The key to good nutrition is learning it and putting it into practice at an early age. Eating well is a habit that must be formed, so the sooner you start, the more likely you are to follow it the rest of your life. So why not start by teaching good nutrition to our infants? It makes sense, right? I'm so glad to see so many parents are stepping up and making their own baby food. It absolutely makes sense to do so because not only is it healthier, but it's cheaper than food in a jar and it's not very hard to do.
My go-to website for baby food information is Wholesome Baby Food. They have some fantastic information! But I know a lot of parents struggle with recipe ideas. Especially the first year, you can't just throw your own dinner in a blender and serve it up. I've gathered my list from various cookbooks, some pre-made combos I've seen in stores, and just out of my own head. The following are some of my daughter's favorite fruit and veggie combos:
Apricots and Applesauce
Avocado and Banana
Mango, Banana, and Kiwi
Green Beans, Peas, and Spinach
*Add a couple of fresh mint leaves when you blend it up.
Carrots, Turnips, and Applesauce
*You may want to use more or less of a certain ingredient depending on your baby's preferences.
Sweet Potato, Parsnips, and Applesauce
*Applesauce is a great way to sweeten up any dish.
Beets, Blueberries, and Applesauce
*I added steamed spinach and kale to this combo. These are great additives to sneak into just about any dish.
Asparagus, Leek, White Potato, and Sweet Potato
*Add some parmesan and a splash of milk to this combo to make it creamy.
Sweet Potato, Blueberries, and Apples
Acorn Squash and Apples
*Add a pat of butter and some cinnamon to this.
Cauliflower, Carrots, and Tomato
*Only use one tomato. Peel and seed and chop it up and saute it in butter until soft. Add some cheddar and basil before you blend it all together.
Butternut Squash, Pumpkin, and Apples
*If you use canned pumpkin, make sure it's 100% pure and not pie filling!
Zucchini and White Potato
*Add parmesan to this combo.
Hope this list gives you some inspiration! Now, no excuses for not making your own food! These are so easy to just steam or bake and throw into a blender! And of course, they will last you a week or more! I like to keep three or four fruit and veggie combos in the freezer at all times for a quick and easy lunch for baby.