Homemade Baby Food: Is Homemade Best?

This debate has gone on for some time. There are some mothers who swear by homemade baby food and won’t give their babies anything else. While other mothers rely on the convenience of baby food jars, cereals and snacks.

So which is best homemade or jars?

Like everything else it depends on your family’s needs and what works for you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when contemplating what to feed your baby. Although baby food has come a long way and you can buy many organic brands which reduce the amount of pesticides your baby eats, there are still many baby foods which contain added salt, sugar and sometimes other preservatives.

Logically, anything that’s fresh and homemade will be healthier than anything that is pre-packaged and has been sitting on store shelves. It doesn’t mean that it will necessarily do your baby harm but your baby may get more nutrients from a fresh, homemade baby puree.

Another factor is cost. Although convenient, baby food jars can be expensive. Making food for your baby at home really couldn’t be easier and it is definitely much cheaper. There is no need to prepare huge batches of baby food either. A simple mashed banana or sweet potato can make a healthy nutritious baby food in a flash.

Ultimately the choice is up to you. If you’re schedule is really packed and you want to spend those few precious spare hours a day bonding with your little one then perhaps baby food jars would work best for you.

If you already cook a fresh meal for your family daily, then making a few adjustments for your baby’s meal should be a breeze.

Or you may choose the route many mothers take, fresh baby food for days at home and a few jars for outings or days where you really just don’t have time.