Homemade Baby Food...Positive or Negative?

[MommyMuffin]

Parents,

I was excited to start making all my baby food homemade. So far I have gotten mixed reviews from my daycare parents. Just wondering what your thoughts on the topic are? Good, bad...

A daycare provider

[jen]

I think it depends...I had a daycare parent that made homemade baby foods for their child. She would make large quantities and freeze it. Are you making yours daily? big batches and freezing? canning?

For me, the method you were using would be the biggest issue.

[nannyde]

I think it depends...I had a daycare parent that made homemade baby foods for their child. She would make large quantities and freeze it. Are you making yours daily? big batches and freezing? canning?

For me, the method you were using would be the biggest issue.

As a parent what method would you prefer? What would be the deal breaker for you?

[jen]

As a parent what method would you prefer? What would be the deal breaker for you?

I think I'd have a problem with canning...

I'll be the first to admit that I have no idea if its a "rational" fear, but I would be worried about it.

[Maddy'sMommy]

I plan on offering homemade baby food as well as an option instead of the parents suppling jarred food.

As a parent, I think my worry would be that everything was processed and stored correctly. I think it would help some people's fears to explain to then what happens from beginning to end. (i.e preparation, process, how it is stored, for how long, etc.)

[Unregistered]

I would like it. I make my own and send it just to avoid the super processed bottles. So, I would like it!

[nannyde]

I think I'd have a problem with canning...

I'll be the first to admit that I have no idea if its a "rational" fear, but I would be worried about it.

I don't know how to can. I've never done that before. I see what you are saying though.

[Unregistered]

Homemade baby food

I try to do it as often as I can, but it also depends on what kind it is. I have a Vitamix so it can pretty much turn anything into baby food. When I make baby food, it's fresh daily and I will pitch what I don't use. I don't see myself ever canning it myself but making it fresh from time to time works out well.

[MommyMuffin]

I think it depends...I had a daycare parent that made homemade baby foods for their child. She would make large quantities and freeze it. Are you making yours daily? big batches and freezing? canning?

For me, the method you were using would be the biggest issue.

I would prepare and freeze in ice cube trays like others were saying. Also, buying fruits and vegetables from the farmers market and making them fresh as well.
I plan on making baby food for my own infant when the time comes. I think since I am already doing it, I would simply offer the homemade or if it is not good enough for the daycare parent they can provide whatever canned food they want.

I really thought parents would love it, but I am finding so many mixed reviews.

[jen]

Huh! Honestly, I would love it the way that you are explaining it. Have they given you any reasons for being hesitant?

[jen]

I don't know how to can. I've never done that before. I see what you are saying though.

I don't know how to do it either...I tried once and I was totally wigged out that I was going to give everyone food poisoning, that I never did it again...only served my family, not daycare. My Mom did it a few times and she always made it sound like if she made one mistake we were all going to die!

[GretasLittleFriends]

I don't know how to do it either...I tried once and I was totally wigged out that I was going to give everyone food poisoning, that I never did it again...only served my family, not daycare. My Mom did it a few times and she always made it sound like if she made one mistake we were all going to die!

Reading this made me giggle. I don't know how to can either, though I'd like to learn. We grow a HUGE garden every year.

When I was interviewing the one food program lady she said we can't use home canned stuff because of the dangers behind it. No home canned jams, meats, veggies, sauces or anything. She said if the canning was done improperly it may cause botulism.

I forgot to mention, I do make my own fruit and veggie baby food for my 10mo old. I offered to make the same for the 8mo old in my care, but the mom seemed apprehensive. It's her first, and she said she would prefer I feed her Gerber baby food. Although she is ok with me chopping fruit and veggies and meat into small bite sized pieces for the baby. She also told me her baby just LOVES mac & cheese...

[jen]

Reading this made me giggle. I don't know how to can either, though I'd like to learn. We grow a HUGE garden every year.

When I was interviewing the one food program lady she said we can't use home canned stuff because of the dangers behind it. No home canned jams, meats, veggies, sauces or anything. She said if the canning was done improperly it may cause botulism.

I forgot to mention, I do make my own fruit and veggie baby food for my 10mo old. I offered to make the same for the 8mo old in my care, but the mom seemed apprehensive. It's her first, and she said she would prefer I feed her Gerber baby food. Although she is ok with me chopping fruit and veggies and meat into small bite sized pieces for the baby. She also told me her baby just LOVES mac & cheese...

Isn't the stuff we remember from childhood funny! I remember lookin' at those pickles like death in a jar...that and the off chance that someone mkght undercook the pork chops...

Seriously, I thought pork chops were supposed to black on the outside and the texture of shoe leather until I was in my 20's!::

Sorry Mom!

[Symphony]

In my state we aren't legally allowed to serve wild game or home canned items.

If a provider were making baby food fresh everyday, I would be very happy as a parent! With my oldest two children, I would make big batches and freeze them in ice cube trays. The rest of my kids, I made it as I was preparing the meal for everyone else.

[Stacy214]

I grew a garden FULL of tomatoes and cucumbers and tried canning and honestly it ****ED! I would NEVER try it again, too much work for a few jars bleh....God bless the people who can do it well. My pickles were disgusting however my pasta sauce was delish (just not enough) ::


So I am going to start making my own baby food (my parents are on board with this) and was reading something about the plastics ??? Some are not safe? Do I need to buy special products for storage? I only have 2 babies to make for right now.