My littlest man has just started solids in the last month. I didn’t make baby food at home for my first son and why I didn’t I am not sure. Yesterday I made a month’s supply of baby food in a couple hours and the money I saved was HUGE! The littles man loved what he tried so far.

These are a few of the recipes:

Veggies recipe

3 medium potatoes
8 ounces spinach
2 large cloves garlic

Peel and cube potatoes. Crush and peel garlic. Cook potatoes, spinach, and garlic with about 1/2 cup water for about 15 minutes over high heat, or until potatoes are soft.

Process all in a blender or food processor until very mushy.

Freeze in ice cube trays overnight, then pop out cubes and store in another container in the freezer.

Yields 20 servings.

Banana-Oatmeal Cereal recipe

For 8 months and older.

1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk or formula
1/3 cup whole banana
1/4 cup milk or formula

Combine oats and 1/2 cup formula. Bring to a boil, and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, mash banana and 1/4 cup formula. Combine banana and oatmeal mixtures. Serve warmed or cold.

Variation
Use infant oatmeal for extra vitamins, adding formula as directed. Mash banana and 1/4 cup formula. Combine banana and oatmeal mixtures. Serve warmed or cold.

 A number of different recommendations exist for how and when to start solids. I really believe only you know your baby and have to trust your gut.  My littlest man is in the 105% for everything and I simply could not keep up with his nursing demands to delay solids as the LLL recommends. This is however the standard quideline the LLL recommends:

begin introducing your baby (6 months or older) to solid foods:

• Ripe banana, avocado, yam, or sweet potato (sweet like breastmilk)
• Meats
• Whole-grain breads and cereals (rather than baby cereals)
  [wheat and corn are usually delayed until baby is 9-12 months old]
• Fresh fruits
  [citrus fruits are usually delayed until baby is 9-12 months old]
• Vegetables
• Dairy products after 9 months
  [cow's milk is usually delayed until baby is 12-18 months old]

ROSE WATER

1 C. rose petals
1/2 C. rubbing alcohol
1 1/2 C. water

Simmer rose petals in water for 10 minutes. Strain. Add alcohol (optional, but acts as a preservative. See Note.). Keeps in fridge for up to 2 weeks with alcohol, or, 1 week without. 

Pore Cleaning Strips
This recipe makes a pore cleaning “strip” which works just like those sold in popular drugstores.

1 T   Knox unflavored gelatin
1-1/2 T milk

Mix two ingredients and microwave for 10 seconds to slightly warm. Using a clean cosmetic brush, apply to nose and chin area. Avoid delicate eye area.  Rinse brush immediately. Allow mixture on nose and chin to dry for 10-15 minutes. Mixture will dry quite stiff and form a “stiff film.”