Introducing solid foods is a very important step in your baby’s development and well-being. Studies show that babies who are fed nutritious, healthy diets grow into stronger kids and better-adjusted eaters.
There are many healthy pre-made options, including organic baby food. Another option growing in popularity includes making homemade baby food. You can utilize produce, grains and meat straight from Hy-Vee’s fresh departments.
Many parents don’t realize that making baby food at home is a simple and economical plan to provide your baby with food that is high in quality, nutrition and taste. In addition, it gets your baby used to eating the same food the rest of the family does, a strategy that may pay off during the picky toddler years.
Making homemade baby food may be easier than you think.
• Wash and rinse your hands and equipment.
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• Scrub and peel fruits and vegetables.
• Steam, bake, roast or microwave until tender (steaming and microwaving will preserve the most nutrients).
• Puree in a food processor with a little liquid (breast milk, water or formula are all appropriate choices), or mash if your baby can handle more texture.
• Store in the refrigerator or freezer, in airtight containers. One to three extra servings may be stored in the refrigerator. Use cooked vegetables or fruit within three days. Raw fruit and meats should be used the next day.
• Rewarm when it’s time to eat and allow to cool.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are always best, but you can also use frozen or canned. Look for items that contain very few additives such as salt, sugar or preservatives.
Recommended fruits and vegetables to soft-cook and puree include apples, plums, pears, apricots, peaches, bananas, carrots, peas, green beans, butternut squash and sweet potatoes.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, you can also puree foods such as cooked meats. Make sure that the meat is fully cooked, with no pink, and has the fat, skin and connective tissue removed.
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When your baby is just beginning to eat solids, remember to introduce only one food at a time to identify possible allergies. As your child gets older and you know which foods have been tolerated well, you can start to blend two or three different fruits or vegetables together.
Try the following recipes and see how simple it is to offer your baby fresh and nutritious homemade baby foods.
