Making Baby Food

While making baby food, several important things need to be kept in mind, out of which the most important is the age of the baby. Babies should not be fed any solid food until they are 6 months old. In fact, till then they should be fed only mother's milk. Secondly, you should avoid a few things, most importantly spices. Not even a pinch of spice should be added to baby food, even salt should be minimal. Only food that is easy to digest and nutritious should be opted for.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup warmed milk
• 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
• 2-3 drops vanilla extract

Process
Take a medium-sized bowl, add all the ingredients in it. Mix well and cook for 10 minutes on low heat. Let cool slightly and then feed. Do not forget to check the temperature before serving. This recipe is for 6 - 9 month old babies.

Ingredients

• 250 g butternut squash or pumpkin, peeled
• 250 g potatoes
• 250 g sweet potatoes
• 250 g carrots

Process
Cut the veggies in small pieces, set aside. Put a steamer set over boiling water, place the veggies into it, and cook for about 15-20 minutes.

If you do not have a steamer set, place the veggies in a pan and pour boiling water over them, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. When done, purée the vegetable using the liquid of the veggies that remains in the pan. Feed lukewarm. To store, pour into ice cube tray and freeze until needed.

Ingredients

• 1 peach, peeled and diced
• ½ cup diced, cooked boneless skinless chicken
• ¼ cup cooked brown rice
• 2 tbsp. milk

Process
Put all the ingredients in a food processor and purée until you get the desired texture and consistency. Isn't making your own baby food easy? This recipe is especially for babies who are 6-8 months old. The baby is sure to like the yummy chicken and rice taste!

Ingredients

• 1 medium carrot (approx 125 g), peeled and sliced
• 300 g potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 75 g broccoli florets
• 40 g cheddar cheese, grated
• 15 g unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp. baby's usual milk

Process
Take a large saucepan and add carrots and potatoes to it, add boiling water and cook for about 20 minutes until tender. 

While the carrots and potatoes are cooking, steam broccoli in another saucepan for about 7 minutes. After the broccoli is tender, add it to the potatoes mixture after about 12 minutes. Drain and mash the veggies, add butter, cheese, and milk. This is a recipe for babies who are 9 - 12 months old.

Ingredients

• 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and cubed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp. canola oil
• ½ tsp. dried basil
• Homemade chicken stock

Process
Take a large pot, add oil to it and sauté onion and celery in it. 

Add all the other remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Simmer for 25 - 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and then lower the heat. Remove the bay leaf and cool. Purée in a food processor in batches. Again heat the soup, cool, and then serve. This is a recipe for 9 - 12 months old babies.

There are also many books on cooking baby food which can provide you with proper guidance. Make baby food at home and get rid of the tension of whether the food you are serving is fresh and healthy.