Make it or buy it?

amarie1504 · February 2016

What are you doing when it comes to puréed fruits and veggies as baby food and why? This is a 100% judgment free zone. I am asking because I'm completely torn when trying to decide which route I want to go, and I'd love to get opinions from other moms. Part of me wants to make it because I worry about packaged foods having unnecessary chemicals and fillers (can anyone ease my mind about this?). I see pros and cons for each option and truly just cannot decide.

danniellemichelle · February 2016

When the time comes I'm making my daughter's baby food

Totally not opposed to purchasing it, and if I did I would buy organic.

I just like the fact that I can save some money and choose flavor combinations for her - plus making it sounds fun to me.

I'm a total DIY'er when it comes to most things though, not sure if my input really counts.

Cloth diapers, car seat canopy, hair bows, headbands - if I can make it myself (and save cash) I totally will

momma2char · February 2016

My hubby wants to buy everything so bad but I really want to make it! I think it's because I always say I want to do something "DIY" and fail miserably

I'm also a terrible cook. I saw ingredients on the baby food jars as "fruit/veggie, water" (just those two ingredients) but it still makes me wonder what else is added but not listed? I really like the idea of making food and mixing it with my breastmilk though. I've also heard mixed reviews of store bought baby food- that certain ones taste nothing like the actual food and I don't really want my LO to try jarred carrots and hate them, when it doesn't even taste like real carrots? So I'm also not completely sure. I'm really wanting to make my own baby food and willing to spend the time and learn, while hubby is really wanting to buy.

amarie1504 · February 2016

Thank you both for your input! It definitely helps. The money saving aspect of making it definitely makes me lean that way, but the time saving aspect of buying it makes me lean that way. I really want to give it a shot, but with baby food makers being $70-$120ish (the ones I've looked at at least), that's a little steep for just giving something a shot. I really do have a desire to make baby food when the time comes, but I want to make sure I can honestly be committed to it. I'm afraid I'll do it once or twice and then totally flake. Lol! Right now I'm leaning more toward making than buying, but I'm not 100% sure. I just really like the idea of knowing exactly what I'm feeding him and not having to worry about hidden ingredients, sugars, etc.

Can anyone who makes baby food explain about how long it takes from start-to-finish each time? Also, can anyone recommend storage containers? I think one of my fears with making is that I won't store it properly and/or will waste a ton. I feel like if I'm going to make it I have a lot to learn - how to make, store, thaw, good combos to try, etc.

Can anyone who buys baby food recommend brands to try? Is Gerber any good?

cbolton19 · February 2016

I'd like to try making it too. I haven't researched it, but is a baby bullet (or other similar product) necessary? I assume you could use a steamer and a food processor or blender right?

A woman man I work with recommend these neat little trays, once I remember what they are I will add the link. They are about the size of ice cubes so you won't waste any. Once they freeze, you just pop them out and put them in a bag.

chein1 · February 2016

I mostly bought DD1's. I'll probably buy LO's too. I made it a few times, but I'm lazy. Not sorry.

VioletandRose · February 2016

For those of you that are on the fence about making baby food, there is always something like this you could try: https://amzn.to/1KsXmNU

It's basically a manual baby food maker, you steam the food in the microwave and then mash it by hand. Less than $10 and several companies make them. That way, if you enjoy making food and want to continue, you can invest in a machine. If not, you're only out $10.

jegoffin · February 2016

I made all of the baby food for dd1. Dd 2 refused purées so we did baby led weaning. I'll probably make some purées when the time comes for ds It's super easy and not time consuming at all. You don't need a "baby food maker", just use a blender or food processor. Sweet potatoes and squash are super easy ones to try. Just bake and then purée the insides. I froze in ice cube trays and stored in ziploc bags.

SweetnSassy23 · February 2016

We buy LO's baby purees because we do a mix of purees and BLW, and LO doesn't get purees too long. It was worth the time saving to us.

For those interested in making baby food, this website has some great ideas/recipes. wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/index.htm

kjacks6347 · February 2016

I buy my sons baby food simply because im lazy lol. We buy beech nut and it seems to be pretty good. It's all natural and I've actually tasted them. They taste the same as normal food for the most part. Slight difference but not much. The only one I have an issue with is the Banana. That taste way off.

amarie1504 · February 2016

@kjacks6347 I actually just heard of Beechnut for the first time this morning, and I really like what I've seen on their website and what I've read about them online. I like that you've tried them and that the purées taste like the actual foods that are in them. That's one thing I've definitely been trying to find! I think if I'm this hesitant to commit to making baby food it will probably never last, so I'm looking into options for buying. I'm fine with buying it, but I want to make sure I'm buying something healthy and of high quality for my little man.

Casseylemon · February 2016

If you're committed, look into buying a baby brezza (or something like it). It steams and purées. My friend makes a weeks worth and it's done in about an hour. She freezes it in ice trays. Then you have just one bowl to wash

sarahsfamurri · February 2016

The bonus of making your own is that if you own pots to steam and a blender you can make your own purees! I steam whatever items I'm making on the stove and then use my every day blender to puree. Then I freeze the purees in cheap ice cube trays and put them into baggies for the freezer. It's super easy and doesn't require any special items!

Plus as you mentioned you can do your own combinations. Spend a few hours a steam a bunch of sweet potatoes, apples, avocados, peas, squash, bananas and you've got the makings of quite a few different mixtures!

ladynesiko · February 2016

So far I have been making it. Since WIC provides me food checks, so using fruits and veggies doesn't cost me a thing to make when it comes to making DD's purees. So far my DD loves Bananas and sweet potatoes.

waltersmom83 · February 2016

I'm making what I can, and buying everything else. For instance, I can't find organic peas at my store, so I'm buying them jarred. Same with meat, I don't think I have it in me to puree meat, so I'm buying it. Beech nut makes a gmo free and organic food, so I feel safe using them for anything I don't make. But as she gets older, and eating more I might buy more than I make for my own sanity. Like everything else, I try to do what I can and don't stress if I can't.

tulegrl14 · March 2016

I just made some baby food yesterday. Went to whole foods and got some organic sweet potatoes, acorn squash, pears and avocados. Just baked the squash and sweet potatoes and puréed and freezes very easy and little prep. I used the kiinde system and a cusinart blender I have. I froze in 1 oz bags since he will be eating only a tablespoon here and there.

mommav83 · March 2016

We are making it. It's pretty easy with the baby bullet and steamer. Plus it's pretty fool proof which I love. So far we've done green beans and carrots. Can't wait for other stuff.

Rachel623 · March 2016

I made the easy stuff like vegetables and some fruits. Once I got to berries and things with seeds that you have to get out, I switched to store bought.

I made my own meats last time and it was disgusting. This time I'm buying all of those.

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