If your baby is 6 months old, tries to taste everything from hands to toes, sits up by himself and is fixated on your meal during dinner, chances are, he’s ready to begin his adventure into the world of solid foods. While he can’t have what you’re having yet, you still should start him off on the right foot by introducing him to solid foods.
Making your own baby food at home is the most pure and economical way to feed your baby solids. And you’ll know exactly what’s going into it if you make it yourself. It’s so easy too and takes very little time to whip up your baby’s food for the week.
You’ll need something to mash or puree the food up with. You can use a food processor, which is by far the fastest and easiest method or even a potato masher. If you’re willing to pay big bucks, there are even baby food makers that will do all of the work for you. Isn’t technology grand?
After you choose the tools for the job, you’ll need to purchase fresh produce. Organics are the best choice of course but not everyone can afford to spend so much on their weekly food budget. If that’s the case, focus on only buying organic when it comes to the dirtiest fruits and vegetables like apples, spinach and potatoes for example.
Anything you purchase fresh should be used within a day or to or else nitrates will form. The level of nitrates increases the longer produce is stored so your best bet is to buy your produce and then make your batches of baby food immediately. These things will be safe in the freezer. Speaking of which, you can use frozen fruits and veggies too when it comes to making baby food.
To prepare your baby’s first foods, you can bake, boil or steam them first. Some things need to be softened before you mash or puree them like apples. Skin, seeds and pits should all be removed before you begin pureeing. Foods like sweet potatoes are dense and could use a little adjustment with consistency. Add a little breast milk, formula or water to adjust it to a palatable texture.
Go ahead and add a little flavor to that food too. A little hit of garlic powder, basil, nutmeg or cinnamon will add a nice boost but don’t ever sweeten baby food with sugar. Never use honey or corn syrup, which can cause botulism and lead to death. Baby can have those things when he’s older.
An easy way to store your baby’s food is to pour it into ice trays. They are the perfect portion size. When they’re frozen, chuck them into a zipper bag and keep in the freezer until ready to heat and serve. As your baby tries more and more new things, he’ll soon be ready for chunks of food and exciting food combinations. Watch to see what he shies away from as well as what he can’t get enough of!
The post Your Ultimate Guide to Making Healthy Homemade Baby Food appeared first on Smiinky.
from Smiinky http://www.smiinky.com/ultimate-guide-making-healthy-homemade-baby-food/
via Smiinky
No comments:
Post a Comment