Baby food is so easy to make, and you only need a few simple tools to do it. You may already have everything you need! In this section you will learn what kitchen accessories are essential, how you can use what you already have, and what you can do to prepare your kitchen to cook delicious, safe baby food.
Here is a basic list of what you need to make your own baby food, as well as a list of items that aren’t absolutely necessary, but may be helpful to have on hand. Whether you’re a newbie in the kitchen or just new to making infant food, check through the list to make sure you have everything you need to get cooking.
pureeing device: food processor, blender, fine mesh strainer, food mill, or food grinder
medium saucepan
sauté pan or nonstick skillet
colander
cutting board
spatula
measuring spoons and cups
quality knife set
soft tip or BPA-free plastic spoons
roasting/baking pan
small and large saucepans
small storage containers that hold 2–4 ounces
mixing spoons
small, nonbreakable baby food bowls
flexible freezer tray with lid or freezer-safe containers
vegetable peeler
vegetable steamer
grater
permanent marker
labels for food containers
Before you head to the store, check your cupboards to see what kitchen tools you already own. Food processors, blenders, and food mills are all excellent options for making purees.
If you don’t have one of these, you can use a fork or potato masher to make a puree. It will just take a little more time and energy. Foods that don’t mash up well, like chicken, you can dice up into small bits instead of pureeing.
Blenders and food processors are, to me, the most helpful kitchen tools for making purees. Blenders work best for making completely smooth purees and big batches of food. They typically hold up to 9 cups, which is useful if you are making food for multiple infants or plan to do a lot of freezing. Some blenders dice and chop too. This can come in handy as you progress the texture of baby’s food. If you are planning to make your own infant cereal, choose one that can grind grains into flour.
Food processors are designed for dicing and chopping foods; though, many can also make purees. Use a mini food processor if you plan to make small batches of food (like most of the ones in this book).
All-in-one baby food makers are another option. These devices cook and puree food for you. Just add chopped food, choose how long to steam it, and then hit puree when it’s done cooking. If you’re looking for an all-in-one device, then this could be a great fit for you. Keep in mind, however, that baby food makers are typically more expensive than blenders or food processors. And you can’t control the texture on many of these devices so it may only be useful for a few months.
Save yourself a trip and look online. You might get lucky and find a sale, an old model, or a less popular color for less money than a shiny new gadget. If you’re looking for a reason to get out of the house and shop, then head straight to the clearance section to look for deals. Thrift stores, online auction sites, tag sales, and classifieds ads can all help you save some serious cash. Just be sure to give any used items a thorough cleaning before use.