When you have a baby, there are a bunch of fun milestones that are exciting to look forward to. One of these milestones is when your baby beings to start eating more solid foods. Not only does this allow them to experience new flavors and sensations, but it allows them to have fuller tummies. This is a great time for parents who have little ones with an insatiable appetite and who don’t seem to want to stay asleep. When it comes to the actual food however, you do have options.
While it is easy and convenient to run to the store and buy jars of baby food, there is another way to go! You should consider making your child’s food. Making baby food is not a new discovery; parents have been doing it for years. While the tradition has been around for generations, there are some new advances in appliances that make the process much simpler. When you buy the best baby food maker you will find that there is not only an endless amount of food combinations to make, but there are a while list of benefits you will see.
Why should You Make Your Own Baby Food?
If you’re interested in starting to make your baby’s food but are not sure if it is worth the extra work, consider all of these advantages you will get:
Cost Effective
While jars of baby food are not terribly expensive, the cost can quickly add up over time. By making your own baby food you are able to control what goes into each batch. This means that you can buy what is local and in season to keep the cost down. Over time you will find that you have saved a great deal of money with just a little extra time and preparation.
Healthier Option
Some jars of baby food are loaded with sugars, salt and preservatives to help keep the food fresh. When you make your own food you can complete customize the food to fit whatever health and dietary standard you want. You can be sure that every ingredient that you put into your little one’s food is not only the best quality but will also provide the healthy nutrients that your child needs to grow up strong.
Environmentally Friendly
There is a great deal of waste that comes along with purchasing store bought baby food. Once your child is done with their food the packaging will end up in overfull landfills. By making your own food you can use reusable containers to store them which will keep the waste down and the planet happy.
Food Allergies
If you have a child who suffers from dangerous food allergies, you know the struggle of having to check every single food label. This is also true for families who live on a strict vegetarian or vegan diet. To better ensure that the food you are serving your sensitive baby is the best that they can get, there is no other option than to make your own food. This is also a great opportunity to showcase some creativity. When you are in charge of your kitchen, the possibilities are endless.
What to Look for in a Baby Food Maker?
If you have decided that making your baby’s food is the way to go for you, you should invest in a great baby food maker. Not only do these amazing appliances make it easier and faster for you to turn some ordinary ingredients into something amazing, some even come with their own storage system. These are great “one stop shop” devices for your family. Before you set out to find the best baby food maker, there are a few key features that you should look for to ensure that you found the right product for you. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Motor Speed
You want to find the right food maker that has a nice strong motor with different speed settings. Harder fruits and veggies like apples and pears are going to be harder to break down than bananas and spinach. You want to be able to customize the speed so that you can get the right consistency and texture every time.
Easy to Clean
It is important that your baby food maker is not only easy to clean but also easy to sanitize. Look for one that features stainless steel blades that don’t collect bacteria. You may even be able to find some food makers that have removable parts that can be cleaned properly in the dishwasher which will help to make your life even easier.
Warranty or Money Back Guarantee
Because you will be running your baby food maker a lot, it is important to find one that is durable and built to last. Look for a product that features a money back guarantee or a warranty so that you can sure that the product you bought is easily replaceable or returnable incase it doesn’t live up to your expectations.
Extras and Add-Ons
Some baby food makers will comes some pretty great extras that can make all the difference in the world. From interchangeable blades, to their own storage systems; these food makers are great options for parents who are looking for a perfect all-in-one kit.
How to make Baby Food?
The process of making baby food may be easy than you think. In just a few short steps and with a few simple ingredients, you are moments away from fresh and delicious baby food that you can take pride in feeding to your little one. Here are some tips for baby food making beginners:
Start with fresh ingredients
While it is perfectly fine to use frozen fruits and veggies, by shopping local and fresh you can save yourself some serious money. Make sure to stock up on a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as proteins and grains. Little ones change their minds, and their taste, often.
Properly prep your ingredients
Make sure to fully wash whatever ingredient you are using. Also be sure to remove and seeds or pits from your fruit to ensure that you have a smooth result. It is also a good rule of thumb to peel any skin off as well. Make sure all grains, like rice, are rinsed thoroughly. The same goes for proteins like beans.
Soften the food
The food will blend better once it is soft. This is especially important for hard fruits and veggies. This can be easily done by placing this fruits and veggies into a pot of boiling water and cook down until they are soft. Be sure that once you are done cooking them that you save the now starch-filled boiling water to use in the blending process.
Wait for it to cool
To avoid splashing or spilling which can be dangerous and painful, wait for your food to cool before blending it. This will also help to keep your mixture smooth. This is important because your baby will react to textures of their food more than the actual taste.
Blend away
The next step is to blend the food. This process will vary depending on the type of baby food maker you have purchased. There are emersion blenders that allow you to mix directly into a container as well as stand-alone mixers which will need a separate bowl for mixing. Make sure to blend completely until smooth.
Cool and store
It is important that the food mixture is completely cool before storing it in your refrigerator. This is because when warm food is put away to cool there is a higher chance for bacteria and mold to grow. It is also important to properly label the food so that you can sure that you are always feeding your baby safe and healthy food.
Now that you know how to make your baby’s food and what to look for when purchasing the best baby food maker, it is time to start shopping! Here are some top rated food makers to choose from that come highly rated and recommended by parents like you!
List of 7 Best Baby Food Makers Reviews
1. Magic Bullet Baby Bullet Baby Care System
The Magic Bullet Baby Care System is a great all in one set that comes with everything you will need to be well on your way to making some healthy and amazing baby food right from your very own kitchen. This system allows you to make a week’s worth of baby food at a time with ease. Not only does this system help you process your own baby food, it also is an amazing system for storing baby food because of the simple way this system allows you to date label the food.
You get six storage cups that have a dial on the top so you can perfect label each batch every time. The star of this system, however, is the blender itself. Much like their traditional Magic Bullet System, the Magic Bullet Baby Care System comes with a single power base that powers the blender. This base is fitted with a baby blending blade as well as a milling blade so that you can customize the food.
To use the blender all you need to do is fill the batch bowl with whatever ingredients you choose and place the container onto the power base. From there you simply press down and blend the food. This whole process only takes a minute to precisely smooth out of food you throw its way. Next all you need to do is pour the mixture into the individual storage cups using the spatula that is including. Before you store the food away, simply use the dials to date them and place the jars in the silicone batch tray.
This special little tray fits perfectly into your refrigerator with the labels facing outwards for easy access. These jars, as well as the batch bowl, are completely dishwasher safe which helps to make clean up a breeze. Not only is this system great for making baby food but it is great for making special baby treats like yogurt cups and popsicles. Overall, the Magic Bullet Baby Care System is the only system you will ever need to make not only nutritious but super yummy food for your little one!
Why you Should Buy It?
- Six individual storage jars
- Power base
- Spatula included
- Silicone storage tray
- Easy to use
- Dishwasher safe
- Makes great treats
- Takes only minutes
- Two different blending blades
- Easy to use dialing dates
2. Baby Brezza Food Maker
If you are looking for an amazing baby food maker that is not only easy to use but fits perfectly on any small countertop of kitchen space, then the Baby Brezza Food Maker may be perfect for you. This amazing food maker uses a one step process to create some smooth and delicious food combination that even the pickiest of babies will love. With an easy on and off switch as well as blending options, you are sure to get the perfect texture each and every time.
This baby food maker looks more like a traditional food processer and comes with the blending stand and a bowl for mixing. Parents who have used this baby food maker love the glass bowl. By using a durable glass bowl instead of a plastic container you are limited the contact between your little one’s food and harmful chemicals.
The glass bowl on the Baby Brezza Food Maker isn’t only a blending bowl! You can also steam directly into the bowl to first soften it which ensures a smooth and edible texture. The large capacity bowl can hold up to four cups of food so that you can plan and prepare meals for the whole week in the matter of minutes. The best part about the baby food maker is the easy to use control panel. The control panel uses LED lights to help guide you along the way. Along with different speed and pulse settings, the display also shows you a timer which counts down to let you know when the food is completely cool enough to handle safely.
This is also great for storing food so that you can sure you are putting it in your fridge at the correct temperature. The removable water tank is what helps to make the Baby Brezza Food Maker the best baby food maker on the market. This allows you to steam the food in large batches with ease. Overall, you will love this baby food maker for the convenience as well as the compact size.
Why you Should Buy It?
- Large capacity glass bowl
- LED control panel
- Different speed settings
- Water tank
- Steams food
- Cool down count down
- Easy to wash
- Compact size
- Spatula included
- Holds four cups of good
- No plastic
3. NUK Smoothie and Baby Food Maker
The NUK Smoothie and Baby Food Maker is a great option for you because it will not only perfectly blend your little one’s food but will also make you a perfect smoothie! Smoothies are an amazing option for picky children who just don’t seem to be getting enough nutrition as well as parents who are so busy that they can’t seem to find the time to eat a healthy meal.
The one thing that makes smoothies so great for the whole family is that they are completely customizable. You can throw in your child’s favorite fruits and veggies with a little touch of milk or yogurt and you are a few seconds away from a tasty treat for both parent and child. This set comes with absolutely everything you need to be one your way to a healthy lifestyle because it is a completely 20 piece set. Not only do you get the blender itself as well as storage containers, you get a smoothie sippie cup for your little one too!
The cup, storage bowls and mixing bowl that is including with the NUK Smoothie and Baby Food maker are made out of durable plastic which is triple layered to withstand extreme temperatures like heat. This is great news because this means you can place hot food directly into the mixing bowl which will save you a great deal of cooling time. The six plastic storage cups that come with the set are dishwasher safe for each clean up and stack for simpler storage in your cabinets or in your fridge. The blender itself is an amazing piece of kitchen equipment.
All it takes is one simple touch to turn this blender on and off by pressing down on the top of the mixing bowl directly into the motor base and away you go! The powerful 250 watt motor can easily crush through ice as well as frozen fruit so that you get the perfect blend every time. Quality is the number one priority when it comes to the NUK Smoothie and Baby food Maker. Best off all; all of the detachable pieces are dishwasher safe. It has never been easier to be moments away from healthy and amazing baby food.
Why you Should Buy It?
- Six stackable storage cups with lids
- Dish washer safe parts
- Large mixing bowl
- Sippie cup included
- 250 watt motor
- Triple layer plastic
- Withstands heat
- Blends smoothly
- One press action
- Great for smoothies for the whole family
- BPA free
- Budget friendly
4. Cuisinart BFM-1000 Baby Food Maker and Bottle Warmer
The Cuisinart Baby Food Maker and Bottle Warmer is an amazing two in one purchase which is perfect for families who find that they are running out of countertop space. This is because this baby food maker not only features a great food processor, but a top quality bottle warmer as well! This baby food maker will do all of the work for you. First there is a steam blade.
This blade distributes steam evenly throughout the mixing bowl to perfectly soften your fruits and veggies no matter how hard or dense they are. After your food is properly steamed, the Cuisinart Baby Food Maker will chop the food down into manageable pieces before pureeing it down to a perfectly smooth meal for your child. While it may seem daunting to do so many actions with one product, don’t worry, it is perfectly safe. This is because the air tight cap seal prevents spilling or splashing so that you are sure to never be burned.
At the top of the Cuisinart Baby Food Maker is a secret little compartment that fits any sized baby bottle. This little pocket uses the same steam that works hard to soften the food to gently steam your baby’s bottle to a perfect temperature every time. While this may seem like a complicated product to use, it is actually quite simple. There is a fool proof dial that allows you to not only turn the device on and off but also controls the speed as well as other settings.
You also don’t have to worry about a dangerous and messy blade getting in the way of things because the blade locks in place to prevent and fallout or damage. Once you are done making delicious and healthy food, simply place the large mixing bowl and blades directly into your dishwasher for easy clean up. Parents who use and love this baby food maker brag about how compact it is to fit on any countertop. Also, because it is a Cuisinart product you can be sure that it will fit right in perfectly with the rest of your kitchen gear.
Why you Should Buy It?
- Large mixing bowl
- Easy to use dial
- Steams food to perfection
- Chops pieces down
- Blends into a smooth puree
- Hidden bottle warmer compartment
- Seal safety top
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Compact size
- Trusted Cuisinart brand
- Uses gentle steam
- Blade locks in place
- Recipe book included
5. Hamilton Beach 36533 Bebe Baby Food Maker
The Hamilton Bach Bebe Baby Food Maker is the best baby food maker because of the different textures and puree options that you have to choose from. This is great news for parents who have little ones who seem to get pickier each day. Not only will the different texture options allow you to more easily customize your baby’s food but also give you much more options for growing children.
Once a child gets a little older they may grow tired of the same old pureed food, not only that but they will also start getting teeth in. This may you can quickly go from a smooth puree to a more shredded meal using much more proteins like chicken and turkey. This also opens up your child’s eyes to a whole new world of food options to choose from. Best of all, the Hamilton Beach Bebe Baby Food Maker does all the work for you all with this amazing little device.
The Hamilton Beach Bebe Baby Food Maker not only purees your baby’s food to perfection but also will steam, chop, shred and slice any food you throw its way. You know that your counters and your clothes will be protected by the food shield. Parents who use this food maker love the thin open top that allows you to place food quickly into the device without ever putting your fingers in any danger. This is also great news for worried parents of curious toddlers who seem to have even more curious little fingers. With the baby food maker you also get 10 food containers which will make storage a breeze.
These amazing little food containers are also tempered perfectly to withstand extreme temperatures. This means that you can feel free to reheat as well as freeze your homemade baby food directly in their storage containers. Don’t worry about any harmful plastic either because these storage cups are BPA free which means that you can throw them in the microwave without any fear. Overall you will love the Hamilton Beach Bebe Baby Food Maker for its quality as well as its easy to use speed dial.
Why you Should Buy It?
- Easy clean up
- 10 BPA free storage cups
- Easy to turn dial
- Feeding top
- Splash proof shield
- Steams food directly in mixing bowl
- Chops, slices, shreds and purees
- Baby feeding guide and recipe book included
- Colorful orange pattern
- Five cup mixing bowl
- Slim design
6. BEABA Babycook 4 in 1 Steam Cooker and Blender
If you are on the hunt for a top of the line baby food maker that is as easy to use as it is easy on the eyes, then look no further than the BEABA Babycook 4 in 1 Steam Cooker and Blender. Never has been easier to fill your little one’s tummies full of fresh and healthy homemade food. This baby food maker promised to cook and process your little one’s food properly in just 15 minutes or less which will help keep you out of the kitchen and spending time with your family.
Many times parents who want to make their own baby food have the concern about whether or not a food processer is safe and how will they know when the food is done. With this baby food maker you never had to do the guesswork again because of the automatic shut off feature. Not only will this device automatically shut down when the food is done, but it will audibly alert you so that you never have to worry again.
While the mixing bowl on the BEABA Babycook 4 in 1 Steam Cooker and Blender is made out of plastic, it is 100% BPA free. This means that you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals being exposed to your baby’s food through the plastic no matter how high the temperature is. The steam action works in partnership with the water reservoir which is made out of stainless steel. This is a great feature because the stainless steel will prevent any mold or bacteria from growing inside of the chamber.
This also helps to keep the device clean. You will not only love the extra large 4.7 cup capacity of the mixing bowl but will also love that the bowl itself is dishwasher safe for quick and easy clean up. This large bowl means that you can make up to 17 baby food servings at a time which is great for not only meal prep but also if you are planning ahead for a trip. The one hand operation is what keeps parents coming back to this device time and time again.
Why you Should Buy It?
- 7 Cup capacity
- BPA free plastic
- Stainless Steel water reservoir
- Dish washer safe bowl
- Make up to 17 servings in 15 minutes
- Cooks and purees
- Sleek and modern design
- Automatic shut off
- Audible alerts
- Easy to use one hand function
7. OXO Tot Mash Maker Baby Food Mill
The OXO Tot Mash Maker Baby Food Mill is a great alternative for parents who are interesting in making their baby’s food but are not looking for another piece of bulky kitchen equipment. This baby food mill is a powerful tool for making your child’s food that surprisingly uses no power at all. This works like a regular food mill with is powered by stainless steel blades as well as a grinding plate which work together in perfect harmony to smoothly puree your food.
Because this product is just a mill and not a steamer, you will have to cook down the food before hand to ensure that it is soft enough to puree. Once the food is softened and cooked down properly, simply wait for it to cool a bit before placing it in the mill chamber. From there you just have to use the hand crank to turn any food into a smooth puree that any baby would be pleased to eat.
You will love the feel of the OXO Tot Mash Maker Baby Food Mill because of the hourglass design. Along with the curved shape you will be pleased by the addition of a silicone grip with means that the mill will never slip and slide while you are using it so that you can be sure to not have an accident. There is also a silicone ring at the base of the mill to help keep the baby food mill in place while using it so it won’t slide all over your counter. This will not only keep your hands safe and but will also help to keep your countertops clean.
Once you are done grinding the food down into a smooth texture, simply remove to the top lid and scoop out the mixture easily right from the top. Best of all, this product is waterproof so you can add in some extra liquid if you feel that the food isn’t the right texture. This also allows you to more easily customize your child’s food. Not only is this a great energy saving device, it also is perfect for travel. Other electronic machines may not roam as easily as you do, but because the OXO Tot Mash Maker Baby Food Mill is lightweight and requires no electricity you can easily throw it in a bag and hit the road.
Why you Should Buy It?
- Stainless steel blade and grinding plate
- Easy scoop top
- Adds liquid with ease
- Silicone base
- Curved shape
- Silicone no slip grip
- Easy to turn hand crank
- Budget friendly
- Perfect for travel
Conclusion
Whether you are an expert in making your baby’s food and are on the market for a top of the line product, or if you are just starting out, finding the best baby food maker is a great solution. Not only is making your own baby food healthy for little tummies but also will save you a great deal of money a year. Best of all, you are not limited to only certain kinds of foods when you make your own. You can get creative and experiment with different textures and food combinations which is great news for little ones who love trying new things. Your baby will thank you! Good luck.