Is it Worth Making your Own Baby Food?

For many parents, giving their baby the best possible start includes thinking carefully about what goes into their little one’s meals. With so many ready-made options on the market, you might be wondering: is it worth making your own baby food?

The answer, for many families, is yes—and it may be easier than you think.

There are plenty of reasons why parents choose to make their own baby food at home. First and foremost, it gives you full control over what your baby is eating—no hidden preservatives, added sugars, or artificial ingredients.

It can also work out to be more cost-effective than buying jars or pouches, especially when using ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Plus, homemade meals allow you to tailor flavours and textures to your baby’s stage and preferences, and to introduce a broader variety of fruits, vegetables, and other foods.

When you’re just beginning, simple single-ingredient purees are a great way to go. These are easy for babies to digest and can help you spot any potential allergies. A few parent favourites include:

• Sweet Potatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, sweet potatoes are a sweet and nutritious first food.
• Carrots: High in beta-carotene, carrots are another excellent choice for purees.
• Apples: Applesauce is a classic first food, providing a mild flavour and smooth texture.
• Pears: Pears are gentle on the stomach and offer a naturally sweet taste.
• Peas: Packed with vitamins and minerals, peas are a great green veggie to introduce early on.
• Bananas: Bananas are easy to mash and are a favourite among babies for their sweet flavour.

When making your own baby food, it's important to avoid certain steps and ingredients to ensure the safety and health of your baby:

• Honey: Avoid giving honey to babies under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
• Salt and Sugar: Do not add salt or sugar to baby food. Babies’ kidneys are not mature enough to handle added salt, and sugar is unnecessary and can lead to tooth decay.
• Cow’s Milk: Avoid using cow’s milk in recipes for babies under one year old, as it can pose a risk to your little one’s kidneys and intestines and does not provide the correct nutrients.
• Choking Hazards: lend or mash food well so it’s smooth and easy to swallow. Avoid small, hard foods like nuts and seeds.

Here are some essentials to help you confidently prepare homemade baby food:

• Food steamer: Steaming is one of the best ways to cook fruits and vegetables while retaining nutrients.
• Blender or food processor: After steaming, you’ll need a way to puree the food to a smooth, baby-friendly consistency.
• Mixing bowls and spoons: for preparing and mixing ingredients
• Storage containers: for keeping portions fresh in the fridge or freezer. Small portions make it easier to defrost only what you need.
• Freezer bags: Ideal for storing larger batches or pre-portioned cubes of puree. Label with the date and type of food to stay organised.

Start with fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables.. Begin with single ingredients so you can watch for any signs of intolerance or allergy.

Always wash your hands before preparing baby food. Rinse all fruits and vegetables well under cold running water—even those with skins or peels you plan to remove. Peel tougher skins, remove seeds or pits, and cut ingredients into small chunks to ensure even cooking.

Steaming is the preferred method for cooking baby food, as it preserves more nutrients than boiling. However, baking, or roasting can also be used, depending on the ingredient. Cook the food until it’s very soft and can be easily mashed with a fork. This is especially important for younger babies who are just starting solids.

For younger babies (around 6 months), you’ll want a very smooth puree. Use a blender, food processor, or hand blender to achieve a silky texture. Add cooled, boiled water, breast milk, or formula to thin the puree if needed.

Allow the food to cool slightly before transferring it into containers. Divide it into small, baby-sized portions to avoid waste. Ice cube trays work well for freezing small amounts—just pop the cubes into labelled freezer bags once frozen.

• Fridge: Freshly made baby food can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 72 hours.
• Freezer: Freeze baby food for up to 3 months. Always label your containers with the type of food and the date it was made.

Making your own baby food is a great way to support your baby’s nutritional needs while discovering what they enjoy at each stage. With just a few simple ingredients, some basic tools, and a little planning, you can prepare meals that are perfectly suited to their age and preferences. Tools like the Baby Brezza Food Maker Deluxe make the process even easier, taking the hassle out of homemade feeding and helping you feel confident in what you're serving. If you’re thinking about giving it a try, you can start small and build a routine that works for you and your baby. Visit our Meet our Weaning Expert page for extra tips and baby friendly recipes  to get you started on your homemade baby food journey!