Making baby food at home

mamam

So I never considered this with my first.  First, I work FT+ so time is seriously scarce.  Also, it seemed that by the time you buy the maker and accessories for the 6 or so months they eat baby food it didn't really save you much.  Fast forward to twins.  I just bought mass amts of Earth's Best at the BRU sale only to realize that they'll eat about 40+ jars a week.  That's a good $20-40/week! 

So, do you do make your own?  What do I really need (i.e. to steam, blend, store)?  I'd rather not buy a $200-300 appliance.  Any good resources online to make sure I'm doing it right and sanitary, etc.?

smeyer

www.wholesomebabyfood.com  It's a great resource - articles, recipes, and tons of info on all things baby food.

I have a Beaba.  While it's easy to use, there's really no need for a special appliance.  All you'd really need is a food processor, a steaming basket that fits one of your pots (even that's not totally needed, IMO), and some ice cube trays for storage. 

 

kimarino13

I have a Beaba and loved it.  It was a gift, along with the freezer things they sell.  I loved making batches of organic fruits and veggies.  I would make like 6-8 batches every Friday night after the girls went to bed. 

That said, I am sure a steamer pot and blender would work just fine.

Loved wholesomebabyfood.com.

groovygrl

Totally doable, I made all my twins' purees and worked full time, supplied them to daycare & used them at home. I made all their early stage 2/3 type foods too and some of their finger foods.

I have a beaba & love it (still use it for random stuff now!) but like pps said, definitely not necessary. If you own a steamer pot (can pick something up on the cheap for sure if not) and a blender or food processor, you can totally do it. Some foods make more than others- eg sweet potatoes seemed to make a ton of food  but I regret ever doing apples on my own, what a waste of time w/ all the peeling/coring/cutting and then release so much water you end up with barely anything & it would be just as economical to buy an organic or no sugar added kind or something. I used to set aside 2 hrs on a sunday to bang out a ton of stuff but also on weeknights just do a batch of something after dinner while we were watching tv or something.

GL! 

GiGi1221

Yup- I just bought a steamer basket and make all the boys food- I work Tues-Friday (some Saturdays).

I also supply daycare with their food.  We've done all oraganic, mainly peas, carrots, apples, spinach, squash, pumpkin, blueberries... it is super easy.

Haven1

All I use is a bamboo steamer, food processor, and ice cube trays. Its super simple. I get whatever organic is on sale and make a few batches on sunday. I think its fun!

Temp6313048411121614

I have a $40 baby food processor from BRU (Dex brand, not sure if they still sell them, but it has a lifetime warranty, and they're great to deal with).  I also bought those Ziploc steam bags, so no steamer needed.  I haven't tried green beans, or peas yet.  I do bananas, carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes.  It's SO much cheaper.  I do still have to buy some baby food, but not nearly as much.

sarahjane936

Aussie*s_Mom:

I also bought those Ziploc steam bags, so no steamer needed. 

I hadn't thought of this.  Excellent idea!!  Thank you.

DinnerTime

Haven1:

All I use is a bamboo steamer, food processor, and ice cube trays. Its super simple. I get whatever organic is on sale and make a few batches on sunday. I think its fun!

I did this exactly for the boys except I used the Magic Bullet.  

Shannonlea

I steam in the Ziploc steam bags or use frozen Steamfresh veggies and then puree in a Cusinart foor processor.  I can make 18-20 oz of food for $1 versus 7-8 oz of food for $1.  It adds up.

And my kids have both been eating finger food for awhile but they still eat some purees and will probably do so for a couple months so I've been saving money doing this since 6 months.

jamie217

I have a steamer and use our blender and got silicone ice cube trays from amazon and then transfer them to ziplock baggies.  I didn't want to buy any appliances since I would only be using it a few months.  I just started making it this weekend and have a TON! 

amanda31H

My favorite appliance of ALL TIME is the Cuisinart Blender/Mini Food Processor combo.  It's one base, and you change out the bowl for a mini food processer, or a blender pitcher.  Now, it's my favorite thing to make baby food with!  So if you do need to buy a processor of some kind...you can cheat and buy a toy for yourself AND for the babies   I have a deep love for kitchen gadgets.

https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-BFP-703CH-SmartPower-Blender-Processor/dp/B00004WKI7

(no idea why the low reviews, my BF and I LOVE this, have both had it for 5 years and it works great.  We both use it now for baby food)

LoveTravel

I started making the boys their baby food around 7 months (not from the get go) and I'm glad I did it.  I just used my regular blender to freeze the food I used the Heinz plastic baby food containers to freeze the food.

My friend had a baby recipe book from this lady and I later found out this site that I think is great! : https://www.annabelkarmel.com/recipes/first-foods

kelliwill

I used a food processor and you can steam, microwave, or bake things like sweet postatoes.  I loved it and found it to be much cheaper.  My girls LOVE cauliflower and pears.  I also had those ice cube trays and then pop them into bags when frozen.  It's great!!  GL!