Choosing What Your Baby Eats Does Not Need to Be Complicated

By Joanne B Parrotta

Many parents are concerned that they don't have enough time or knowledge to make homemade baby food. They are convinced that making baby food is complicated, time-consuming and downright difficult, but this is simply not the case. It's much easier than you might think! All you have to do is cook the food and then grind it to the desired consistency.

Making baby food can be as simple as setting aside a small portion of the family’s steamed or boiled vegetables as you cook, before you add any seasoning.  Purée it in a blender or food processor or squish it with a fork, adding a small amount of unseasoned broth, water, breast milk, or formula. All foods should be eaten or refrigerated soon after preparation. Remember that infants and toddlers have little resistance to bacteria and can get sick quite easily.

Save any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days, or freeze in ice-cube trays for later use. Transfer the frozen cubes to a BPA-free plastic container; label and date.  You can freeze baby food containing meat for about two months, while fruits and vegetables will keep for six months. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw the food in the refrigerator or warm it in a warming dish or in an egg poacher or double boiler over boiling water. Check the temperature carefully before serving. Baby food should be served lukewarm, never hot.  Don't refreeze it once it’s thawed.

There are a number of foods that should be avoided during the first year, such as those containing gluten, egg whites, cheese, some dairy products, honey, nuts, strawberries, tomatoes, citrus, and shellfish. Do not give your baby spinach, beets, turnips or carrots during the first few months because they contain nitrates, which can interfere with your baby’s hemoglobin and cause poisoning.

For more baby food ideas and simple, nutritious recipes, purchase a good baby food cookbook. 

This article was adapted from Baby & You: The Little Book of Mother and Baby Care (WiseAdviceBook, 2008) by Joanne B. Parrotta. To learn more about this book, the author and her publications, visit www.wiseadvicebooks.com and www.amatterofdestiny.com. The author can be contacted at info@wiseadvicebooks.com.