NewMomsOver40 As a new parent, you want to ensure that your baby is getting the best possible nutrition. One great way to do that is by making your own infant purées. Not only is it more cost-effective than buying pre-made purées, but it also allows you to control exactly what goes into your baby’s food. Here are some tips for making your own infant purées:
1. Start with fresh ingredients: When making infant purées, it’s important to use fresh fruits and vegetables. This ensures that your baby is getting the most nutrients possible. If you can, choose organic produce to avoid any pesticides or chemicals.
2. Wash your produce: Before using any fruits or vegetables, make sure to wash them thoroughly. This removes any dirt, bacteria, or pesticides that may be on the surface.
3. Cook your produce: Depending on what kind of produce you’re using, you may need to cook it before puréeing. For example, you’ll need to steam or roast carrots or sweet potatoes until they’re soft. Apples can be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop until they’re tender. Make sure to cook your produce until it’s soft enough to be easily mashed.
4. Blend or mash your produce: Once your produce is cooked, it’s time to blend or mash it into a purée. You can use a blender, food processor, or immersion blender to do this. If you don’t have any of these appliances, you can also use a fork or a potato masher to mash the produce by hand.
5. Add water or breast milk: Depending on how thick your purée is, you may need to add some water or breast milk to thin it out. This makes it easier for your baby to eat and swallow. Start by adding a small amount of liquid and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Store your purées properly: Once you’ve made your purées, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer. If you’re storing them in the refrigerator, they should be consumed within 2-3 days. If you’re storing them in the freezer, they can be stored for up to 3 months. Make sure to label each purée with the date it was made so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored.
7. Experiment with different flavors: Don’t be afraid to try out different combinations of fruits and vegetables to create new flavors for your baby. Some popular combinations include sweet potato and apple, pear and spinach, and banana and avocado. You can also add herbs and spices like cinnamon or ginger to add some extra flavor.
8. Be aware of potential allergens: When introducing new foods to your baby, it’s important to be aware of potential allergens. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, wheat, and eggs. Start by introducing one new food at a time and wait a few days before introducing another. This allows you to monitor your baby for any allergic reactions.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your baby is getting the best possible nutrition from their infant purées. Homemade purées are a great way to introduce your baby to new flavors and textures, and you can feel good knowing exactly what’s in their food.
