That’s right, Homemade baby food, You might be thinking “Oh hell no!” because making baby food seems like a daunting task. I can assure you that it is very easy and really not as much work as it seems. This journey began for me when Willow was tiny and I was also caring for my niece and nephew. I knew I wanted to provide healthy food for my growing kiddo. The other kiddos in the house were already getting all of the healthy goodness. But what about the toothless tiny one? Enter homemade purees.
I took to Pinterest and Google and did all the research! Did you know that starchy veggies like potatoes or sweet potatoes, need to fat added for the nutrients to be absorbed easier. Other veggies that are high in vitamin A are also fat soluble, which means the best way to absorb nutrients is with fat. I use coconut oil or a tiny bit of olive oil. Strawberries and other berries are also loaded with choline, which is great for brain development. Proteins such as lamb, turkey or chicken are good for muscle and bone growth.
A lot of folks are afraid of taking on the task of making homemade baby food because they think they need special tools. I simply used the steamer and the blender along with a few airtight containers. Planning out what I wanted her to try was also very helpful. I incorporated what Willow was eating that week, into our weekly rotation. Sweet potatoes and pepper puree? Cool. We are going to have sweet potato hash one night anyhow, so buying an extra sweet potato won’t be hard. Here are a few of Willow’s favorites when she was starting out.
Sweet Potato Puree With Coconut Oil
- 1-2 medium sweet potatoes; rinsed, peeled and diced. (Or you can bake them whole with the skin on and scoop out the inside)
- 1tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 cup cooking liquid (water from the steamer or just water if you baked the potatoes)
- A sprinkle of spices – cinnamon was Willow’s favorite
Put the diced sweet potatoes into the steamer. Steam until tender. once cooled, toss everything into a blender together pulsate until you reach your desired consistency. If you are finding it is too thick keep adding water until it is smooth. If I steamed the sweet potato, I use the cooking liquid to help thin it out.
Banana Mash
- 1/2 banana
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
Mash banana with a fork until you reach the desired consistency sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.
These are just two examples of super simple baby foods to try. There are some important things to remember when preparing food for your little one. Food before a year old is mainly just for exploration. Always consult your doctor before starting anything new. Start with one food at a time, for about a week. Just to be sure there aren’t any bad reactions. Also be sure to avoid things that you have canned at home. I myself love to preserve things this way, but it is advised by specialists not to give your baby anything that you have prepared at home in this manner. This is because even small amounts of botulism can wreak havoc on your little one.
I started different combinations with Willow when she was about nine months old. I used things that she had already eaten and I was sure there were no allergies. In my opinion, spices are important because eventually your kiddo will be eating what you cook. So adding a little flavor is a good thing! Don’t get too stressed out and just have fun. The next baby food list I make will have more complex combos. I can’t wait to see what Waylon’s favorite foods will be!
Ps… Pictures coming soon!
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