1. Make sure your kitchen is clean & safe.
- Cleanliness is a MUST. Babies are especially susceptible to digestive upsets, so wash your hands well with soap and water. Thoroughly all counter surfaces, cutting boards, utensils, cookware, and storage containers as well.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables before you begin preparation.
- Select fresh or frozen vegetables. Commercially canned vegetables are not recommended because or their high salt content. If you do use canned vegetables, rinse them off first to reduce the salt content, or select no-salt varieties.
- Select fresh, frozen, or canned fruits. Buy fruits that are canned in their own juices, or drain and rinse those packed in heavy syrup to remove the excess sugar.
- Wash, peel and remove seeds or pits from produce.
- Cook frozen and raw produce until tender on the stovetop, in the microwave, or by using a steamer. Whichever method you choose, add only a small amount of water. This will help your foods retain more vitamins and minerals.
- Cook meats, poultry, and egg yolks until well-done. Avoid putting egg whites in homemade baby food until baby's first birthday, because these may cause food allergies. To learn more about allergies and sensitivities, read Starting Solids: Tips & Guidelines.
- Do NOT add extra salt, seasonings, sugar, honey, or corn syrup. Remember, a baby's tastes are different than yours.
