I have a fun and informative guest post for you today from Helen Cunningham. Helen is a full time mum and new on the blogging scene, her ambition is to create a parenting website where moms can share tips and ideas. While that is being put together she is working with great sites like Eat, Drink and Save Money. I love this post that she put together because it shows how easy it can be to feed your kids nutritious foods that don’t break the bank. I’ve consistently found that making my own food is way cheaper than buying the food in the toddler and baby food aisles of the grocery store.
Preparing your own baby food at home has many advantages. Unlike packaged food, you know exactly what each of the ingredients are, so you can be sure that your baby is only eating good quality, healthy, and wholesome foods. Many parents are put off making their own food as it is thought to be expensive and time consuming. In reality, with a little planning and consideration, it’s likely you’ll save both money and time by making your own food at home. Here are three delicious meals that can be put together in a matter of minutes, providing your baby with a tasty and nutritious meal.
Apple and Pear Smoothie
This recipe was taken from Parent.Guide. It blends flavorsome fruits with
wholesome vegetables, providing your baby with a wide range of nutrients.
The smoothie can be made in less than five minutes, and can be stored in the
refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it the perfect fast meal for your little one.
When made without the breast milk, it makes a perfect snack for parents too!
Ingredients:
1 apple (peeled and cored),
2 red pears (peeled and seeded),
1⁄2 avocado (pitted),
1 large kale leaf (stem removed and deveined),
1⁄2 cup baby spinach leaves,
1 cup of unsweetened apple juice,
1 cup of filtered water,
1⁄2 cup of breast or formula milk (optional)
2 handfuls of ice.
To make the smoothie, simply place all of the ingredients into a blender, and
blend until smooth – it couldn’t be easier!
Sweet Potato and Melon Mash
The next recipe, taken from Homemade Baby Food Recipes, is a healthy meal
for younger infants, or can be made as a side dish for older babies who require
a more substantial meal. Again, it’s really easy to make, and can be kept in the
refrigerator for a few days.
Ingredients:
1 cup of sweet potato (cooked and diced),
1 cup of cantaloupe melon (diced),
1⁄4 cup of natural yogurt.
Put the melon and sweet potato into a blender or food processor, and blend
together until smooth. Add the natural yogurt, and blend for an extra 30 seconds.
For a little more flavor, you can add some powdered ginger to the mash.
Banana Porridge
This is another recipe that’s perfect for both babies and parents, and is super
quick to put together. The recipe contains milk, but if your baby isn’t ready for
dairy, you can simply substitute this for filtered water, formula, or breast milk.
Ingredients:
1 cup of oats,
1 cup of filtered water,
1 cup of milk,
1 medium banana,
1 tablespoon of honey (optional- only use honey if your child is over the age of 1).
Place the oats, water and milk into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce the
porridge to a simmer, cover, and leave for two minutes.
Whilst you’re waiting for the porridge, mash the banana. Once the porridge
is ready, add the mashed banana and stir. For a little sweetness, drizzle some
honey over the top.
What are you favorite homemade baby meals? I’m always looking for new tips! Please share in the comments.
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