How to Make Baby Food (and Handle All the Sniffles Along the Way)

How to Make Baby Food (and Handle All the Sniffles Along the Way)

Introduction: 

You can do this ,really.Hey, new parents—we see you. You're juggling naps, diapers, bottles, and now someone suggests you make your own baby food? It might sound like a lot, but we promise, it’s doable. In fact, it can be one of the simplest, most satisfying parts of your baby’s day—and yours, too.

You don’t need fancy gadgets or hours of prep time. Just real ingredients, a few kitchen basics, and a little confidence. And while you’re prepping for tiny tummies, we’ll also touch on a little parenting sidekick that can make feeding time smoother: the nasal aspirator (yes, really—more on that in a sec!).Let’s dive in.


Step 1: Use What You Already Have

No baby food machine? No problem. You probably already have everything you need:

  • lA blender, food processor, or even a fork
  • lA pot with a steamer basket
  • lIce cube trays (1 oz silicone ones work great)
  • lZip-top freezer bags

Start with soft, single-ingredient options like sweet potato, banana, or avocado. Steam or bake until tender, then blend or mash until smooth. Add breast milk or formula if needed to reach the right consistency.

Real Parent Tip: Clean as you go. A quick rinse now beats a big mess later.

Step 2: Cook With Your Own Meals

Making dinner for yourself? Awesome—just cook a little extra for baby. Steam some veggies on the side, roast an extra squash, or save a few apple slices before adding seasoning.

Batch-cooking doesn't have to be intimidating. One roasted sweet potato can give you 5–6 baby-sized portions.

Step 3: Freeze & Store

Pour purees into ice cube trays and freeze overnight. Pop the cubes out the next day and transfer them into labeled freezer bags with the name and date.

Each cube is about 2 tablespoons—the perfect portion for starting solids. Frozen purees last up to 3 months.

To reheat: thaw in the fridge, or warm gently in the microwave. Always test the temperature before serving.

Bonus Tip: Help Baby Breathe Easy Before Meals

Let’s be honest—feeding a stuffy baby isn’t fun. Babies breathe through their noses, especially during the first 6 months. So when congestion strikes, it can throw off feedings and sleep.

That’s where a nasal aspirator can really help.

The WonderLiving nasal aspirator is a gentle, parent-friendly option made with soft silicone and easy-to-clean parts. A quick suction session before mealtime can make it easier for baby to breathe, latch, and swallow. It’s one of those little things that makes a big difference.

No pressure—but keep one nearby, just in case. Trust us, 2 a.m. you will thank you.

Step 4: Mix It Up (When Baby’s Ready)

Once your baby’s tried a few basic foods, you can start combining them.

Some baby-loved combos:

  • lPear + Avocado
  • lSweet Potato + Apple
  • lBanana + Spinach
  • lBlueberry + Greek Yogurt (for 6+ months)

Introduce new blends slowly and watch for reactions. Keep it light, fun, and baby-led.

Conclusion: It’s Easier Than You Think

Making baby food doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be nourishing. Whether you're steaming carrots during dinner or mashing bananas on the fly, you're doing something meaningful for your little one. Add a few smart tools to your routine (like a reliable nasal aspirator), and suddenly things feel a whole lot smoother.

Homemade baby food isn’t about showing off. It’s about slowing down, simplifying, and sharing something real with your baby.

You’ve got this—and your baby thinks you’re amazing.

Call to Action: Ready to Try It?

Start small: steam one veggie. Try one puree. Keep a WonderLiving nasal aspirator nearby for those little stuffy-nose moments, and just take it day by day.

Want more tips for feeding, soothing, and thriving in parenthood?
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