Fact: Not all parents have the time or inclination to make their own baby food – but that’s okay! But if you’ve been thinking about becoming a baby food chef, here are some inspirations to motivate you.
Making Baby Food Is Affordable
While it is true that it takes more time to prepare homemade baby food than it does to open the jar, it is often cheaper to make your own. For example, a 4-ounce can of banana baby food costs about $1.00, while a 4-ounce banana costs $0.19.
Reduced Heavy Metal Exposure
Over the past few years, there have been multiple reports of toxic heavy metals found in commercial baby food. Although the levels found are relatively small, exposure should still be minimized. The FDA is working to better monitor and regulate heavy metals in store-bought baby food, but it’s still nearly impossible to know which ones are perfectly safe and which aren’t. Homemade baby food can help because you know exactly what’s in your baby’s belly and you can avoid heavy metals that can get into your baby food in food manufacturing and packaging.
Making Baby Food Is Healthy
According to a 2017 study, store-bought baby food is higher in sodium and sugar compared to homemade baby food. On top of that, further research has shown that popular baby food bags contain significantly more sugar per serving than canned baby food. It’s, well, very jarring, because babies don’t need any added salt or sugar to make their meals more alive. Instead, they need to experience the natural flavors of food in order to develop a diverse and healthy palate. That said, as your baby gradually eats a wider variety of foods, it’s perfectly okay (and wise!) to brighten up their meals with healthy additives. Like sprinkling a little cinnamon over a mashed butternut squash or grated garlic on a whipped cauliflower.
Babies Are Exposed to More Flavors and Textures
Store-bought baby food is quick and convenient, but it often tastes very different from homemade baby food. For one, studies have shown that many store-bought baby foods claim to be rich in dark greens, but they don’t actually contain much, and they are often sweetened with purees, which can distort the taste. This is important because repeated exposure to foods like kale, spinach, broccoli, etc., is key to helping babies learn to enjoy these flavors. In addition to exposure to leafy greens, making baby food gives you more control over how many different flavors and textures are served early on, which can help little ones develop food preferences in the future and hopefully reduce the likelihood of picky eating.
Babies Eat What Their Families Eat
Sharing a meal with your family (where everyone enjoys the same food) is one of the great benefits of making your own baby food. Remember, there is no need to buy different foods for your baby. Just go to the grocery store and buy a variety of fruits and vegetables to make sure your child gets the version properly prepared. This includes removing the baby’s portion before adding salt or strong seasoning. In the meantime, consider choosing fruits and vegetables that you wouldn’t normally buy. This way, the whole family tries new foods together!