Here's a parenting hack we should all be privy to. Making your own baby food is often cheaper and healthier than store-bought baby food. And, it doesn't have to be time-consuming, either. If you've ever been curious about making your own baby food, it's far less daunting than you might think. With tons of baby food cookbooks, online recipes and food blogs, as well as a smart collection of food processors specifically designed for creating your very own baby food, there's no shortage of tools for creating a delightful blend of purees. In fact, if you're feeling overwhelmed with the choices, we don't exactly blame you...we were initially, too. But after reviewing all of the top baby food processors, we've found that these are the top 5 baby food makers and accessories out there. EVLA’S Baby Food Maker All-In-One Baby Food Processor For an all-in-one baby food maker, this versatile food processor will make delicious baby food in a snap...and then clean itself when it's all done. Best OverallFind on Amazon It’s no accident that this all-in-one baby food processor is at the top of our list. With a multi-function Baby Food Processor built right in, you can steam, blend, reheat, and defrost to create a magical blend of baby food for your little one. The compact design is great for small kitchen spaces, yet is large enough to make multiple batches of baby food at once. And if your baby uses a bottle, the water tank is a quick and easy way to heat up breastmilk or formula. And perhaps the best part? When you’re done creating a delicious batch of homemade baby food…this baby food maker will sterilize and self-clean itself. Pros: Includes 6 reusable pouches for larger baby food batches. Touch screen system that’s easy to use. All parts detach for a super easy clean-up, should you choose to hand wash or toss it in the dishwasher. Cons: White color of the food processor can easily stain from carrots, sweet potatoes, and other vibrant foods. Green Sprouts Fresh Baby Food Mill Hand-Powered Food Processor This sweet little food processor makes baby food sans electricity or battery-operated power. Compact and lightweight, making it a wonderful travel-friendly option as well.Most Economical Find on Amazon Green Sprouts hand-powered baby food mill is a simple solution to creating your own baby purees. Conveniently sized for at-home or travel, you can easily puree food for your little one in a safe way. The design of this food mill allows for separation of both seeds and skins, assuring that only baby-safe food makes its way into Baby’s belly. Made sans BPA, this sturdy hand mill needs absolutely no batteries or electricity, so it’s quiet. Its size means you can toss it in a drawer, which makes it ideal for small spaces. And, unlike many baby food makers on the market, it’s budget-friendly. This makes it an ideal set-up for those who want to dabble in making their own baby food, but might not want to fully commit to more pricey options. Pros: Compact and completely quiet. Makes fresh baby purees out of most foods in small-batches. Travel-friendly. Cons: Hand wash is highly recommended. Sage Spoonfuls Baby Food Immersion Blender & Food Processor An Immersion Blender for BabyThis immersion blender is a simple solution to creating delightful baby food at home or on-the-go. Best Immersion-Style BlenderFind on Amazon If you’re more of a two-birds-with-one-stone kind of person, purchasing an immersion blender is an ideal solution for you. As this comes as a set with a high-quality immersion blender and food processor, you can use this for your own meals as well. Although this doesn’t come with a steamer or cooker, you can whip up baby food in seconds. What’s more, you can use this on virtually anything. This means that if you’ve created something delicious for the whole family but too chunky for your baby to eat, all you have to do is use this to smoothly blend their meal. This product is safe to use on any veggies, fruits, meats…even nuts and grains. And although it’s handy to meal prep, one thing we really love about this baby food maker? You can make single-servings. No need for lengthy prepping and storing is involved with this (unless, of course, you want to). Pros: Small and compact, ideal for travel and small spaces. FDA-approved. Zero BPA, phthalate, lead, and is PVC-free. High-quality, tough stainless steel blades instantly blend virtually anything you’re cooking. Cons: This is not an all-in-one baby food maker. You’ll need to have food prepped (roasted, steamed, etc.) prior to blending. WeeSprout Double Zipper Reusable Food Pouch Use It Again And AgainThese high-quality reusable pouches are an excellent option for all of the delicious baby food you've been making. Best Reusable PouchesFind on Amazon While this item is technically not a baby food maker, it’s on this list because you’re going to need to do something with all that fresh-made baby food. And it just so happens that these reusable food pouches are incredibly convenient. While baby food jars definitely still line the baby food aisle at the grocery store, the most popular way for baby food to be stored these days is in those single-use plastic pouches. They’re convenient, easy-to-pack, and babies love ’em. The problem? Not only are they single-use plastic, but they can quickly add up an already pricey grocery bill. WeeSprout’s solution to these two problems is a genius one. First, there’s an extra-wide zipper-style opening that makes both filling and cleaning the pouch hassle-free. For cleaning, you can toss them in the dishwasher or easily hand wash. With no BPA, PVC, lead or phthalate, you don’t have to worry about hot dishwashers causing the pouches to leak toxic chemicals. And finally, once you’ve completely used all the life out of these pouches (and trust us, it’ll be a long, long time), both the packaging and the pouches are completely recyclable. Pros: Pouches can be filled and stored in the freezer. Zipper-style opening is easy to fill and clean. Comes in 4 different ordering options, including a variety pack. Cons: Pouches cannot stand upright as zipper is located at the bottom of the pouch. WeeSprout Silicone Baby Food Freezer Tray Freeze and Store With Ease These silicone trays are another great option for storing all the extra baby food you've been cooking. Best Freezer PouchesFind on Amazon Another item on this list that isn’t technically a baby food maker, but it’s here because it’s incredibly handy and it’s a necessary part of making your own baby food. Freezer trays are a vital component to meal prepping for your baby. This silicone baby food freezer tray by WeeSprout is naturally bacteria, odor, and stain resistant. What’s more, it has absolutely no BPA, PVC, lead, phthalates, or other toxins. What you create for food and freeze is exactly what’ll go into your baby’s growing body…it is completely safe. For easy clean-up, both the tray and lid are dishwasher safe. And because silicone is a versatile cooking and storing container, this tray can be used in the microwave, the oven, and even as a baking tray or mold. Pros: Can be used with any kind of food (silicone won’t react). Versatile—you can even cook with it in the oven! Silicone is easily bendable, so popping frozen food out is easy. Multiple, bright color options to choose from. Cons: The silicone is not dye-free. Frequently Asked Questions When you should introduce solids? Introducing solids is a highly personal choice, as well as dependent on the readiness of your little one. Talking with your pediatrician is the first step to understanding what introducing solids should look like. Follow trusted advice, know your baby, and go from there. How do you make your own baby food? Making your own baby food is simple, delicious, and if you have the right tools, not nearly as time-consuming as one might think. What’s more, it is typically far more cost-effective and healthier than store-bought options. Typically, making baby food is as simple as gathering the ingredients you’d like to use. And then it’s cooking, blending, steaming, or roasting…whatever recipe you’re going for. Want to make a superfood smoothie? Grab your ingredients, blend, and voila, there you are. Making baby food is surprisingly easy and fun if you have the right tools and a bit of time. What are the benefits? As we’ve stated, there are definite benefits to making your own baby food. First, it can be more economical as well as healthier than buying baby food from the store. Making fresh baby food out of food you typically serve also helps to instill the importance of eating together as your little one grows. Fresh food typically has more nutrients than canned, and this goes for baby food as well. Plus, you can truly put whatever you want in the food. There are tons of cookbooks out there for making your own baby food that’s both delicious and nutritious. No added or unwanted ingredients, ever. It’s all up to you. Related posts:Powered by SearchIQ The 5 Best Puppy Foods On Amazon Read more The 5 Best Natural Foods For Growing Puppies Read more The Best Small-Breed Puppy Food To Fill Up Your Tiny Pup Read more The Best Homemade Dog Food Read more