To make baby puree, simply cook your chosen fruit, vegetable, meat, or grain until it is soft, then blend or mash it into a smooth consistency.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Choose Your Ingredient(s)
- Fruits: Apples, pears, bananas, avocados, peaches, plums, berries.
- Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, peas, green beans, broccoli.
- Meats: Chicken, beef, turkey, fish (ensure all bones are removed).
- Grains: Oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa.
2. Prepare the Food
- Wash thoroughly: Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water.
- Peel and chop: Remove skins, seeds, and cores as necessary. Chop into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. For meats, remove any skin, bones, or excess fat.
3. Cook the Food
There are several cooking methods you can use:
- Steaming: This method preserves nutrients best. Use a steamer basket over boiling water until tender.
- Boiling: Submerge the food in boiling water until tender. Be mindful that some nutrients can be lost in the water.
- Roasting: Roasting vegetables like sweet potatoes and squash can bring out their natural sweetness. Roast in the oven until soft.
- Baking: Similar to roasting, baking can be used for fruits and vegetables.
- Sautéing: Lightly sautéing some vegetables can enhance their flavour.
The food is ready when it is easily pierced with a fork.
4. Puree the Food
- Using a Food Processor or Blender: This is the easiest method for achieving a smooth puree. Add the cooked food and a little cooking liquid (water, breast milk, or formula) to help it blend. Blend until completely smooth.
- Using a Potato Masher or Fork: For softer foods like bananas or avocados, a potato masher or fork works well. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Using a Mortar and Pestle: A more traditional method, suitable for small batches.
5. Adjust Consistency
- Add more cooking liquid to thin the puree.
- Add more of the cooked food to thicken it.
- The consistency should be smooth and easy for your baby to swallow.
6. Safety and Storage
- Cool the puree quickly: After blending, cool the puree rapidly.
- Store properly: Store in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours, or freeze in small portions for up to 1-2 months. Using ice cube trays to freeze small portions is a great tip.
- Label and date: Always label and date containers before storing.
- Reheat thoroughly: Reheat the puree thoroughly before serving, ensuring it is not too hot. Always test the temperature before feeding your baby.
- Never refreeze thawed puree.
