One of the best time saving techniques to use when making your own baby food is to use a baby food processor. The beauty of this method is that you can start with plain fruit or veggies, and experiment later with different recipes to add variety to baby mealtimes.

When preparing fruit, you can will need to cook hard fruits until soft before pureeing (soft fruits can be processed without cooking). Always make sure that all remains of pips and skin are discarded before giving to baby.

Popular veggies to puree for baby are butternut squash, parsnips, beans, carrots and sweet potato. All will need to be cooked before blending, and there is no need to add any seasoning as the natural flavours are strong enough for baby.

Once pureed, fruits and veggies can be stored in the refrigerator for around 2 days, or frozen for up to 5 months. Use ice cube trays to freeze individual portions which can be defrosted and warmed up on demand.

Using a baby food processor doesn’t need to be difficult, and providing fresh and healthy meals for your baby is both rewarding and economical.

We’re rapidly approaching the end of fall, but there are still some great vegetables that are in season: carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato and turnip.  All of these veggies make great meals for baby, and are full of essential nutrients and fiber. Cook by steam, boil or bake. Then mash or puree them to the desired consistency.  Add some of the water from cooking to thin the puree if necessary.  No need to add any seasoning – these veggies have a lovely flavor all on their own.  You could even mix and match, perhaps blend some sweet potato with pumpkin, just to bring baby a little variety.

I’ve tried mashing veggies with a fork and it’s not fine enough (baby gags and sometimes vomits). I need to mush it up better and would like some advice about the type of equipment to use. He’s currently eating baby food from a jar and I’d like to make it fresh. Thanks!