Getting Started

Before I post for week 1, I thought I might give a little detail on some of my baby food-making background, thoughts, tips, and tools of interest. I have searched around and read information from various books, websites, and groups, but below is a quick summary to get started. I am sure this will expand and change as I move into more toddler food, but this information is from my current experience with babyfood. My boys are 10 months when I'm writing this, so I'm still giving them purées.

TOOLS
These are the basics. You probably have most things and can get started making your own baby food right away.

• Knife
• Cutting board
• Peeler
• Baking dish
• Spoon
• Bowls
• Oven
• Stove
• Freezer
• Ice cube trays
• Freezer bags
• Blender, food processor, or baby food maker (further discussion to come)

TIPS
Without elaborating on the full process, here are some quick tips to keep in mind. You can learn more about the full process through one or more of the resources listed below.

• Keep it clean and healthy. Keep your kitchen, tools, and workspace clean and sanitary. Remember to make healthy meals. I will talk about feeding the rainbow in a future post, but also consider using organic produce, healthy additives, and a variety of options.
• Always make in bulk, but only what you can reasonably store. You'll save more time by making larger quantities at a time and freezing, but think ahead and don't make more than 2-3 months worth of anything for the freezer. Your freezer bags and containers will quickly start to fill up your freezer space. But, don't let this discourage you. I don't have an extra freezer and only have the one in my side-by-side kitchen refrigerator. I only use about 2-3 shelves or bins for babyfood and feel like I have plenty to last my twin boys for a few weeks at a time.
• Think about the family meals. Even before your baby is old enough to eat what you are eating, you often eat the same foods. Even if the preparation is slightly different, you may be able to piggy-back your meals with your baby or toddler's food.
• Buy in season. Produce that is in season is in abundance, fresher, and typically better priced.
• Smaller freezer bags are better. The smaller freezer bags are great for storing only what you will need for a day or a few days at a time. This will keep food fresher as you are not having to open larger bags over and over.
• Label carefully. Make note of the type of food, the date prepared and frozen, and if anything was added such as spices. 
• Meal planning works for babies too. Get out the food you want to feed baby the night before and put it in the refrigerator. You will be organized and prepared at the start of the next day.

RESOURCES
I have looked at websites, books, and searched for groups online and below are some of favorite places to learn information about making food for babies and toddlers.

• Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron is my favorite book I have ever owned. I have used it more than any recipe book on my shelf. It has notes and markers throughout and never gets old. It has valuable information on produce selection, preparation, and storage as well as detailed information on which foods you can feed babies when. It is very detailed and informative and functions much like an encyclopedia for me. It is great in that you can take what you want and leave what you don't.  
• wholesomebabyfood.com This site is full of information about what to feed when and has great recipes as well as ideas on finger foods, spices, and more.
• wholesometoddlerfood.com I haven't made it very far into this one yet, but it naturally seems like the next step from wholesomebabyfood.com.
• lunchinabox.net I really haven't made it past the home page on this site, but thought I would share in case you have older children. I'm excited about the options and can't wait to dig in further.

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