any recommendations on brand of baby food?

[feather2e]

I have  started Fionn on solid foods. He loves his oatmeal. Not too ken on the rice. Today I gave him some peas, it was very funny to see his expression. What brand of baby food do you recommend?. I used earths best organic.

[jhh42]

I do buy rice cereal/oatmeal etc.... in the boxes at the store. All his Fruits/Veggies I make. The only thing you need is a food processor and a steamer. I bought a steamer ($29) at Target that allows me to steam up to 2 or 3 fruits/vegetables at a time. Basically I buy produce (you can choose if you want organic or not), wash it, chop it up into bite size pieces and place in the steamer. The steamer directions booklet lets you know how long to steam it. Then place in the food processor with a little water. Blend it until it is soupy - like jar baby food. Place in food trays with lids. I bought these trays at babies r us online
http://www.toysrus.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=food%20trays&origkw=food%20trays&f=Taxonomy/TRUS/2255957&sr=1

Put in the freezer for 24 hours. Take cubes of frozen food out and put in a ziploc bag labeled with the date. Frozen food lasts up to 2 months.

When baby is ready to eat - take cube or cubes out of freezer - pop in microwave and you are ready to go.
The only foods that I do not steam is bananas and avocados. Yes...I have made avocados for him so when he is about 6 months we can try that. See making food lets me try things not offered in jars.
Sounds like a lot of steps but it is soooo easy once you get going. The key is to always stay stocked up. Buy fruits/veggies when they are on sale and go ahead and make it just to have on hand.

Let me know if I can help you any further.

[sarge1]

I am interested, I started looking into this, because the stores around here don't offer much variety at all. I have a potato ricer, will that work?  or do I need a food mill?
feather2e: I have been buying Gerber (organic), simply because that's what's offered at our stores.

[jhh42]

It amazes me how much the jar food costs now. It was definately less 4 years ago with my first son and I bought all his food in the store. With my 2nd child....I took the leap to make my own baby food. I thought it was going to be a chore but actually it is SOOOO easy and fun. Wit my family on a budget it is cheaper and I know what I am feeing my baby. If any are interested I would be happy to tell you how I do it. I promise it is easy and the money you save is amazing!!!!

[kindergal]

I am still trying to get through the cereal...but I am buying the Gerber DHA/ARA cereal.   I also have the plain Gerber cereal also in case the DHA/ARA irritates their stomachs.  They make the DHA/ARA in the baby food also..Gerber.  I have found Target to have the best prices on baby food.