Mommy Tools Monday: Stay-Fresh Baby Food Containers

How much does a jar of baby food go for these days? I have heard around 75 cents, although I haven't priced it lately. Ouch! I honestly don't know how people afford to use it all the time. I have used it a handful of times and even have a jar or two stashed for an emergency. However, with the right tools, making homemade baby food is quick and easy, and holds several advantages over store bought:

• It's cheaper. A whole bag of frozen peas costs only $1. That will make about 16 ounces of puree--a huge savings!
• I know exactly what I'm putting into my baby's mouth. I can lightly steam the veggies and fruits, retaining more nutrients than if they were canned. I freeze my food, so it needs no additives or preservatives.
  
• It helps kids develop their palate. Often times, I can just mash or blend things the rest of the family is eating to feed to baby. This way, they are exposed to a wide range of tastes. Also, since it tastes so good, it gives babies a good first impression of veggies. To this day, my older two kids eat just about everything--except, in the case of my oldest, meat. Interestingly, I did not feed him much meat as a baby.
  

Now that I've sung the praises of home made baby food, I should get around to the tool I was supposed to be sharing: Stay-Fresh Baby Food Containers by One Step Ahead. I have made my own food for all three babies, and I wish I'd had these with my first two. I simply bake or steam whatever food I want to puree, run it through the blender, pour into these handy, two-ounce containers, and pop it into the freezer. They are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. For those who are concerned about it, they are also BPA-free. The lids screw on (my mom commented how hard they were to remove before I informed her of this fact), and the containers attach to one another (kind of like Legos). Once I am through making baby food, they will be handy for all sorts of other uses--snacks, Nate's lunches, storing small items, etc. At $9.95 per dozen, you really can't beat the deal!

Oh, and one more bonus tool: for tips on making and freezing baby food, visit http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/