Baby Steps: 3 Easy DIY Organic Baby Food Recipes (That’ll Save You Money!)

The average American baby consumes 600 jars of baby food by the time they’re one year old. That really adds up for parents, who end up shelling out anywhere between $50 to $100 a month. There is an easy way to save on baby food: make your own.

It requires a little more time and effort than picking up pre-made products, but it’s totally worth it. Beyond the extra money in your pocket, you’ll also know baby is getting only the best organic fruits and veggies and hormone-free meats—that’s priceless!

In this video, health coach and parenting expert Sara Snow shares three of her own tried-and-true recipes that your kids will eat up. You’ll need to invest in a baby food mill—luckily, they’re inexpensive! Try making larger batches and freezing leftovers in ice cube trays, too, which saves a ton of time in the long run.

Here comes the airplane!

Apple Purée

For babies 6 months and older

1 cup apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 to 3 tablespoons water

Steam apples in water for 10 minutes. Grind in a baby food mill. Thin out with more water, if desired. Serve right away or store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a few days, or freeze up to two months.

Vegetable Patch Purée

For babies 6 months and older

¼ cup carrots, peeled and chopped
¼ cup summer squash, peeled and chopped
¼ cup green beans, chopped
¼ cup frozen peas, defrosted
2 to 3 tablespoons water

Steam veggies in water for 10 to 15 minutes. Grind in a baby food mill. Serve right away or store in the fridge for up to a few days, or freeze up to two months.

Peachy Chicken Purée

For babies who have been eating solid foods for a few months

⅓ cup chicken breast, boiled and chopped
¼ cup cooked rice
¼ cup peaches, peeled and pitted

Grind chicken, rice, and peaches in a baby food mill. Serve right away or store in the fridge for up to a few days, or freeze up to two months.

Read more about Sara Snow here and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.