Homemade Halal Baby Food

 

Eat of the good things which we have provided for you. Surah Al Baqarah 2:172

There are so many benefits for making your own baby food. For one thing, homemade baby food is freshly made from scratch from seasonal fruits and vegetables. The food is preservative free and rich in nutritional value. It is very convenient as you would be able to make batches ahead of time, store in jars, and thaw when needed. Plus, making your own baby food lets you choose exactly what goes into your baby's meals ensuring that all ingredients are halal, fresh and, safe. Finally, it's budget friendly because you can use ingredients including halal meats available in your kitchen. In this post, we'll explore when to start baby food, key ingredients, preparation basics, storage tips. and easy recipes to get you started.

When to start solid foods?

Most babies are ready to start solid foods around six months of age, every child develops at their own pace. The key is to look for signs of readiness.

What are the signs that my baby is ready for solid foods?

• Can sit up with minimal support. 
• Lean forward to show interest in food.
• Turn their head away when full.
• Pick up and bring food to their mouth, keeps food in mouth and swallows.

These developments show that your little is ready to explore new tastes and textures.

What should I start with first?

Begin with iron-rich food. Iron is necessary for healthy growth and brain development.

• Grains such as oats, barley, and wheat (prepared as smooth porridges)
• Legumes like lentils and beans are nutritious and filling.
• Halal meats-finely pureed or minced beef, chicken, or lamb are early sources of iron and protein.
• Fish such as salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids for brain development. 
• Pair these with vitamin C fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli, mashed berries to help to absorb iron.
• Dairy products can be introduced once solids are part of baby's diet. Choose gelatin-free yoghurt and mild cheese like cheddar or cottage cheese. Dairy provides calcium, protein, and healthy fats which is essential for bone growth and development.

As your baby grows, gradually introduce a variety of textures. Introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before introducing another new food to monitor any food allergies.

How to prepare homemade baby food?

• To start, make sure utensils and surfaces are clean.
• Thoroughly cook all fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins until soft and tender.
• Avoid sugar, salt, strong spices- babies don't need them.
• Make larger batches of food like beans, rice, vegetables, and fruits.
• Puree, blend or mash to the desired texture for your baby's age.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftover baby food up to 48 hours. (That's not in the baby's bowl)
• Freeze for longer storage. Up to 1-2 months but best use within a month.
• Use airtight containers, ice cubes, or freezer bags for easy portioning.
• Label and date containers, or freezer bags for freshness.
• Ice-cube portions are useful for single-serving meals. Thaw what is needed.

3 Simple Baby Food Recipes

Lentil and Carrot Baby Soup

Age 7+

This recipe is a simple and nourishing meal. Red lentils cook quickly and add to the sweetness of carrots. It's iron-rich and easy on tiny tummies.

Ingredients

2 tbsp red lentils

1 small carrot (peeled, chopped)

1 cup of water

Directions

Rinse lentils well.

Add lentils, carrots to a pot  with water and cook until very soft.

Blend or mash to a friendly texture. (Add more water or baby milk if needed)

Butternut Squash and Chickpea Puree

Age 7-8 months

Butternut squash and chickpeas make a warm and cozy combination.  The squash gives a naturally creamy texture, and the chickpeas add a gentle boost of protein.

Ingredients

1 cup of butternut squash

1/4 cup of cooked chickpeas

A splash of olive oil

Directions

Steam squash until soft.

Add cooked chickpeas and blend together.

Oats with Dates and Tahini

Age 8-9 months

This recipe brings together 3 tasty ingredients.  Oats for energy, a bit of date for natural sweetness, and a touch of tahini for smoothness. A perfect meal for breakfast or a late afternoon snack with your little one. (It's delicious)

Ingredients

2tbsp oats

1 date softened

1/4 tsp tahini

Water or baby milk (breast milk/formula)

Directions

Cook oats with water or baby milk until soft.

Blend in the softened date.

Add tahini and stir well 

In conclusion, homemade halal baby food is easy to prepare and comes with many benefits for both you and your little one.  If you haven't tried making your own baby food yet, I encourage you to give it a try and I hope the recipes shared here help you get you started. 

Do you want to make mealtime easier for you and your little one? Click on the image to print the First Food Checklist.

Click on the image to print a copy.

Please feel free to share your own homemade baby food recipes in the comments below. While you're here, check out our baby bottle covers designed to insulate the milk contents and protect plastic and glass baby bottles from scratches and minor bumps.