When my son started eating solid foods at six months old, I skipped the baby cereal and immediately introduced him to vegetables. I also opted to make my own baby food, which I personally consider easier, tastier, and cheaper than store bought varieties. In addition to sweet potatoes, one of the first baby foods that I made for my son was green beans.

Green beans are low in sodium and very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The green vegetable is also a good source of protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and copper and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and manganese.

To make my homemade baby food, I started with raw green beans and some fluoride-free baby water. After washing and snapping the green beans, I combined the veggie pieces in a glass bowl with some water. I then cooked the green beans in my microwave to tenderness. (You can also cook the veggies on the stove, but I prefer the ease of the microwave.)

After allowing the cooked green beans to cool slightly, I spooned the veggies into my Baby Bullet and added some additional water. I then blended the mixture into a thin puree. (For older babies, use less water for a thicker mash.) Once puréed, I spooned the baby food into freezer containers and ice cube trays for easier freezing. After the puree froze, I moved the frozen cubes into freezer safe baggies for easier storage. Now as my son needs baby food, I simply thaw a few cubes in the refrigerator or microwave.

Does your baby like green beans? Do you make your own baby food? Also try combining green beans and peas for a fun flavor combination.

Image Credits

Baby Food Recipes: Green Beans © 2015 Heather Johnson
Baby Water and Green Beans © 2015 Heather Johnson
Raw Green Beans © 2015 Heather Johnson
Pureeing the Cooked Green Beans © 2015 Heather Johnson
Homemade Green Bean Baby Food in Ice Cube Tray © 2015 Heather Johnson