Preparing baby food at home, rather than buying them, is a smart choice that allows you to have complete control over your baby's nutrition. Industrial baby food are often processed and contain sodium and sugars, and are more expensive. When you prepare baby food at home, you have the option to choose your child's favorite fruit, vegetables and meats, steam them, purée them with a food processor, and freeze them in convenient portions. If you want to feed your baby only nutritious and tasty foods, it is preferable that they are prepared by you.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part One: Choosing the Ingredients
Step 1. Choose fresh and very ripe products
The products are more nutritious and tasty when they have reached the right degree of ripeness. Since you won't be adding sugar or salt to the preparation, it's important to choose ripe products that would otherwise be bland. Look for ripe products, but not too soft or bruised. Follow the guidelines for each type of fruit and vegetable to understand when they reach their peak of ripeness.
- Farmers' markets are a great place to buy fresh, ripe produce, as they tend to stock up on seasonal fruit and vegetables only.
- You could also use frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, but fresh produce is preferable when possible. Frozen fruits and vegetables often contain preservatives so read the labels carefully if you decide to buy them.
Step 2. Choose organic products if possible
Fruits and vegetables are often treated with pesticides and other chemicals before being harvested. If possible, shop in the organic department of your supermarket to make sure the food you prepare for your little one does not contain chemicals.
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There are fruits and vegetables that are more prone to contamination than others. For example apples are treated with more pesticides than other products; for this reason it is better to opt for the purchase of organic apples. Avocados, on the other hand, are not treated with pesticides.
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Step 3. Learn what foods your baby can eat
Some babies are ready to swallow solid foods at 4 months of age, while others are not ready enough. The pediatrician will be able to tell you what is the best time to start weaning your baby. When the baby is ready, the transition must be smooth; introduce a few foods at a time.
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Babies switching from breast milk or formula milk feeding can eat fruit and vegetables such as bananas, squash, potatoes and pureed apples.
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Babies who have already tasted some solid foods and are between 4 and 8 months old can eat pureed fruits, vegetables, meats, legumes and grains.
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Ask your pediatrician when it is appropriate to introduce mashed foods and various snacks as this can only be done after the child has developed certain skills.
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Step 4. Know which foods children shouldn't eat
Babies under 12 months of age should not eat certain foods, which may cause allergies or other diseases. Never give a child under the age of one the following foods:
- Dairy products derived from unpasteurized milk
- Honey
- Expired canned food
- Preserves
- Food in dented boxes
Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Preparing the Baby Food
Step 1. Wash and peel the products
Use a rough sponge to scrub the peel of vegetables and fruit, especially if it's not organic. Make sure you get rid of any dirt and grit. If the vegetable or fruit has peel, use a peeler to remove it, as hard peels are difficult to swallow.
Step 2. Cut the products into one cm pieces
Since you will be using steam cooking, you have to cut the food into equal pieces to obtain a homogeneous cooking. Cut oranges, potatoes, apples or any other product with a sharp knife.
- Bananas and other soft foods do not need cooking and can be blended directly.
- Make sure you use clean cutting boards and knives. If you are preparing more than one food, wash the cutting board and the knife with hot water and detergent between one preparation and the next.
Step 3. Steam the food
Put the pieces of food in the basket. Add some water to the pot. Cover it and place it over medium-high heat. Remove the pot from the heat when the pieces of food are soft, after 5-10 minutes.
- Use a clean fork to see if the pieces of food are cooked enough.
- Cook them until they are softer in consistency than adults would normally like, as they should not be lumpy after blending.
- Use only water to steam food; do not add butter, salt, sugar, or any other ingredients unless you are sure your baby can digest it.
Step 4. Blend the food in a food processor
Put the food into pieces in the food processor and blend until completely free of lumps. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a blender, food processor, or potato masher.
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Make sure you don't leave whole pieces if your baby is under six months old. Older children may be ready for minced foods rather than smoothies. Clarify this with your pediatrician before deciding how to prepare food for your baby.
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Step 5. Cook the meat until it reaches the right internal temperature before blending it
If you are preparing meat, chicken or fish for an older child, be sure to cook them until they reach the proper core temperature to kill the bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to be sure. Meat should reach a core temperature of 70 ° C, poultry should reach 73 ° C, and fish should reach 62 ° C.
Cooked meat can be blended like any other food. You can combine it with tomatoes and other appetizing foods
Step 6. Run the baby food through a colander to remove any solid parts
This final step will ensure that the texture of the foods is adequate to be tolerated by your baby.
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Food Storage and Heating
Step 1. Store baby food in clean glass jars
Divide them into portions in jars with airtight lids to keep them fresh and not contaminated. Keep in the fridge for up to two days (1 day for meat and fish).
- If you store food in the freezer, be sure to use suitable containers. Baby food can be stored in the freezer for up to one month.
- Always put labels on to indicate the type of food and the date of preparation.
Step 2. Thoroughly reheat frozen baby food
They are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 73 ° C.
Step 3. Do not thaw baby food at room temperature
This system could promote the proliferation of bacteria. It is safer to reheat the baby food before serving.
Advice
- Baby food freezes well. Pour the pureed baby food into the ice cube trays, sprayed with the non-stick spray. When it solidifies, wrap it in cling film and place it in the freezer.
- Fruit blends much easier if heated slightly before being pureed. Microwave the fruit for a few seconds before blending or mixing it.
