Life
When my oldest started eating solids, I was excited to run to the supermarket and fill my shopping cart with the adorable little jars of baby food I had lovingly admired for months. It wasn't until I had gone through the register that I realized how quickly those tiny containers added up, and even more so when you choose the all-natural and organic varieties. It was my mom who first suggested that I attempt some homemade baby food recipes.
My mom made all her baby food from scratch, only buying the jarred food to use when she was on-the-go. She promised me it would be easy, but I wasn't quite convinced. After buying a bunch of fruits and vegetables, I didn't yet see how this was more affordable. But, after I made my first purees and froze them into ice cube trays that I could defrost later, I was stunned at how much food I had on hand for my baby.
I made individual purees from each veggie and was able to pull a few different cubes at each meal to mix and match different taste combinations. There was very little waste, and I could always control the ingredients and the consistency of the baby food. I did still buy jarred food that I tossed in the diaper bag to use when we were out and about, but at home they ate the food that I cooked, which made their transition into more grown up foods much easier.
If you've been considering making your own baby food, here are several recipes you will definitely want to try.
1
First Foods
The Comfort of Cooking shares recipes for eight easy home made baby purees. She also offers some feeding tips when introducing new foods to your baby.
2
Banana Puree
Bananas are one of the first fruits pediatricians recommend for babies. Annabel Karmel has a two minute banana puree recipe to follow when your baby is ready for solids. You can also visit her site to find more weaning tips, recipes and advice.
3
Baby Apple Sauce
Everyone loves applesauce, and babies are no exception. This baby apple sauce recipe by The Vintage Mixer is easy, delicious, and will be a staple in your baby's diet for a long time.
4
Pear Puree
The Picky Eater has a quick and easy recipe for pear puree. Pears have a bit of a grainy texture, but the taste will have your baby in love in no time.
5
Sweet Potato Puree
This easy sweet potato puree recipe from Simply Scratch can be thinned out to be served to a baby, or made more chunky for a toddler. She even gives advice on how to freeze the recipe to use later.
6
Butternut Squash And Apple Puree
Your baby will love the combination of fruits and veggies in Once A Month Meals' butternut squash and apple puree. This baby food recipe will remind you of fall but is perfect to serve year-round.
7
Simple “Homemade” Blueberry Yogurt
Teeny Tiny Foodie's simple homemade blueberry yogurt recipe is perfect for when you want to give your baby fruit-flavored yogurt, without adding sugar or sweeteners.
8
Creamy Oatmeal With Pears
Babies love oatmeal, and Happy Healthy Mama's creamy oatmeal with pears recipe will be your little one's favorite breakfast. This recipe makes four servings and lasts in the refrigerator for two to three days.
9
Roasted Pear & Banana Puree
Did you know that you can roast fruits? A Step In The Journey has a lovely recipe for roasted pear and banana puree recipe that your baby will adore.
10
Spinach, Peas, and Pear Puree
This spinach, peas and pear puree recipe from Fab Haute Mama is a great way to bring more green veggies into your baby's diet. The author even shares a little trick for picky eaters who don't like to eat green foods.
11
Chicken Baby Puree
If your baby is ready to start eating meats, you should definitely try Fab Haute Mama's chicken baby puree recipe. It's quick, easy, and will help expand your baby's palate.
12
Italian Green Vegetable Puree
Give your baby the flavors of Italy, with this Italian green vegetable puree recipe by Weelicious. It can even be served with tiny noodles. Delizioso!
13
Zucchini Mint Puree
If you are looking to introduce your baby to some interesting new flavors, try this zucchini mint puree recipe by Teeny Tiny Foodie. The author also gives recipe variations for older children.
14
Guacamol-wee
Here is the perfect baby food recipe for your Taco Tuesday. Avocados are one of the healthiest (and tastiest) fruits and there's no doubt your baby will love this recipe for Guacamol-wee by Weelicious. It looks so good, the whole family may want to dig in.
15
Blueberry, Apple, and Spinach Puree
Another great mix of fruits and veggies is Steele House Kitchen's blueberry, apple and spinach puree. This is a recipe for older babies who won't even know how healthy their yummy lunch really is.
