Whether you’re a full time stay-at-home parent, or making the journey back into your career, you have the exact same need to make sure your little one is getting the best nutrition available.

Once your baby starts to grow and begin their journey into the wide world of solid food, parents are charged with the task of finding nutritious ingredients that will end up in the mouth, not on the wall. You might consider making baby food at home to save money and have more control over your little one’s diet. Here are 5 simple rules to help you get started.

  1. Introduce new foods one at a time: This will help you identify allergens and get a sense of your baby’s preferences.
  2. Try mild to moderate seasoning: Hold off on the extra hot curry or habanero surprise, but a small amount of seasoning like salt or garlic can develop your child’s palate and make veggies more exciting.
  3. Feed nutritionally balanced meals: Try fruit and cereal in the morning, veggies for lunch and protein for dinner.
  4. No choking, please: Purees help your baby transition from milk or formula to solids.
  5. Practice food safety: You sterilized your bottles and breast pump accessories, so don’t forget the importance of using clean surfaces, rinsing and scrubbing produce, avoiding cross contamination and washing your hands when preparing baby’s food. Fresh food can be stored in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. You can also freeze food for up to 6 months.

Eating is one of those things your child will do every day for the rest of his or her life. You have the opportunity to get them off on the right foot. Just remember to duck the first time you try those brussel sprouts!