| These factors can greatly influence the nutritional value of the food, and the environment we live in. If you are concerned about the foods you eat, then you are also very concerned about the nutrition of your baby. Once an infant is ready to start on solid foods, many parents feel their only options are the different packaged baby foods. This certainly is not the case. With a little extra time and effort you can prepare your own homemade baby foods. It is a simple process with many benefits for you, and your child. Why Prepare Homemade Baby Foods?
Over the years, processed, packaged baby food in your local supermarket has been a safe and effective nutrient source. However, this doesn’t mean that we should rest there. Unfortunately, most packaged foods have added sugars and starches, and jarred baby food is no exception. The good news..? Similar to the power we have when we choose to prepare family meals versus going out to eat, preparing homemade baby food allows you much more control over exactly what is going into the final product. It is possible for the baby food you make at home to be more nutritious than the packaged variety. The longer a fruit or vegetable sits or travels, the more nutrients are lost. By using items you have grown yourself or purchased locally you can increase the nutritional impact of your child’s food. You will also be able to better determine the flavor, taste and texture…leaving, at the end of mealtime a happier, as well as healthier baby. Also, while the supermarket selection may leave you with limited options, making your own baby food can expose your child to new and unique flavors. There is also speculation that making your own foods from fruits, vegetables and meats, it may help your baby make an easier transition to healthy table foods when they are ready. Welcoming a new member to the family can be a strain on your finances. There are things needed at the moment, as well as savings to think about for the future. Making small changes where you are able can help you afford the necessities. This is another reason why homemade baby food is a great option. It will save you money. You will be using a lot of the same foods you currently have on hand for family meals. By having appropriate storage supplies you will utilize reusable containers with no money lost to the packaging of supermarket products. When Is the Best Time to Start Making Baby Food?
The main indicator that a baby is ready to start eating more solid foods is when the swallowing reflex develops. Before this time your baby will not be able to swallow any solid foods properly. In a document updated September 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that most children are ready between four and six months of age. However, the Department of Health of the United Kingdom recommends waiting until six months of age. If you have concerns, it is best to talk with your pediatrician about what is right for your baby and determine when he or she is ready. You will likely want to begin your baby on cereals made of rice. At this age grains can sometimes cause allergic reactions and rice cereals are most often the safest choice. As your baby reaches six to eight months of age fruits and vegetables become an option. Protein sources and some dairy products like cheese can begin to be introduced as your baby enters the 8 to 12 month age range. When starting out, you will be unaware of any allergies your baby might have. This is why it is important to introduce one food at a time. Avoid making mixed fruits or vegetables for the first few months. By giving your child one specific fruit or vegetable you will be able to easily identify the cause if a complication should arise. Making Baby Foods
Making baby foods is a very simple process. You will want to make sure that you do not add any types of seasonings or sweeteners to the food. Your baby will like the natural flavor of the food itself. When your baby is ready for fruits and vegetables you can choose fresh or frozen. Canned items are also an option, but you will want to be sure that there are no unnecessary additives such as sodium or sugar. Cook the produce by steaming, baking or boiling. It is important to note that boiling for long lengths of time can reduce the nutritional content of the food. Next, let the food cool and puree it with an immersion blender or food processor. Incorporating some of the cooking liquid will help create a loser consistency. When your baby is ready for protein sources make sure the meats are fully cooked. You can cube them and then puree them with water. Some examples of fruits and vegetables you can start out with include sweet potatoes, winter squash, green beans, bananas, avocados, pears and apples. When your baby is ready for meat choose lean beef, legumes such as lentils, pork and egg yolks. The first dairy products your child can experiment with are cheeses and yogurt. General Safety When Preparing and Storing Baby Foods
Babies are very vulnerable to germs. It is important to take every precaution to ensure that homemade baby food is safe. When cooking with or around raw foods, be very conscious of cross contamination. Do not let raw foods come into contact with what you are preparing for your baby. Always make sure any meats are cooked all the way through and do not use leftovers to prepare baby foods. Red meats and pork should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). When working with fresh fruits and vegetables scrub the outside skin well with a vegetable brush under running water. Do not leave baby foods at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent the growth of bacteria. When stored in the refrigerator cooked fruits and vegetables should be consumed in less than three days, preferably two days. Raw fruits and cooked meats should be consumed the next day. You can safely freeze baby foods for use within one to three months. The best method identified for freezing is in an ice cube tray. First make sure the tray is clean and sanitized. You might consider running it through the dishwasher, however, be sure the manufacturers instructions allow this before doing so. Fill each cube with some of the pureed food and cover in plastic wrap. Freeze, and when you need to free up your trays you can transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. There are three possible methods for thawing the cubes. First you can thaw them in an enclosed container in the refrigerator. You might also choose the submersion method where you place the cubes in a bowl and then place the bottom of that bowl in a larger bowl filled with warm water. This process usually takes about 20 minutes. It is possible to thaw in the microwave, but many professionals do not recommend it. The microwave can produce hot pockets within the food that could burn your baby’s mouth. If you do use this method be sure to stir the food well and test its temperature. It is important to note that some foods should be avoided when preparing meals for your baby. These foods should not be given to a child until they are older, in some cases one to two years of age. Be sure to discuss these foods with your pediatrician and determine the best time to introduce them to your baby. They have the potential to cause allergies, present a choking hazard or contain substances that are unsafe to you child’s system at their young age. Some foods include honey, peanut butter, nuts, citrus or acidic fruits, strawberries, corn, egg whites, whole milk, wheat, grapes, shellfish, chocolate, beets and spinach. | 
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