Introduction
Perhaps one of those items you are thinking about is a baby food makers. Indeed, what is it, and why should you consider having one for yourself? Well then, let’s get started into the topic and get to know all there is to know about these nifty kitchen tools.
It is important to start with defining what this device is and it is called a Baby Food Maker.
A baby food maker is a concentrated kitchen appliance that creates homemade baby meals with utmost ease without the use of other equipment. It should be underscored that most of them are multifunctional and can steam, blend and chop as well as warm up some of the baby foods in one appliance.
Why A Baby Food Maker?
Choosing a baby food maker helps you feed your baby restaurant-quality meals made from crops you choose yourselves. Moreover, it is not only entertaining and enjoyable for the child, but it is also useful as an opportunity to diversify the baby’s food and including various tastes and-consistencies.
Gains Accompanied by Homemade Baby Food
Nutritional Advantages
One advantage of preparing baby food at home is that it also allows the exclusion of any unwanted substance from the meal. This will not include any preservatives, salt, or sugar and being natural means getting only the best quality products available to us.
Cost-Effectiveness
First of all, purchased baby food is rather expensive, and nobody will argue that it is very far from cheap. Making your own is relatively cheaper in the long run as compared to purchasing from a store.
Customization and Variety
It is convenient that you can adjust the recipes to the child’s choice and specific nutrition requirements. Also, you can offer them a broader spectrum of tastes and sensations that have been covered while the store-bought snacks are often limited.
Manufacturers of Baby Food
All-in-One Systems
These are relatively the most convenient to use since they can steam, blend and in some instances, heat food. Ideal if you do not have time or the desire to cook separately self, bacon, eggs and toast.
Manual Baby Food Grinders
These are cheaper than the previous grinders and they are suitable for producing a small amount of spice and they are portable.
Sterilizers such as the baby food steamers and blenders
These normally exist as individual entities but have the function of preparing food. The latter type provides more versatility, but take a bit more space on the counter side.
Key Features that should be put into Consideration
Ease of Use
Seek easy control and functionalities that will help to complete the process easily. The last thing you need is fuss with a gadget you have to attend to amidst the many tasks you have at hand.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Choose models that consist of dishes that are easily washed using a dishwasher or parts of the models that are washable easily. The cleanliness of foods that are to be taken by babies cannot be over-emphasized.
Capacity
Respond to the quantitative question of how much food you wish to produce at one time. There are those models that are used in large volumes while others are in small portions.
Versatility
Some of the baby foods can also be prepared in a maker that can be used to prepare meals for the entire family this makes the makers very convenient to have in the kitchen.
Top Companies that Manufacture Baby Food for Purchase
Beaba Babycook
The presented all-in-one system is highly popular due to its operation simplicity and design. It can steam, blend, reheat and defrost, all within the 15 minutes or even lesser than this time.
Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker and Blanching Pot
It is highly recommended because it steams and blends at the same in one process. This is readily appropriate for parents who desire a rather uncomplicated software solution.
Magic Bullet Baby Bullet
This set contains cuttings and preparation bowl for the baby foods as well as the cups to store the foods in. This is nice for those who engage in bulk preparation of foods because it is convenient to use.
How best to use the baby food maker
Scoop out then peel them and cut them into portions that will be easy to chew.
Steam the Ingredients: Arrange/fold the prepared food properly on the steamer basket. Place the solution or pour water depending on the instructions that came with the container.
Blend to Desired Consistency: After it is steamed then put in the blending jar ready to be blended. Pulse the mixture until attaining a required and preferred consistency.
Serve or Store: You can consume it as is or you could pack in air tight jars and consume at a later time.
Tips for Success
Always observe manufacturer’s instructions Avail yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Mix different parts and types of fruits and vegetables to give different tastes.
It is advised that the initial foods prepared should be plain pureed foods followed by the combination of the foods.
Homemade Baby Food Recipes
Simple Purees
Carrot Puree: Cook the carrots through the steam and mix then blend them so as to get a pureed like substance.
Apple Puree: Apples should be steamed and mashed until smooth to the preferred texture.
Advanced Recipes
Chicken and Veggie Mash: Pump up the flavor in chicken breast, carrots and green peas by steaming. Thus, mix together to create a healthy meal. .
Combination Ideas
Apple and Pear Puree: It is a combination of sweet and sour which is everyone’s favorite, including the babies.
Banana and Avocado Mash: Tasteful containing some amount of calories that is healthy for the body.
The process of storing and freezing baby food refers to how baby food and the particular ingredients used in preparing such food must be stored and frozen.
Best Practices
Freeze in zipper bags, clean mason jars, vaccum sealed containers or silicone ice cube trays.
It is helpful to write the date and the type of the food that is stored in the containers.
Recommended Storage Containers
BPA-free plastic containers
Glass jars
Silicone ice cube trays
Safety measures that mum should take when preparing homemade baby food.
Hygiene and Food Safety
Avoid-using unwashed hands and utensils for preparing your beverages.
Meat should not be cut on the same board used to chop vegetables; therefore, you should have different cutting boards.
Budget-Friendly Baby Food Making
Price Analysis to Manufactured Baby Food Bought from Stores
Homemade baby food is usually cheaper more so if one purchases the foods’ ingredients in bulk or foods that are in season.
Tips to Save Money
Consume the foods in their respective seasons to get the best out of the foods.
Incorporate the aspects of sales and bulk purchases.
Environmental Impact
Reducing Food Waste
Preparing baby food at home might be advantageous since it would mean that specific ingredients that are almost expired can be incorporated in the preparation of the food.
Sustainable Practices
Use reusable storage containers.
Compost food scraps.
How long does home prepared baby food last?
Refrigerated baby food should be used within 48 hours. Frozen baby food is good for up to three months.
What Parties Need to Be Considered First?
Start with single vegetable or fruit liquefied foods like apples, pears, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc.
Can the use of frozen vegetables and fruits be recommended?
Indeed, frozen vegetables and fruits remain a perfect way for preparing baby foods and is quite easy to use.
How should homemade baby food be reheated?
Heat in a microwave or on the stove and when doing this stir continually to avoid formation of a burnt bottom. Yes, as a functionality of its materials, always remember to check on the temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Preparing your baby’s baby foods is a very wise process that is loaded with a number of benefits, nutrition being the foremost being the benefits. It becomes even easier and enjoyable, if one has the right equipment such as the baby food makers. Hence, why not try it out? Your baby—and your pocket—will literally thank you for doing that.