To ensure that my daughter eats all the nutrients her growing body needs every day, I lovingly make and feed her homemade baby food. I started making my own baby food when my daughter turned six months old. I have continued making her infant and toddler foods. Although she eats other foods throughout the day, I fill in any nutritional blanks with my homemade baby food. One of the foods that I made during the summer was a delicious peach and apricot baby food.

My daughter adores peaches! Peaches are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Although high in natural sugars, peaches are also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, niacin, and potassium and a very good source of vitamin C. Apricots are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Although also high in natural sugars, apricots are also a good source of dietary fiber and potassium and a very good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.

To make the peach and apricot baby food, I started by washing the fruit with cool water. I then sliced and pitted the peaches and apricots. I left the skin intact, however, because the skin is incredibly nutritious. I then placed the sliced fruit in a microwave safe bowl with a little extra water for cooking. I then cooked the fruit in my microwave for about ten minutes, checking after five to stir the mixture up a bit.

After allowing the cooked fruit to cool for a few minutes, I transferred the peaches and apricots to my blender. (You can also use a baby food processor.) I then blended the fruit into a thick mixture. For younger babies, simply add more water for a thinner puree. Because my daughter is a toddler who can chew, I make her food pretty thick now and leave in some chunks. After blending the fruit, I poured the baby food into ice cube trays for easier freezing. Once the food froze, I popped the frozen cubes into a freezer safe bag for easier storage. When my daughter needs peaches and apricots, I simply thaw a few cubes in my refrigerator.

Do your kiddos like peaches and apricots? Do you make your own baby food?

Image Credits

Washing the Peaches and Apricots © 2013 Heather Johnson
Slicing and Pitting the Peaches © 2013 Heather Johnson
Raw Peaches and Apricots © 2013 Heather Johnson
Cooked Peaches and Apricots © 2013 Heather Johnson
Blending the Peaches and Apricots © 2013 Heather Johnson
Peach and Apricot Baby Food Cubes © 2013 Heather Johnson