• Tweet

From the featured blog, Mommy’s Sippy Cup

I have recently had several conversations about the differences between jar food and making your own. I am making Davis’ food right now and before I go any further, I don’t want to come across as I am trying to persuade you to doing something different. Just wanted to share some facts of making your own. If in any way, this causes some sort of debate, or sparks something that makes you upset for any reason, I apologize and feel free to move on.

Sometimes going to the grocery store and buying the pre-made food is just so much easier. Why do something differently, especially when it takes more time to prepare? What happens if you run out of your already made food and you aren’t at home? Well, obviously plan B. Go buy some! Check a couple of things: Buy the jars with the most calories. Unlike most women who look for 0 calories, obviously baby needs them. If only life were that easy! Also, make sure there are no added chemicals and preservatives. Sometimes, that is the tricky part. You don’t always know.

Some benefits of homemade food:

More Nutritious
Making your own food actually retains more of Vitamins A and B, along with more nutrients. Unfortunately, many of the vitamins are destroyed in the jarring process because of the use of very high heat and pressure. Some baby food also has thickening agents and additives such as corn starch, flour, or tapioca. Preservatives include partially hydrogenated oils or trans-fats, which are linked to diabetes, cancer and heart disease. This means more filler, less nutrients. Making homemade is more bang for your buck!

Taste
Of course no one actually remembers what baby food tastes like…unless you’re curious and take a couple of nibbles Jar food actually tastes less like the real thing. Fresh just tastes better. Jar food isn’t seasonal and also doesn’t come in every type of fruit or vegetable. Some children get used to bland, smooth, jarred foods and have difficulty being reintroduced to the same real foods and textures later.

Less Cost
The cost for making your own baby food is often less than buying commercially prepared baby foods, if you shop smart and cook in larger quantities. For instance a four ounce jar of baby food ranges in price from .60 – $1.20 each, depending on brand and place purchased. With just one sweet potato, I am able to feed my son for almost a week with it. You can also pour your food into an ice cube tray and save large quantities.