I am debating between buying or making...ugh!
Pro's Buying: Organic brands available, easy!, convenient
Con's Buying: Jars' lids have BPA , Are the plastic pouches safe?
Pro's Making: Control, no packaging
Con's Making: Pesticides, More work!
What do you do? Obvously BPA and pesticides are a concern for me...I have a boy which I know are more suseptible to these things. I read that jar organic has less pesticides than fresh organic because of the rigorous cleaning they go through. I do not know if I could accomplish the super clean veggies and fruits from my washing in the sink. I read tha earth's best jars are no longer lined with BPA, however I called the company and they said that the BPA jars could still be on the shelf and there is no way of knowing which are which...great!
Re: Buying or making your own baby food?
Not a big deal I've been making my son's food - carrots, sweet potatoes, avacado but I work full time so there is not always the time. I used some organic babyfood brand of carrots last night so doesn't really matter.
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Based on your post, I think making your own might make you insane. You'll be worried about cleaning them enough, then about cooking them to the right temperature, cross-contamination of your cooking implements with foods that he may be allergic to, then about if you're storing them adequately or using them up in time. Nevermind the whole nitrate issue with homemade spinach/carrots/etc. If you buy, then all of those concerns are considered for you and all you have to do is open and serve.
That being said, I make my own because I like being able to control the chunkiness, as well as provide seasonal produce that may not be available pre-packaged. But like PP said, go with what's easiest for you and your family.
This! I also read that no matter what food you buy there can still be trace amounts of pesticides on them. So don't go nuts over trying to find the PERFECT food. Its just not out there, but you can do your best with what you have.
This.
I went back and forth about this too...and then I went back to work a couple days a week. Sadly I just couldn't juggle everything, but I found Plum organics. The twins eat every bit of the pouches,sometimes 2 of them (I empty the pouches out into a bowl..from the pouch is extremely messy with four hands in the mix). The purple carrot, blueberry and pear cannot be beat in our house. I do also buy the beechnut 2 to 2.5's.
I think I'm more concerned about the report about Rice today, than whether or not to make my own food. Good thing we switched to oatmeal...lol.
I say make whatever you feel you can keep up with. Good Luck!
This... if the food wasn't safe they wouldn't sell it. I got all whipped up about food too and I was determined to make everything... well I don't really have time for all that so if we're eating something he eats, I put it thru the food mill, if not I open up a jar/pouch/tub and he eats that. I just bought an ice cube tray so I can freeze extra of things I don't make a lot (unseasoned chicken, beef, etc) so I can give him that... whether I'll really have time to follow thru its questionable. Just do what works.
All of this exactly. She never showed any preference for what I made her over Earth's Best anyway.
we just started solids and have been making our own... we have a "baby chef" (check amazon) and it seems to work great. We go to trader joe's and get frozen peas (organic for $1.39) and buy organic sweet potatoes etc... it takes 45 minutes to an hour every week but we have time and don't mind. once we make the puree, we put it in silicone ice cube trays, freeze it and, once it's frozen, pop the cubes out into a tupperware jug and keep in the freezer... the cubes stay separated and easy to thaw... however, we do have a stash of pre made food, just in case we're on the road, or whatever (e.g. prunes in case of constipation). it's really up to you, you have to make the right choice for all of your family!
The BPA from the lids could leech in transit if the food sits in a hot delivery truck.
OP, it seems to me, based on your level of concern, that you'd be better off making your own food. The preservatives in storebought food alone is enough for me to make my own. My suggestion is to buy organic produce, wash with an organic vegetable wash and store in glass jars or containers that are BPA free.