brown rice and veggie bowls

Homemade Baby Food Basics

October 11, 2023 Infant
Making your own baby food at home can be easy and save money. It also gives you the ability to know exactly what your baby is eating – healthy and nutritious foods without unnecessary additives. Here are a few basics to help you start making baby food at home like a pro!

FOOD SAFETY:

  • Little ones can be at greater risk of food borne illnesses because their immune systems are still developing. To take extra precaution with food safety:
  • Thoroughly wash and clean all produce.
  • Store baby food in sealed containers.
  • Label and date all items, whether frozen or in the fridge.

FOOD Preparation:

  • Cook and steam fruits and vegetables first to help create a smooth puree. Doing this also reduces the risk of food borne illnesses.
  • Easily steam produce over the stove top or in a microwave in a shallow bowl of water.
  • Use a blender to create baby food puree.

DON’T HAVE A BLENDER?

Many fruits and vegetables can be mashed using a fork after they’re cooked. You can also choose soft foods such as bananas, avocados, or kiwis that can be manually mashed and mixed to create a quick meal for your baby. Some parents choose to skip purees completely and let their babies feed themselves with small chunks of soft foods, once they are ready and show an interest in eating.

BATCH MAKING:

  • Save time and energy throughout a busy week by batch making.
  • Make 3 cups of baby food at the beginning of the week, portion it into 3 oz storage cups and you’ll have 8 meals ready to go!
  • You can also spoon pureed food into ice trays, cover with plastic wrap, and then place in the freezer. Once each batch is frozen, place the cubes into date-labeled freezer bags.

Baby food purees can last up to 3 months in the freezer or 48 hours in the refrigerator. To prepare your baby’s frozen meals, simply defrost 3-4 cubes in the microwave or on the stovetop.

hand-expierence

HAND EXPRESSION

How it works

Use your hand to gently massage and compress your breast to remove milk.

What’s Involved

  • Requires practice, skill, and coordination.
  • Gets easier with practice and can be as fast as pumping.
  • Good if you are not often away from your baby or you need an option that is always with you. All moms should know how to hand express, in case they need to do it unexpectedly.

Average Cost

Free

Side-Lying

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
cross-cradle

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE hold

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
laid-back

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position