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Ahh baby food. It’s mushy, colorful and nothing compares to it being homemade.  Here are some quick tips and tricks on how you can make fresh & unprocessed puréed baby food in no time at all. The trick is to make large batches and freeze it!

Shopping List of veggies to mash and puree into baby food:

• Golden & Red Beets
• Butternut Squash
• Zucchini Squash
• Rainbow Carrots
• Purple Yam
• Sweet Potato
• Peas
• Green beans

Try to steam as many of the veggies as possible to retain the most nutrients. Note: All of the veggies listed above will have different cooking rates but will be finished when you can easily pierce a fork through each. Steam each batch of veggies above separately. 

1. Wash and chop veggies into equal sizes which helps to keep a consistent cooking rate. Leave the skins on to retain nutrients.
2. Place 2-3 inches water in the bottom of a pot and bring to a boil. Place chopped veggies in a strainer or steam basket over the top of the boiling water and cover with a loose fitting lid or aluminum foil.

Suggested cooking rates based on size of each veggie:

• Beets cut into cubes ~ 18 minutes
• Butternut squash cut into 1” cubes ~ 17 minutes
• Zucchini squash cut into 1” rounds ~ 6 minutes
• Rainbow carrots cut in half ~ 11 minutes
• Yams/Sweet Potatoes cut into 1” cubes ~ 16 minutes
• Peas (Fresh if possible) ~ 4 minutes
• Green Beans ~ 8 minutes

3. Again, these are suggested steaming rates and times will vary. Add water to your pot as needed to keep steam going. Veggies are done when you can easily pierce a fork into them.
4. Use dry towel to peel off the skins on beets and potatoes after they have cooled. Be careful as the red beet’s juice will stain your hands and anything it touches.
5. Put into a glass container and use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. A traditional blender will also work.
6. Add some baby cereal to thicken if needed. Add in leftover water from the steaming process or mother’s milk or formula to thin out if needed. The adjusting of thickness and thinness will depend on the stage of eating your baby is at. As they grow babies tend to eat thicker and chunkier purees. In the beginning keep the foods thin and silky.
7. Freeze and store in batches or combined to make their favorite combos.

My favorite combos:

• Golden & Red Beets
• Purple Yam & Peas
• Butternut Squash & Rainbow Carrots
• Banana & Mango
• Sweet Potato & Zucchini
• Avocado & Green Beans

Please note these are recommendations as a Mom, not a Doctor. Please consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and discuss any foods which may pose allergy risks for your baby.

Suggested Tools to Simplify your Life:

Cuisinart CSB-75MRFR Smart Stick 2-Speed Immersion Hand Blender, 200W, Metallic Red

Make extra, freeze & store in freezer bags

Arctic Chill Large Ice Cube Tray – 2 Pack – 2 Inch Cubes Keep Your Drink Chilled For Hours Without Diluting It