1. Wash your equipment and containers in hot, soapy water.


2. Peel fruits and vegetables, and trim the fat from meats.


3. Steam vegetables, fruits, or meats; reserve cooking water.
   
4. Allow the food to cool down.


5. Mash food with a fork, or puree in a blender or small food processor.


6. To smooth out the mixture, add a little of the water that the food cooked in.


7. Don't add any sweeteners or salt; your baby will enjoy the natural flavors of the food.

• You can store the food in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two days.


• To store food for a longer period, fill an ice cube tray with the food, freeze it, and then put the frozen cubes in a small freezer bag. It'll keep in the freezer for up to a month.

• If heating the food in a microwave: Use a low temperature setting and be sure to stir the food thoroughly to avoid having "hot spots" burn your baby's mouth.


• If using a stove: Allow the food to defrost first, then heat in a small pan.


• Once a food has been reheated, throw out any leftovers your baby doesn't eat, as normally existing bacteria from your baby's mouth will grow very quickly and spoil the food.

• sweet potato


• beans


• apples


• carrots


• chicken/turkey


• pears


• peas


• beef


• bananas (do not need to be cooked)


• broccoli


• peaches


• green beans


• cantaloupe


• pumpkin/squash


• mango


• spinach


• avocado


• beets.

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