Weaning Baby

This summer I decided to make baby food. Starting my daughter on solids seemed very overwhelming at first, especially because I’d decide to go the route of making everything from scratch.

So, about two months ago I started my daughter (six months) on solids. It was recommended by the pediatrician during her four-month checkup. However, I didn’t feel like she was ready, interested or excited in anything other than milk. So, we took the pediatricians advice and placed it on a shelf until she showed us that she was. I guess I didn’t want to interfere with her digestive system and it not being ready. Anyway, two months later we decided to give it a go and she took to it (apple puree) very well. At this age, she could sit up well without support, had a strong head control, and was willing to chew. These signs are very important when weaning your little one!

Prep time...

Like always I am a complete control freak and wanted to be in charge of what my little one was putting in her tummy. Like everything else, I always planned to make baby food for my first baby but wasn’t sure how to start. Anyway, I planned to give my little one only the best, which is why I purchased different brands of organic baby puree to conduct my own quality control. I read each label, I tasted each one (at home) but really liked Ella’s kitchen, Organix and de Kleine Keuken (The little kitchen). The point is my love of food made it very clear that what I'd just eaten was good food as I knew it. And I certainly wanted this to be my daughter's first experience with what the food world had to offer. 

I left the supermarket in full confidence that I too would be able to make this for Sophia. I read a lot on weaning, solids, first foods, and baby food products. I bought a baby organic food and recipe book and also looked up some baby food videos on Youtube…Buona Pappa! OMG, I love her channel it’s so informative. I will say that these tools were very helpful and allowed me to enjoy this new adventure. 

Anyway, I went to the container store and bought several suitable food containers. Then I went to the market, grabbed pounds of fresh organic fruits and vegetables. After my errands, I came home washed all foods, set up my prep station, got out the needed kitchen appliances, utensils, and my tablet & cookbook!

Time to begin…

I started off with simple recipes based on the produce in season. Apples, pears, mangoes and green split peas. My goal was to make purees without enhancing the natural flavors. So, no added sugars, salt or spices. I wanted my daughter to experience the taste of food without the added herbs and spices. The only thing I added was some breast milk to thin out the consistency and to give it a more familiar taste and texture. I also added a little bit of olive oil to the peas.

About two hours later I allowed my purees to cool off before storing them in my freezer. I used a silicone cupcake holder and filled it with purees. The result was about 100 ounces of natural, flavorful, purees.

Results…

My baby loves every meal, my husband and I think they're pretty delicious. Once my daughter is used to the natural tastes, I plan to add some spices, and herbs, dairy etc. to her foods.

This was truly a life-changing experience: making baby food for Sophia. More than a hobby, it’s become my mission. I look forward to raising her and our future children on the full flavors of fresh foods.  Sophia is now a little foodie and gets so excited for every meal. I’ve realized that it doesn’t take that much energy or time to make baby food. All you really need is a couple of hours each month and a passion to give your baby the very best. Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to do the same. 

XOXO, Niki