Now that your little one is eating solid foods, you naturally want to make sure that you’re feeding your baby the healthiest diet possible. Many moms believe that organic food is a better choice, not only for their babies but for the planet. So, what is the best organic baby food out there? Is homemade better than store-bought? Here are some tips to help you decide.
All about organic baby food
Store-bought vs. homemade organic baby food
One common complaint about organic baby food is the expense. It’s tempting but easy to bust your budget by purchasing nothing but organic baby food. However, making your own baby food is simple, less expensive, and gives you total control over what you feed your baby.
How to make your own organic baby food
You don’t need to be a top chef to make baby food. The techniques — chopping, steaming, or boiling and pureeing — are simple. Learn the basics from this fact sheet and video from the University of Maine Extension. Make sure to use proper hygiene and follow food safety tips when you prepare your baby’s food.
What equipment do I need?
Special equipment isn’t absolutely necessary, and you probably already own most.
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler
- Sheet pan
- Steamer basket
- Stock pot
- Blender
- Food processor
- Fine mesh strainer
One useful item you may not have is a food mill, which removes stems, seeds, skins, etc., from the puree, as opposed to blenders or processors which pulverize everything together. You’ll also need food storage equipment, like freezer trays, small jars, and reusable pouches.
If you want to get a little fancier, Nutribullet Baby offers a blender, steamer, and food prep kit specially designed to make food for your little one. Or there’s the Homia Dansa, a time-saving all-in-one steamer, chopper, and processor.
What ingredients should I use for organic baby food?
The best first foods to start are pureed organic fruits, organic vegetables, and organic meats.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “research indicates that it is important to expose children to a wide variety of flavors and textures.” Making your own organic baby food is your chance to introduce your little one to a balanced diet of a wide variety of organic food recipes and delicious foods that will begin a lifetime of healthy eating.
