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As parents, we strive to provide our little ones with the best, especially when it comes to their nutrition. Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is a popular approach that encourages babies to explore solid foods at their own pace.
Here’s your guide on how to prepare ahead for homemade baby foods, ensuring both convenience and nutrition.
Preparing baby food in batches saves time in the long run. You can dedicate a few hours to cooking and freezing, reducing the daily mealtime preparation. Likewise, preparing your baby’s food allows you to control the ingredients and ensure they receive a well-balanced diet with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Batch cooking enables you to introduce a variety of flavors and textures to your baby’s diet, which can encourage them to be more adventurous eaters. Having pre-portioned baby food in the freezer means you are always prepared, even on hectic days or when you are away from home.
Planning is key to successful BLW. Start by creating a weekly meal plan that includes a variety of foods. Consider grains (rice, oats, roti), vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas), legumes (dal, chickpeas), fruits (bananas, apples, mangoes), and dairy (yogurt, paneer).
Batch cooking staples like dal, rice, and vegetables can save time. Prepare a larger quantity and freeze them in portions for future use. Use minimal spices initially, gradually increasing the flavor complexity.
Some dishes, like khichdi, vegetable pulao, suji halwa, or sweet dishes can be made in advance. Cook it to a soft consistency, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat when needed, adding spices or flavor like cardamom, cinnamon, etc. later.
Wash, peel, and chop vegetables like carrots, potatoes, ladyfinger, beans, gourds, capsicum, and peas. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for quick access.
Make fruit purees or mashes by steaming or boiling fruits like apples, pears, or bananas. Store them in small portions in the fridge.
If your baby enjoys paneer, cut it into small cubes and store them in airtight containers. Paneer is a great source of protein.
Prepare fresh yogurt at home and serve it as a side or mixed with fruit purees. Homemade yogurt is free from additives and preservatives.
Keep fresh herbs like coriander and mint washed and chopped, ready to add to dishes for flavor and freshness.
Always prioritize safety. Check for choking hazards, avoid salt, sugar, and honey until after the first year, and be cautious with allergens.
Gradually introduce spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Start with a tiny pinch and observe your baby’s tolerance. Then add more as your baby gets adjusted to the flavor. Similarly, you can cook flaxseed chutney, coconut chutney, or peanut chutney and safely store them in the refrigerator for hours and even days!
Incorporating flavors into your baby’s BLW journey can be a delightful experience. By prepping ahead and focusing on nutritious homemade foods, you’ll ensure your baby enjoys the richness of cuisine while meeting their developmental needs.
Remember, BLW is about exploration and fun, so savor every moment of this culinary adventure with your little one!