Preparing your own baby food can be difficult at first. But when you make your own you have control over what is in the food you are serving your baby. It is also easier to adjust the texture as your baby learns to eat lumpier foods. Below are some general guidelines that will help to guide you.

The Downloads & Links section, to the right, has links to A Healthy Start full book, and an excerpt outlining Food Preparation.

• You will need a food processor, blender or sieve, ice cube trays or small freezer jars
  
  
• Cleanliness is important when making baby food.
  
  
• Do not add salt, sweeteners (honey, syrups, molasses, sugar), fat (no fried foods), or strong spices when making baby food. Baby’s taste buds are very sensitive.
  
  
• Refrigerate or freeze food that is not served immediately. Freeze baby food in small freezer jars or ice cube trays, or spoon onto a cookie sheet. Transfer the frozen food to plastic freezer bags. Label food with date.
  
  
• If stored in a fridge freezer, use within 2 months.
  
  
• If stored in a deep freezer, use within 6 months.
  
  
• Thaw frozen baby food either in the fridge, in a saucepan of hot water or in the microwave. Do not leave baby food on the counter to thaw.
  
  
• Never refreeze a food that has been thawed; it will keep 2-3 days in the fridge.
  
  
• Mix thawed baby food before serving. Serve it either cool or warm.
  
  
• Throw out leftover food after baby is finished eating.