Homemade Baby Food 101

We know a lot of parents out there have questions about making their own food. One of the (many) reasons we love our partner Beech-Nut is because their Naturals baby food is made as deliciously and simply as possible — with just the fruit and veggies. 

For more information on Beech-Nut you can visit their website or see them for yourself at our events! For more information on making your own baby food, read their tips below! 

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Moms and dads, this is a pep talk. You can make homemade baby food! And it doesn’t have to be a big production, a separate meal, or require a second freezer. Make a little bit at a time, or plan for a big batch, but give it a try and you’ll see that it’s really easy to do. Still don’t believe us? Check out these tips for a little inspiration (all things we kept in mind when we designed Beech-Nut foods, inspired by homemade!).

Forget the Gear

If you know your baby is ready for solids, the good news is that you probably have most of what you need to make homemade baby food. You can make puree with a food processor, a quality blender, or a handheld/stick blender. Heck, you can mash it up with a fork if you want!

Once you’ve identified the best food-musher in the kitchen, all you need are ice cube trays (we like the silicon 1 oz cube versions), freezer bags and a steamer.

Find Some Time

We hear you laughing…but hear us out!

Make your meal prep their meal prep: If you’re making veggies for dinner, chop up a few extra and put them in the steamer for a small batch of puree.

Take advantage of the grandparent visit: First, take a shower! Then go to the store, and don’t forget to keep it simple, stick to one or two ingredients. Pro move: get one for steaming, one for baking, and cook them simultaneously to save time.

Now Make It

Homemade baby food is more or less this simple: bake or steam fruits and veggies until they’re tender. Puree in a blender (or whatever you’re using) until you get the right texture for your baby, adding water or breast milk to thin if needed. Serve it then & there* or pour into ice cube trays & freeze.

Get Friendly with Your Freezer
 

Transfer frozen cubes to resealable bags and label them with the contents & date because YOU WILL NOT REMEMBER THIS and all food looks really similar in frozen cube form. Food will keep in the freezer for 3-6 months, and a full 1 oz. cube = 2 Tbsp. When you’re ready to reheat, take what you need and let it thaw in the fridge or throw it in the microwave* because no judgment here! You made homemade food and are already basically Supermom or Superdad!

That’s it! You’re ready to make your own baby food. Start with a simple single ingredient like sweet potato or carrot, or try an easy recipe with a blend, like our delicious Pineapple, Pear & Avocado Puree recipe. Either way, you’ve got this!

And when you don’t got it (we understand, life happens), you can always call for backup by choosing one of our homemade-inspired jar purees from our Naturals or Organics line. Two of our favorites: Naturals Beets, Pear & Pomegranate and Organics Banana, Cinnamon & Granola.

*You probably know this, but we have to say it anyway: Always check the texture and temperature of your baby’s food before serving to make sure it’s not too hot and doesn’t contain any lumps that could be choking hazards. Make sure you’re feeding age-appropriate baby food and always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Special thanks to our friends at Beech-Nut® for the article and tips!