When my first baby was ready for solid foods, I remember obsessing over it like it was some sort of dire situation. I mean, eating is sort of an important thing, but the energy that people put into baby food is a little extreme.
Okay, a lot extreme.
I have tried every single method out there when it comes to feeding babies solids, and I will tell you that I really wish I had calmed down and just done what was easiest for me.
I know, it sounds completely selfish to say that I'm feeding my infant based on what makes my life simpler, but you know, we moms factor into the equation of a healthy, happy baby.
And for me, that meant not making my own baby food.
Oh, I tried it, with the blender and the recipe books and all the tools people use to make the food and then freeze it for later. But it just didn't work for me.
Turns out, my baby didn't really like that crap anyway.
Truth be told, I'm not the greatest cook in the world, but I did my best to do the best for her. Or at least what I thought was the best.
I cannot tell you the amount of time and effort I went through to make her organic pureed bananas that she squarely spat right out at me.
After a few times and way too much money on all the gadgets, I bought the jarred stuff and she ate it right up like I was feeding her candy.
I realize there are lots of arguments about what's healthier and concerns that baby food in a jar might kill all the nutrients. But really, what are you doing when you're boiling the veggies and fruits on your stove and then mashing them up?
For me, the convenience and the time saved were of the utmost importance. I wasn't getting much sleep and I was working full-time. The time I spent making food, I could have used to actually enjoy time with my baby or just relax.
Yes, yes, I know new moms aren't supposed to be able to relax and enjoy themselves, but looking back now, four kids later, I really wish I had.
Like anything else involving raising babies, feeding is a choice you make. And if you love making your own baby food, then more power to you.
But if you're wondering if it's worth it, or if you're not sure what to do, take my advice. Try it if you like, but don't feel bad if it doesn't work, and worse, don't let anyone else make you feel like you're somehow less of a mom when you whip out a jar.
If I lined up my kids for you right now, you wouldn't be able to pick out who ate what when they were babies. And quite frankly, the fact that they're healthy and happy and I am too, well ... that's all that really matters.
What kind of solid foods did you feed your baby?
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