Parentpedia > Babies > Starting Solids > Food Storage

spadnos's story

July 19, 2007

I knew I was onto something when my now teenage son, Corey, was in pre-school and one of the elderly aides, who had diapered countless bottoms over the years, came to me, a first-time mom, for advice about her new grandson: "Corey is unusually strong. What do you feed him?" I was truly shocked since I had secretly created a system of Fresh Baby Food Preparation that would have made Gerber jealous!

Here's the system:
- Invest in at least 6-8 ice cube trays. A combination of large and medium-sized cubes allows portion flexibility as your baby grows.
- You'll need a steamer, a food processor, aluminum foil and labels.
- Allow two hours (during naps) for each food preparation session, including cooling time.
- Make fruits or vegetables in large quantities, filling 2 or 3 trays, to last for weeks.
- By adding one or two items weekly, soon a substantial variety will fill your freezer.
- HINT: As your baby grows, puree the food less and less so that it is chunkier and requires some chewing.

Vegetables:
- Oven bake or steam vegetables. Puree in the food processor. Spoon into ice cube trays. Cover with foil and label. Freeze overnight.
- Potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes (without skins), carrots and green beans will need additional water in the food processor. Use the steamer water for extra nutrients.
- HINT: Have fun with zucchini, and different squashes by combining them for variations. (Later, add seasonings.)

Fruit:
- Best to core or remove pits first, but not essential. Bake at 350 in a glass pan -- to catch the juice. Cool slightly and spoon still warm out of the skins and directly into the food processor. Add water as needed.
- Apples: Use large delicious or roman. Cook 1 hour.
- Pears: Cook 45 minutes.
- Peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots: Cook 30-40 minutes, depending on ripeness.
- HINT: When baby is teething, serve the fruit only partially thawed to soothe the gums!

Years ago, I was the only one I knew doing this. I was determined that my baby would develop a healthier palate without the sugar cravings that once plagued me. Bottom line: Corey never had a problem eating vegetables, never cared for fast food, became an adventurous eater, and wants to work through college as a chef! And I may be the only one whose baby memorabilia box includes a blankie, a binky and an ice cube tray!