Whenever thinking about feeding your little one, the first thing that comes to mind is preparing some nutritious food, Right? It is true that jarred or packaged products contain nutrients and calories, but they also come with some preservatives.
Nowadays, many parents have started to show interest in homemade baby food, and why not? They are loaded with good nutrients and are budget-friendly as well.
But, homemade baby foods also have some advantages and disadvantages, just like packaged ones. So, let’s try to explore what are the pros and cons of homemade baby food and some other useful facts related to it.
Should we choose homemade baby food?
The first thing you need to know—homemade baby food is not suitable for everyone. That’s why you’ve other baby food services like Serenity Kids.
So, if you are planning to buy an expensive blender or any recipe book, first consider the pros and cons of homemade baby food.
Pros of homemade baby foods
1. You will have complete control
Mothers should have complete control over the foods they feed their children. And with homemade baby food, that is absolutely possible. Whether it’s fish, rice, or fruits, a mother will decide how to cook, what to use, and the quantity of food a baby should have.
No parent wants to be uncertain about the food they feed their children, so this complete sense of control is necessary.
2. High in nutrition
If you want to know the main difference between packaged and homemade baby food—it is the nutrition. Many brands offer nutritious baby food, but the nutrients are still lower than the homemade one. And the main reason is their high-heat processing which is necessary to kill the harmful bacteria that increase the shelf life of the products.
It also kills the nutrients in the food when subjected to high heat. But that is not the case with homemade baby food, and you don’t have to worry about its preservation also.
3. It’s affordable
Homemade baby food is always cheaper than packaged or pre-packaged products. You can make food for your little one using ingredients from your organic garden or the local food market. That is not only budget-friendly but also healthier.
Obviously, you will get discounts or special offers for the jarred baby food or pouches, but they are always more expensive than your homemade ones.
Cons of homemade baby food
1. It’s time taking
It is easy and convenient to purchase baby food. While on the other hand, it takes time to cook or steam the fruits, vegetables, or fish—which is pretty impossible for busy parents.
2. Storage can be difficult
Unopened pouches or jars of commercial baby foods can last for about a year. But if we talk about storing homemade baby foods, they are only good for two to three days in your freezer or refrigerators.
3. You have to worry about the food safety
Kids under the age of five are sometimes susceptible to food-borne illness. In addition, homemade baby food doesn’t have an expiration date, and it’s not heated to 500 degrees to kill bacteria.
So, it is necessary to wash your hands before cooking and clean the ingredients properly before using them, especially eggs, meat, and poultry. Moreover, keeping the prepared food in a clean place is also essential.
Frequently asked questions
What food should I use?
You can start with simple food that comes with pureed consistency, such as vegetables, cereals, or fruits. Although introducing the items in exact order is not important. It is more likely that kids will eat vegetables if they are hungry or introduced to them before fruits. You can also try combination food or meat when your little one has started to show expert skills at the table.
When is the best time to start?
You should start solid food when your baby is ready for it. Some skills are—reaching for the solid food on the plate, trying to sit up with little support, or maintaining good head control while eating. In general, kids start to show these skills around six months of age.
Bottom line
Making baby food at home comes with both positive and negative aspects. But the most crucial part about the whole thing is making the food with clean utensils and never forgetting to store them in a clean place. If your baby doesn’t finish the whole food, instead of keeping it, just throw it away—as the health of your little one should be your first concern.
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