Baby Food

Neil and I had big plans to go along with baby Lila. We just knew we were going to save so much money being able to breastfeed and pump my milk. Wellllllllllllllllll, that didn't quite work out the way I wanted it to. I am still so bummed (and bitter) that I was not able to produce enough milk. I felt (and still feel) so inadequate that I couldn't provide my baby with the essentials as far as food is concerned. We all know formula is expensive and that was a cost that we were trying to avoid.

The next big plan was to make our own baby food. This is actually working because I don't have to depend on my body to produce it. I went to Target Sunday and used our gift card from Mamo Paula and Papaw Bill to get myself a little present. I got a food processor. I can't tell you how excited I was to finally get this.

I got the Giada de Laurentiis food processor.

After reading the reviews on SEVERAL of the more affordable food processors, this one seemed like it was best for me. There is a pulse option and two speeds. Something that the others in the same price range didn't have. Absolutely LOVE it. If you are thinking about purchasing a food processor, I would definitely recommend this one.

I did a lot of research on the mechanics of making your own baby food. www.wholesomebabyfood.com I thought it was going to be such a chore and a mess. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that you just cook the food like you're going to eat it yourself.

I boiled some sweet potatoes, steamed green beans, and also did bananas. Once you have cooked them soft enough, you simply just put them in your food processor and puree away! I also learned a cool trick about freezing and storing them. You get ice trays and once you have blended the food, pour it in the ice trays. This makes for about 1 oz of food per cube. Stick the tray in the freezer. Once they are frozen, you can pop them out and store them in a ziplock baggy in the freezer for future use.

(above)sweet potatoes and bananas

(below) sweet potatoes and green beans

I CANNOT believe how easy it is. I honestly don't know why more people don't do this. It really does save you money, PLUS it doesn't take that long at all. I think I spent about an hour, including clean up.

Costs:

Food Processor @ Target: $49.99+tax ($50 gift card used) = $0

Groceries:

5 Bananas $1.07

1 Avacado $1.18

2 Pears $1.65

1 Can of Green Beans $0.96

1 Large bag Carrots $2.88

Total $7.82

5 Bananas = about 29 oz of baby food

1 Can of Green Beans = about 8 oz of baby food

2 (relatively small) Sweet Potatoes (already had, no cost shown above) = about 9 oz of baby food

In total about 46 oz of baby food made so far.

If I was to go purchase pre-made baby food at the store, I would spend about $12. This is JUST on the stuff I've made so far. Keep in mind, I have not yet made the pears, avacado, or carrots. I think we're definitely coming out ahead in this deal. And top it all off, it's kinda fun.

I'm really excited about this and if anyone is interested and would like advice on how I'm doing stuff or how it's all going, let me know. I'd be so glad to help you save!

"Mom, I'm so tired after eating all that big girl food" It took a little persuasion, but she really liked the sweet potatoes once she got into them. I think tonight I'm going to have to thaw out 2 oz because last night she destroyed 1 oz and was still going strong! Big girl!