Baby's Best Friend: The Food Processor

A recent study focused on the diet patterns of babies throughout the first year of life had one big question in mind: Is there an association between types of foods an infant eats and the development of food allergies later in life? The findings are not surprising. Results show that a more nutritious diet—one containing more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants—may protect against the development of food allergies.

Study details: the diets compared were of infants that were fed more fruits, vegetables and homemade foods versus the those fed more processed or adult foods such as convenience foods, ready-to-eat meals, and processed potatoes.

Now, we all want what's best for our baby and their future health. And honestly, I am no Martha Stewart (and never will be), but during those first months of solid foods and purees, the food processor was my baby's best friend. Even easier yet, a fork often fit the job of mashing up an avocado, banana or cooked carrot. Done and done. Another added bonus? I liked knowing exactly what was going into my baby's mouth.

Here are a few tips to make sure you're giving baby the most nutritious diet possible:

• Make baby food from freshly prepared ingredients such as tender meats, lentils, beans, fresh or frozen cooked vegetables, and ripe fruits (stay away from canned products with added salt).
• Cook, puree, or mash and then freeze in small containers such as ice cube trays or mini muffin cups. When it's time to use, just thaw out in the refrigerator.
• Reheat thoroughly and then let the food cool so it is warm to the touch when you're ready to feed it to your baby.
• If you're in a pinch and have to go the way of commercially prepared baby foods, stick to the single ingredient types as they are more nutritionally dense than the mixed dinner meals.

Happy pureeing!