Here’s how to choose a baby food maker that’s durable, easy to use, and worth the cost. Get tips on how to choose, which foods to make, and how to know if you need one.
Baby Food Makers
When I was a new mom, it was so hard to know which gear I needed to make my own baby food. And since we did a combination of baby-led weaning and purees, I did need a convenient way to make quick baby food. For this post, I want to help you choose a baby food maker if that’s the most efficient option for you—and also learn how to use equipment you may already have in your house as another convenient option.
(My full post on my favorite store-bought baby food options is available, too.)
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How to Make Baby Food Without a Baby Food Maker
Throughout the infancies of my three kids, I relied on the following equipment to quickly make baby food. And I already had these items in my house, so I didn’t need to spend money on new items.
- Pot with a steamer basket and lid
- Blender
- Storage containers
You can add diced food to the steamer basket. Place it into the pot with about an inch of water. Cover with the lid, then simmer on medium-low until the food is just tender. Transfer the food to a blender and blend smooth.
For most blenders, know that you need at least 1-2 cups of food to easily blend the mixture.
How to Make Baby Food in the Microwave
It’s also possible to quickly make baby food in the microwave using a heat-safe bowl or Pyrex or the Anyday Cookware containers that are meant just for this. I love that their lids help prevent spilling and can go right into the fridge for easy storage. They have a range of sizes that are perfect for families, too.
Favorite Baby Food Recipes
To help you get started with the full range of baby food recipes, from Stage 1 purees and beyond, my guide is here to help: Master List of Baby Food Recipes. It has recipes for fruits, vegetables, proteins, complex carbohydrates and whole grains, meals, snacks, and more.
Best All-Around Option
NurtiBullet Baby Food Processor
The NutriBullet Baby Food Processor is a compact and powerful option—similar to the full-size NutriBullet—that allows for quick and efficient food processing. It includes specialized blades and cups designed specifically for baby food preparation. And it can easily make small batches of Stage 1 baby food and beyond. It cleans up easily, as the components are dishwasher-safe.
The set comes with a crazy amount of accessories for the price. It has a batch bowl with lid, a short cup with handles and resealable lid for smaller portions, six storage cups with date-ring lids and storage tray, and a silicone freezer tray with lid. It also has a recipe book.
This baby food maker is also made of BPA-free plastic and typically costs around $50 to $70.
Best Deluxe Baby Food Maker
Beaba Babycook Neo
The Beaba Babycook is a versatile, luxe baby food maker with so many capabilities. It steams, blends, defrosts, and reheats food. Its unique feature is its compact size, making it suitable for small kitchens or for parents who prefer a portable option (which would be handy for traveling or taking to a relative’s house!).
It is also a rare option with a pitcher that’s made of glass.
The Babycook is made of BPA-free materials and has a stainless-steel water reservoir. Its price ranges from $100 to $150.
Best Basic Baby Food Maker
Baby Brezza Baby Food Maker
The Baby Brezza Baby Food Maker is an all-in-one appliance that steams and blends food with the touch of a button. Its key feature is the ability to automatically blend food after steaming, saving time and effort for busy parents. It also takes up a very small amount of counter space, which is a nice plus.
The Baby Brezza is made of BPA-free materials and is priced between $80 and $120.
Best Multi-tasking Baby Food Maker
Babymoov Nutribaby+ 5-in-1
The Babymoov Nutribaby+ is a multifunctional baby food maker that steams, blends, warms, sterilizes, and defrosts food. It features a large capacity and comes with two separate baskets for simultaneous steaming. The key feature of this maker is that you can meal-prep multiple foods at the same time, saving time and energy. This is a great option if you like to meal-prep baby food in batches.
It is priced around $150 to $200.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you plan on making a lot of homemade baby food and want the convenience of a machine that can make small batches quickly, it can be a great option. If you prefer to make baby food using gear you already have, that is also possible. It’s sometimes harder to make small batches without a baby food maker, but it’s possible.
With any brand or type of baby food maker, you’ll want to take the whole thing apart and clean it with a soft brush or sponge. Air dry on a drying rack.
Best Tips for Success
- If you plan to make a lot of homemade baby food and want a really efficient option, choose a baby food maker.
- If you sometimes plan to make homemade baby food and want to use equipment you already have, you’ll need a pot with a lid, a steam basket that fits inside, and a blender.
- Blend until very smooth or stop sooner to reach the desired consistency. Leaving in some textures is great as baby advances to Stage 2 and 3 baby food.
- Baby food storage containers and reusable food pouches help store and serve baby food. A small filling funnel and a small bottle brush can help to clean them when you’re done.
- After making baby food, freeze it in ice cube trays, a freezer tray, or freezer storage containers. Or store in the refrigerator in small storage jars or storage cups.
- Check the instructions and recipe book or recipe booklet that come with each unique model for more ideas.
- After baby has outgrown baby food purees, you can continue using the baby food maker to make applesauce, pear sauce, pasta sauces like Cauliflower Alfredo or Zucchini Pasta Sauce, and more.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please feel free to comment below!