Why Make Your Own Baby Food
Interested in making your own baby food? Let me share why I make my own baby food to help you decide if making baby food is right for you.
Why I Make My Own Baby Food
When Hanky Pank was about three months old, I started thinking about introducing solids. I realized rather suddenly I wanted to make my own baby food. It just seemed odd to me to buy baby food. At the time, I couldn’t quite put my finger on why. But as I’ve made my own baby food, it’s become more clear as to why this decision resonates with me.
Contents
The primary reason I make my own baby food is to know exactly what’s in it. For example, the main ingredients in my Chicken, Quinoa & Pear Puree are actually chicken and quinoa, not pears. In addition, I’m aware of any additional ingredients included, such as olive oil, chicken broth, and herbs, and how it’s prepared.
Variety
The combination of ingredients to make into a baby puree are endless and making my own allowed me to tailor them to Hanky Pank’s needs and development. Steak & Butternut Squash Puree is an example of a combination made to meet his needs, such as iron and protein, and development, moving from thin purees to chunkier purees.
Cost
We definitely fall on the frugal side. Oddly the cost of prepackaged baby food did not factor into my decision to make my own baby food. However, I’ve certainly enjoyed the savings that comes from making my own baby food.
Interested in making your own baby food? Read my post on Making Baby Food
Why You Don’t Have to Make Your Own Baby Food
I enjoy making my own baby food. I love going to the grocery store and looking at all the fruits and veggies, I like looking at cookbooks to get ideas on different combinations of flavors, it doesn’t bother me to spend time in the kitchen cooking. Plus, I feel like starting with purees has improved my overall cooking and baking.
But I would not make my own baby food if I did not enjoy it. Seriously. And I don’t think any parent should make their own baby food if they don’t want to do so. Because even though I can give you a handful of recipes that are quick and easy, it does still take time and it’s ok if making baby food is not how you want to spend your time.
So if you’re trying to convince yourself to make your own baby food because you think that’s what you should do, just know that I wouldn’t, I have friends that don’t, and I think we’ve both made the right decision for our families.
Instead spend some time researching basic infant nutrition and reputable baby food companies. Then stock up on baby food that meets your little love’s need by reading the ingredients and choosing a variety.
It’s Not All or Nothing
Maybe you want to make your own baby food but the thought of making ALL your baby food is overwhelming. Here’s the thing, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Try a few quick and easy recipes to make each week and buy baby food to round out your little one’s diet.
Want a few easy recipes? Try my Apple & Spinach Puree and Pineapple, Banana & Coconut Puree.
Baby Food I Buy (Gasp!)
Let me close out by saying while I make my own baby food, there are times I buy baby food and there are certain snacks I always have on hand.
I do not make my own baby food when we travel. I’m all for stopping at the grocery store and grabbing baby food. I just try to be mindful that I’m meeting his needs, such as having plenty of protein available along with fruits and vegetables. In addition, I might grab a few pieces of fresh fruits that are easy to mash, such as avocados and bananas. I’ve also found this is a great time to allow Hanky Pank to try to new flavors and for me to find some inspiration.
Hanky Pank loves Puffs, whether they’re Happy Baby’s Superfood Puffs, Plum Organics’s Super Puffs, or Gerber’s Puffs. Trust me, I’ve tried making my own but the light, crunchy texture has been impossible to replicate. I mean, I’ll probably try again in a month, but for now I’ve resigned to the fact that we’re just going to have to buy puffs.
Looking for a few finger foods for your little love? Check out my Yogurt Melts and Banana & Cinnamon Biscuits.
So there you have it. Why I make my own baby food, why I understand if you decide it’s not right for you, and when I buy baby food.