Baby Food

I have been giving homemade baby food a try.  The store bought stuff is incredibly convenient and safe, but it also gets to be expensive. I'll still buy some baby food here and there, but I also plan to make as much as I can.  It turns out that it is easier than I thought.  Obviously it is a little more time consuming than pulling it off the pantry shelf, but I've found that I can make some in advance and store it, or use what we are having for dinner when appropriate.

Here is what I have learned so far:

You don't need a fancy baby food mill to make baby food.  I have an inexpensive one that was a gift, but my blender or food processor works just as well, often better.  The later you introduce wheat to a baby the less likely they are to develop celiac disease. Baby food can be made out of fresh, frozen, or canned foods. (Frozen is nutritionally better than canned food. Just be sure to avoid veggies in sauces and drain syrup from fruits.) You can use almost any food.  Most vegetables are considered safe for beginners, but I've tried to follow the baby food guidelines established by Gerber, first foods, second foods etc.  

First foods are:

Peas

Carrots

Sweet Potatoes

Green beans

Apples

Bananas

Plums/Prunes

Pears

Peaches

Rice Cereal
Oat Cereal

For better consistency it is sometimes good to add a little water, milk or juice to the food.  Baby food can be refrigerated for 1-2 days or frozen for up to several weeks.  Bananas do not store well, they get brown and gross.  It's better to make that fresh every time or buy.  Below this post are a few simple recipes to help you get started.  I will be adding to this post as my baby progresses and I learn more tips and tricks.