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First things first, let me start off by sharing that I am a crunchy mama. What is that? It’s a term for those of us granola moms who prefer to limit over processed, chemical-laden, genetically modified junk and opt for a more natural approach in areas such as self-care, food choices, and lifestyle.
Sounds good, right?
Let me say that I have been this way for years, but even more so after researching the areas that my babe with designer genes, (Down Syndrome) may struggle.
When Cedar was born many of the medical interventions that came from blood draws, NICU and PICU visits and layovers were completely out of my control. However, there are things that are in my control, and his diet is one of them.
I made my own baby food for my other kiddos and of course, I planned on making Cedar’s too. The thing is, I think that it is even more important for our kiddos with designer genes than it even was for my typical children.
Here’s why:
Children with Down Syndrome can have a propensity towards gastrointestinal problems.
They get “stopped up” sometimes. Constipation can be a battle for them, however, when I make my own baby food I can add what he may need, if he needs extra fiber, I can add flax meal or prunes. If he is struggling the other direction, I can add bananas and rice or “binding” foods. The great thing is that I have control over what goes into him so I can help modify his diet whenever necessary. You know the other thing?
I can keep out what I don’t want him to have. I don’t want added sugar, dyes, or chemical preservatives and by making my own baby food, I can avoid all that.
“Yes, but this is expensive, right?” Ah, but that is where you are wrong.
“But…it takes too much time to make your own baby food…” Wrong again.
Here are 5 reasons why you should be making your own baby food
No preservatives
I mean zilch, zero, nada. Your baby is eating whole foods only this way and this is the absolute healthiest option for all of us, especially babies. When you make your own food you don’t need to put in preservatives because your baby’s food will not be sitting on a shelf somewhere for months or years at a time. If you want something in that cute little container, put it in, if you don’t, keep it out. You simply make it, and freeze it.
Total Control
Did I mention that being a special needs mama can leave a girl feeling “out of control” especially when it comes to the medical side of things? By making my own food, I am in total control. If we need more fiber, flax meal and leafy veggies can be added. If more protein is needed, I simply blend in some quinoa. I can control the sweetness level (adding fruits to vegetables) and I can control the lack of seasonings (no added sodium here).
It just takes 30 minutes
No, I am totally not kidding here. I can use the product I have most recently fallen in love with, the Baby Bullet BSR-0801N Turbo Food Steamer
to soften and precook the foods I will puree. Even meats take less than 17 minutes with the steamer. Then I do a quick run through the actual baby bullet processor. I love that this product is small and easy to use. I steam or pre-cook the food, put the food and the recommended amount of water into theBaby Bullet processor and in seconds I have a smooth, ready-to-eat meal for my baby. The little jars help even a mama like me remember when I filled them because the lids have a built in date system I can use to track the newest and oldest foods. Once pureed, I fill the little smily-faced jars and freeze…all in less than 30 minutes. I can do an entire week’s worth of food like this and it is fast and easy!
I feel good about it
I feel like I am helping my little guy by feeding him all organic, healthy food that I prepared for him. We also garden here (though you totally don’t have to) so I know from start to finish what my little one is getting to eat. If you don’t garden, simply buying 2-3 organic fruits and veggies is all it takes. I can make fancy gourmet blends (think kiwi, banana, pear and quinoa) or I can go simple (no fuss sweet potatoes).
It saves big money
Really, I mean it. My older kids even get in on it because I buy some refillable food pouches (like the kind that stores charge $2-$3 each for) and both the baby and the older ones have snacks. I bought a baby bullet several years ago so it was a one time cost. I then just add our regular grocery food into the mix when preparing food for my little one.
Be Sure to grab up your baby bullet and get to work
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