Pureed Baby Food

Basic Steps for Making Pureed Baby Food

1. Select and Prepare Ingredients:

Choose fresh, organic fruits and vegetables when possible. Wash them thoroughly to remove any pesticides or dirt.

2. Cooking Methods:

Cook the ingredients to soften them, making them easier to puree and digest. Common methods include steaming, boiling, roasting, or microwaving.

• Steaming: Retains most nutrients. Use a steamer basket over boiling water and steam until soft.

• Boiling: Place ingredients in a pot of boiling water until tender, then drain.

• Roasting: Roast vegetables in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until soft.

• Microwaving: Place ingredients in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water, cover, and microwave until tender.

3. Pureeing:

Puree the cooked ingredients using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender. Add liquid (water, breast milk, or formula) to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Storing:

Store the pureed food in BPA-free containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months in ice cube trays or small containers.

Pureed Baby Food Recipes

1. Sweet Potato Puree

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes

• Water, breast milk, or formula

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into chunks.

3. Place the chunks on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.

4. Allow to cool, then puree in a blender with water, breast milk, or formula until smooth.

2. Apple Puree

Ingredients:

• 4 medium apples (any sweet variety)

• Water

Instructions:

1. Peel, core, and chop the apples.

2. Place the apple pieces in a saucepan and add enough water to cover the bottom.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until soft.

4. Allow to cool, then puree in a blender until smooth. Add more water if needed to reach the desired consistency.

3. Carrot Puree

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots

• Water, breast milk, or formula

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the carrots into small pieces.

2. Steam the carrot pieces for 15-20 minutes until tender.

3. Allow to cool, then puree in a blender with water, breast milk, or formula until smooth.

4. Pea Puree

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas

• Water, breast milk, or formula

Instructions:

1. Steam the peas for 5-10 minutes until tender.

2. Allow to cool, then puree in a blender with water, breast milk, or formula until smooth. For a very smooth consistency, you can also strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve.

5. Banana Puree

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana

Instructions:

1. Peel the banana and mash it with a fork or blend it until smooth.

2. No cooking is needed for bananas, making this a quick and easy option.

Tips:

• Introduce Foods One at a Time: Start with single-ingredient purees and wait 3-5 days before introducing a new food to watch for any allergic reactions.

• Consistency: For younger babies, the puree should be very smooth. As your baby gets older, you can make the purees thicker and chunkier.

• Storage: Label containers with the date and type of puree. Use frozen purees within 3 months for the best quality.