Guest Post - Baby Food Tips

Today I have my first guest blogger! I am so excited. I really like Lauren's blog and I hope you will check it out after reading this post!

Making your own baby food can seem like a lot of work, but trust me, it's easier than you think! Cooking the food may seem time consuming, but it's super easy and you can go about your in-home business while it's cooking. 

There are so many benefits to making your own baby food! I started doing it to save money, but never realized all the other great things I was doing until I really got into it. 

Here's a list of benefits, to name a few:

• Saves Money: I can't tell you how much baby food one squash makes. It's unbelievable - and cheap!
• Quality: You have complete control over what your baby is being fed. No additives - and it's fresh!)
• Nutrition: Real food has real nutritional value. Store bought baby food is processed, so the only nutritional value it has is the vitamins they fortify it with.
•  Taste: When you make your own baby food, bananas taste exactly like bananas. Peas taste like peas. Your baby will be more likely to eat the real stuff as they grow because they are used to the real taste. Have you ever tried store bought food? If you were blindfolded, would you know what food you were tasting? Probably not.
• Rat Dropping Free: There is a certain amount of rat droppings allowed to pass into the food being made. Umm, eww. Don't believe me? Research it!  

So, are you convinced yet? Great!

Here are some basic things you will need to get started:

• some sort of food processor (I use a mini food processor. You can use a magic bullet/baby bullet or even a blender.)
•  a steamer (I have the cheap kind that goes into the pan.)
• ice cube trays (They make special ones for making your own baby food, but I use regular ol' ice cube trays and cover it with plastic wrap when freezing.) 

• freezer zip bags
• labels or sharpies (Labels are best because I find that sharpie writing comes off after being in the freezer for a while.) 

Great resources for making your own baby food:

• Wholesome Homeade Baby Food: information and recipes for babies & toddlers.
• Weelicious: recipes for babies, toddlers, school age children and families.
• The Big Book of Recipes for Babies, Toddlers & Children: lots of recipes for babies through children (we still use this book and my daughter is 3). Also has meal plan samples in the back.
• If you have trouble with meal planning and timing, visit Good Grrrl Baby Food for purchasing meal plans & taking classes (classes in Long Island, NY only).
• Fresh Baby: great products and information

I hope you give making your own baby food a try. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me here & I will help as best I can.

Thank you for letting me share with you today!

   

Lauren blogs at Tutus & Tea Parties. She is a mommy and craft blogger who shares parenting tips, recipes, ideas for educating your children and crafts for children and adults. 

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Now Go Check her out!