Difference between revisions of "Make Toddler Food Squeeze Pouches"
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== Ingredients == | == Ingredients == | ||
| − | === Blueberry Bananza<ref>http://www.superhealthykids.com/5-baby-food-recipes-squeeze-pouches/</ref> === | + | === Blueberry Bananza<ref name="rf1">http://www.superhealthykids.com/5-baby-food-recipes-squeeze-pouches/</ref> === |
* 1 cup (100 grams) blueberries | * 1 cup (100 grams) blueberries | ||
* 1 banana, sliced | * 1 banana, sliced | ||
| − | === Green Monster<ref | + | === Green Monster<ref name="rf1" /> === |
* 1 handful spinach | * 1 handful spinach | ||
* 1 cup (165 grams) mango, cubed | * 1 cup (165 grams) mango, cubed | ||
* 1 banana, sliced | * 1 banana, sliced | ||
| − | === Tropical Paradise<ref | + | === Tropical Paradise<ref name="rf1" /> === |
* 2 peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced | * 2 peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced | ||
* 1 carrot, peeled and chopped | * 1 carrot, peeled and chopped | ||
* ½ cup (100 grams) pineapple chunks, drained | * ½ cup (100 grams) pineapple chunks, drained | ||
| − | === Veggie Delight<ref>http://www.organicauthority.com/kids/diy-organic-toddler-baby-food-recipes.html</ref> === | + | === Veggie Delight<ref name="rf2">http://www.organicauthority.com/kids/diy-organic-toddler-baby-food-recipes.html</ref> === |
* 16 ounces (450 grams) broccoli, cooked | * 16 ounces (450 grams) broccoli, cooked | ||
* 10 ounces (300 grams) peas, cooked | * 10 ounces (300 grams) peas, cooked | ||
* 3 medium pears, peeled, pitted, and sliced | * 3 medium pears, peeled, pitted, and sliced | ||
| − | === Strawberries n'Cream<ref>http://www.babyfoode.com/blog/3-no-cook-toddler-sqeeze-pouch-recipes</ref> === | + | === Strawberries n'Cream<ref name="rf3">http://www.babyfoode.com/blog/3-no-cook-toddler-sqeeze-pouch-recipes</ref> === |
* 16 ounces (450 grams) strawberries, hulled | * 16 ounces (450 grams) strawberries, hulled | ||
* 1 banana, sliced | * 1 banana, sliced | ||
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# Prepare the ingredients. Wash all of the fruits and vegetables that you will be using. If the fruits have a skin on them, peel them away. Chop up the fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces and remove any seeds. If something needs to be cooked or steamed, take the time to do so. | # Prepare the ingredients. Wash all of the fruits and vegetables that you will be using. If the fruits have a skin on them, peel them away. Chop up the fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces and remove any seeds. If something needs to be cooked or steamed, take the time to do so. | ||
# Place the ingredients into the blender. A high-powdered blender will give you the best results. If you can't find one, then a good food processor may also work. | # Place the ingredients into the blender. A high-powdered blender will give you the best results. If you can't find one, then a good food processor may also work. | ||
| − | # Pulse the ingredients until you get a smooth puree. This will take about 1 to 2 minutes.<ref | + | # Pulse the ingredients until you get a smooth puree. This will take about 1 to 2 minutes.<ref name="rf3" /> Make sure that there are no chunks, or they may get caught in the nozzle part of the pouch's cap. |
| − | # Adjust the consistency, if needed. You want the puree to be thin enough so that it can easily flow through the nozzle part of the cap without getting stuck. If it is too thick, add in 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of water or juice.<ref | + | # Adjust the consistency, if needed. You want the puree to be thin enough so that it can easily flow through the nozzle part of the cap without getting stuck. If it is too thick, add in 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of water or juice.<ref name="rf3" /> |
=== Filling the Pouches by Hand === | === Filling the Pouches by Hand === | ||
# Buy some refillable pouches with a zippered opening. If the pouch does not have any sort of zippered or Ziploc opening, then you will have a harder time refilling it. Those kinds will typically need a special filling machine. | # Buy some refillable pouches with a zippered opening. If the pouch does not have any sort of zippered or Ziploc opening, then you will have a harder time refilling it. Those kinds will typically need a special filling machine. | ||
| − | # Remove the cap and blow into the pouch. This puffs the pouch up and makes it easier to fill. You only need to do this for brand-new pouches.<ref>http://weelicious.com/2015/04/23/little-green-pouch-giveaway/</ref> Put the cap back on when you are done. | + | # Remove the cap and blow into the pouch. This puffs the pouch up and makes it easier to fill. You only need to do this for brand-new pouches.<ref name="rf4">http://weelicious.com/2015/04/23/little-green-pouch-giveaway/</ref> Put the cap back on when you are done. |
| − | # Pull open the pouch. Some pouches have little tabs that you can pull apart to open them.<ref | + | # Pull open the pouch. Some pouches have little tabs that you can pull apart to open them.<ref name="rf1" /> If your pouch does not have any sort of zippered opening, then simply leave the cap off. |
# Insert a funnel, if needed. Most zippered pouches have a large enough opening that you can easily pour the pureed food into. If your pouch dp=oes not have a zippered opening, you could try inserting a funnel down the neck of the pouch. | # Insert a funnel, if needed. Most zippered pouches have a large enough opening that you can easily pour the pureed food into. If your pouch dp=oes not have a zippered opening, you could try inserting a funnel down the neck of the pouch. | ||
| − | # Pour the pureed food into the pouch. You can also use a spoon to scoop the formula into the bag.<ref | + | # Pour the pureed food into the pouch. You can also use a spoon to scoop the formula into the bag.<ref name="rf1" /> If you need to, set the pouch down into a small glass. This will make it even easier to fill.<ref name="rf5">http://www.momables.com/homemade-fruit-pouches-smoothies-for-school-lunches/</ref> |
#* Jiggle the bag from side-to-side. This will help settle the puree and allow you to pour more inside. | #* Jiggle the bag from side-to-side. This will help settle the puree and allow you to pour more inside. | ||
# Zip the pouch shut tightly. If you removed the cap earlier, twist it back on. Turn it upside down, and make sure that no food can leak out. | # Zip the pouch shut tightly. If you removed the cap earlier, twist it back on. Turn it upside down, and make sure that no food can leak out. | ||
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# Pour the pureed food into the canister. You want to fill the canister almost to the top. Only do one flavor at a time. If your machine came with multiple canisters, you can pour a different flavor into each canister. | # Pour the pureed food into the canister. You want to fill the canister almost to the top. Only do one flavor at a time. If your machine came with multiple canisters, you can pour a different flavor into each canister. | ||
# Insert the presser tool. Sometimes, it may even have a lid, like the type found on a French press. | # Insert the presser tool. Sometimes, it may even have a lid, like the type found on a French press. | ||
| − | # Push down on the presser tool to fill the pouch. Depending on the size of pouch you are using, you may not end up using all of the puree. Sometimes, the presser tool may get stuck. This usually happens when a chunk of food gets stuck in the hole. When that happens, try one of the following:<ref>http://www.familyfoodonthetable.com/homemade-baby-food-pouches/</ref> | + | # Push down on the presser tool to fill the pouch. Depending on the size of pouch you are using, you may not end up using all of the puree. Sometimes, the presser tool may get stuck. This usually happens when a chunk of food gets stuck in the hole. When that happens, try one of the following:<ref name="rf6">http://www.familyfoodonthetable.com/homemade-baby-food-pouches/</ref> |
#* Open up the canister, pour the puree into a blender, and pulse it a few more times. | #* Open up the canister, pour the puree into a blender, and pulse it a few more times. | ||
#* Open up the canister and pick out the chunk of food with a clean fork or pick. Don't use your fingers. | #* Open up the canister and pick out the chunk of food with a clean fork or pick. Don't use your fingers. | ||
# Pull the bag out of the machine. If you had to insert a canister into a slot and screw it in, then you will need to unscrew it first before you can pull the pouch out. | # Pull the bag out of the machine. If you had to insert a canister into a slot and screw it in, then you will need to unscrew it first before you can pull the pouch out. | ||
#* Some pouches are inserted sideways. It might be a good idea to tip the canister over so that the pouch's opening is upright when you remove it. | #* Some pouches are inserted sideways. It might be a good idea to tip the canister over so that the pouch's opening is upright when you remove it. | ||
| − | # Twist the cap on. The pouch is now ready to be used! You can hand it to your kid or leave it in the fridge. Most formulas will last in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Some can be left in the freezer for up to 3 months.<ref | + | # Twist the cap on. The pouch is now ready to be used! You can hand it to your kid or leave it in the fridge. Most formulas will last in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Some can be left in the freezer for up to 3 months.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#* If you need to thaw a frozen pouch, simply put it in the fridge for a few hours to one day. | #* If you need to thaw a frozen pouch, simply put it in the fridge for a few hours to one day. | ||
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
| − | * The 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) pouches are ideal for babies. The 7-ounce (207-milliliter) pouches are better for toddlers.<ref | + | * The 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) pouches are ideal for babies. The 7-ounce (207-milliliter) pouches are better for toddlers.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | * If you are filling multiple pouches, write the name of the recipe on the pouch as well as the date.<ref | + | * If you are filling multiple pouches, write the name of the recipe on the pouch as well as the date.<ref name="rf6" /> |
* You can also fill the pouches with prepared foods as well, such as baby food or applesauce. | * You can also fill the pouches with prepared foods as well, such as baby food or applesauce. | ||
* Make sure to clean the pouches and caps really well after each use. | * Make sure to clean the pouches and caps really well after each use. | ||
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
| − | * Food pouches should not be a substitute for fresh fruits and veggies. They still provide a fair amount of minerals, nutrients, and vitamins for picky eaters, however.<ref>http://www.parents.com/blogs/food-scoop/2015/06/11/health/the-downsides-of-baby-food-pouches-and-how-to-use-them-right/</ref> | + | * Food pouches should not be a substitute for fresh fruits and veggies. They still provide a fair amount of minerals, nutrients, and vitamins for picky eaters, however.<ref name="rf7">http://www.parents.com/blogs/food-scoop/2015/06/11/health/the-downsides-of-baby-food-pouches-and-how-to-use-them-right/</ref> |
| − | * Avoid giving your toddler pouches with every meal. Try to give him or her some fresh fruits and veggies every once in a while.<ref | + | * Avoid giving your toddler pouches with every meal. Try to give him or her some fresh fruits and veggies every once in a while.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | * Don't let your child walk and sip from the pouch. This can be a chocking hazard. Have your child sit and enjoy their pouch instead.<ref | + | * Don't let your child walk and sip from the pouch. This can be a chocking hazard. Have your child sit and enjoy their pouch instead.<ref name="rf7" /> |
== Things You'll Need == | == Things You'll Need == | ||
