucchini and peaches
- Beef and prunes
- Chicken, carrots and squash
- Apple and carrot
- Sweet potato and prune
- Broccoli, pear and blueberry
Best Ways To Season Baby Food
Starting off with plain fruit, vegetables, grain or protein is a great way to let your baby try the food for the first time. Once you’re ready to introduce seasoning and spices, you can use the same ones you would normally use for the rest of your family. My daughters loved pretty much anything with cinnamon. Other spices you could use include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary and citrus zest.
One of my favourite combinations is a pea, mint and potato puree. The peeled and cubed potatoes and peas (you can use fresh or frozen) can be steamed together and then pureed with some fresh mint. Finely puree or mash with a potato masher for a more lumpy texture.
Storing Baby Food
Once you’ve prepared your baby food, be sure not to keep at room temperature longer than 2 hours. Generally, baby food will keep in the fridge for up to two days. Baby food also freezes really well and can be stored for up to three months in the freezer. To freeze, spoon or pour your mixture into an ice cube tray, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the freezer until frozen. Then simply pop them out and store in a large, labelled zip lock bag in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw the cubes you need in the microwave, fridge, or on the stove.
Creating your own baby food shouldn’t be a stressful or daunting task. Have fun with it! Experiment with new flavour and texture combinations and try some of your family favourites on your baby. It’s a great time to expose your baby to your family’s favourite foods, new flavours and textures.
Starting Your Baby on Solids Successfully