User Post: Why I'm not making my own baby food

Shannon Hoehnen

I tend to get a little ahead of myself. It's a tragic downfall actually. If the Mister and I make plans, I get SO excited about said plans that I start to play it out in my mind - what I'll wear, what I'll order to eat, etc. If for whatever reason these plans don't pan out, expect chaos. Seriously.

I'm getting better, but it's still a struggle.

Same goes with my plans for my little man. I've shared our experience and preconceived notions on the swing , remember?

Ever since I got pregnant, I would smile with pride when explaining to others that I was going to make my son's baby food. OF COURSE I wanted to provide the highest quality, organic ingredients for my little one. OF COURSE I wanted to know where the food had come from. OF COURSE I wanted to be the perfect supermommy.

When I shared my plans with my pediatrician, he didn't look at me with wonder and awe. What's wrong with him, I thought?! Isn't he impressed I'm willing to go the extra mile for my son?

Taken straight from my pediatrician's website: It is not necessarily healthier to make your own baby food because the FDA regulates the use of preservatives and pesticides more carefully for baby food than it does for the food that the rest of us eat. For example, pesticides like Alar have been eliminated from all baby foods.

So you mean making my own baby food isn't healthier? And if the food is contiminated it's MY fault? And I have to be extra, extra careful?

Yikes.

And as fast as I had ordered all the make-your-own-baby-food cookbooks and fun accessories, I started researching jarred baby food.

Because the Mister and I still feel rather strongly about quality of food, we decided to go with organic brands, such as Earth's Best, Gerber Organics or Nature's Basket (Giant Eagle organic brand).

Now instead of spending my spare time whipping up purreed food, I get to spend my time playing with my little monster.

Do you make your own baby food? Why or why not?

Shannon is a first-time mom and the founder and creator of The Daily Balance , a Web site updated daily with advice, tips and personal stories to help others find balance in their lives. From food to fashion, motherhood, fitness, inspiration and recipes, The Daily Balance is the perfect tool for those who "want it all."