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Stock up on storage containers. I use these--$10 for a package of eight, 2-ounce cubes with lids, stacking trays, and stickers to label (less if you use a Buy Buy Baby coupon!). They are microwavable and dishwasher-safe, which are both nice conveniences. I have 32 cubes, which last us anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. If you'd rather not spend the money on special storage cubes, use ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the food cubes out and store in Ziploc baggies! Whichever way you go, be sure you have plenty. This will ensure you only have to make food every few weeks minimum.
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You don't need a fancy, crazy-expensive food processor. Mine is a $40 Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus 3-Cup Processor. It's not specifically made for making baby food, but it was purchased from Buy Buy Baby. It's dishwasher-safe and easy to use. It does the job and does it well!
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I like to mix fruits and veggies so I know Brantley is eating a balanced diet and a variety of foods. I steal ideas from the store-bought stuff. Here's my running list of veggie/fruit combinations:
Avocado + Pears
Broccoli + Pears
Broccoli + Apple{sauce}
Butternut Squash + Pears
Butternut Squash + Bananas
Butternut Squash + Apple{sauce}
Carrots + Apple{sauce}
Peas + Pears
Spinach + Apple{sauce}
Spinach + Pears
Spinach + {frozen} Mixed Berries + Apple{sauce)
Sweet Potato + Apple{sauce}
Sweet Potato + Mango
Zucchini + Banana
Zucchini + {frozen} Mixed Berries
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I also mix fruits with fruits to spice things up a bit. Here are some other combos I've done:
Apple{sauce} + Pears
Apple{sauce} + Banana
Pears + Mango
Peaches + Banana
Apple{sauce} + Pears + Peaches + Bananas
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You can use natural applesauce in lieu of steamed/pureed apples. Natural applesauce is literally apples and water with no sugar added. I've cheated a few times and added this to carrots and sweet potato.
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Buy the veggies that are steam-in-the-bag. Making your own baby food doesn't have to mean buying all fresh produce. I've used frozen butternut squash, peas, green beans, broccoli, and peaches. Most of the above veggies come in Green Giant or Bird's Eye steam-in-the-bag options, which makes for easy steaming! And if you watch for sales, the steam-in-the-bag veggies aren't that much more expensive than regular frozen veggies.
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Those avocado-pear popcicles on Pinterest are a good option for letting your baby feed himself!
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Happy pureeing!
