Ice cube trays, freezer bags and labels (for freezing)
Before You Start:
Wash your hands
Use clean utensils, containers and cookware
You do not need to add sugar, salt, margarine or butter
Storage:
Refrigerator
Freezer
Once you make baby food, serve it or store it right away
Baby food can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer
Store home-made baby food in tightly covered containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Remove the portion to be served at each meal rather than feeding directly from the container. Any uneaten food remaining should be thrown out.
Any food that has been heated should not be refrigerated for another meal-throw it out.
Put the prepared puree into ice cube trays. Cover the ice cube tray container with plastic wrap and place in freezer for up to 3-6 hours, until frozen.
Or, take the pureed food and put spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet and freeze.
Once the purees are frozen, store in plastic freezer bags, label and date.
If stored in the fridge freezer, use the food within 2 months.
If stored in the deep freezer, use the food within 6 months.
To Thaw:
Thaw frozen baby food in the refrigerator. Do not leave baby food on the counter to thaw. Warm baby food in a dish of hot water or double boiler.
Do not re-freeze baby food that has been thawed. It will keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Throw out left over food after baby is finished eating.
Vegetables and Fruits
Wash, peel, pit and/or seed and slice fresh or frozen vegetables or fruit.
Place vegetables or fruit in a small amount of boiling water. Cook until tender. Or use the microwave: place fruits or vegetables in a microwave safe bowl with a small amount of water and heat at a high setting until the fruits or vegetables are tender.
Remove from heat and drain
Keep the cooking water
Mash or blend using a small amount of cooking water.
You can blend or mash ripe, soft fruits like bananas, mangoes, avocados and canned fruit without cooking them.
Meat and fish
Place a piece of meat or fish in a saucepan with a small amount of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer. Continue to cook until meat separates easily from the bones or the fish flakes easily with a fork.
You can also roast, bake, or braise meats and fish. Remove the bones and skin and trim off the fat. Cut meat or flake fish into small pieces.
Blend with cooking water or stock.
Meat Alternatives
Cook legumes, such as beans, lentils and chickpeas, according to the package directions. Rinse canned beans well. Cook egg. Use plain tofu.
Blend with a little water or mash with a fork.
Benefits:
Saves money
Helps your baby get used to different textures and tastes
Lets your baby eat the same foods as family
Gives you more control over the texture you offer your baby
