Homemade Baby Food on the Go: Food Ideas for Family Travel

Are you a parent who loves to travel but dreads the thought of packing and preparing baby food on the go? Fret not! Homemade baby food on the go is not only convenient and cost-effective, but it also ensures that your little one gets the best nutrition while exploring the world. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip or catching a flight to a far-off destination, having a stash of homemade baby food on hand will make your family travels much smoother and stress-free. Let’s dive in and answer some popular questions about making food at home for young babies and toddlers.

Is it Worth Bringing Homemade Baby Food on the Go?

Photo: Paul Hanaoka

Many parents swear by homemade baby food, touting its nutritional superiority and cost-effectiveness. When it comes to bringing food on the go, however, the decision becomes a bit more complex. On the one hand, packing homemade food can be convenient and reassuring, ensuring that your baby is getting healthy, homemade meals wherever you go. On the other hand, it can be a hassle to transport, keep fresh, and serve homemade food while on the go.

Additionally, many store-bought food products are designed for on-the-go convenience, with packaging that is easy to transport and serve. Some parents may find it worth the effort to bring homemade baby food, while others may prefer the convenience of ready-made options.

Baby Food Storage: How to Travel with Homemade Baby Food

When traveling with homemade food, it’s essential to plan ahead and pack the necessary supplies. Here’s our tips:

• Prepare and pack the homemade baby food in airtight containers or pouches.
• Bring extra feeding utensils, bibs, and wipes.
• If traveling by plane, check the airline’s regulations for carrying baby food through security and on the plane.
• Consider bringing a small cooler bag with ice packs.
• Try to stick to your child’s feeding schedule as much as possible.
• Pack commercial baby food as a backup if your homemade supply runs out.

By planning ahead and packing carefully, traveling with homemade baby food can be a stress-free experience for both you and your little one.

What’s Best: Frozen Baby Food Cubes, Food Pouches, or Purees in Jars?

When it comes to storing homemade baby food, there are a few options to consider. Storing food in cubes, pouches, or jars has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Frozen food cubes

Make a batch of puree. Put it in an ice cube tray and freeze. Pop them out and store the many cubes in plastic freezer bags until you can defrost the food. Great for portion control and easy to thaw, but they can be more time-consuming to prepare and can result in freezer burn if not sealed properly.

Food pouches

Pouches are convenient for on-the-go feeding and can be easily stored, but some may have concerns about potential chemicals in the packaging.

Food jars

Jars are reusable, and jarred food can be easily stored in the refrigerator, but they take up more space and can be challenging to use on the go.

Ultimately, the best storage option for homemade food will depend on personal preferences and lifestyle. It may be helpful to try out a few different methods to see what works best for you and your little one before taking a big trip.

When to Make Baby Food Before You Travel with Baby

It’s best to make homemade baby food a day or two before your trip so that it is fresh and can be safely stored for the journey. This also allows you to pack the baby food securely in travel containers and have it ready to go when you need it. Making baby food ahead of time can also save you from the stress of trying to find suitable baby food options while traveling, especially if you are going to a destination where you are unfamiliar with the local baby food choices.

By preparing the baby food in advance, you can ensure that your baby will have access to nutritious and familiar meals throughout your trip. This will help to keep your baby happy and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy your travels without worrying about mealtime for your little one.

Best Baby Food Maker

Photo: williams-sonoma.com

If you’re looking for a great baby food maker, parents love the Babymoov Duo Meal Station. This all-in-one appliance allows parents to quickly and easily prepare nutritious and delicious meals for their little ones. It comes with four different functions: steaming, blending, defrosting, and reheating. The steam cooking function preserves the nutrients in the food, while the blending function allows for customizable textures to accommodate different stages of a baby’s development. The large capacity of the Babymoov Duo Meal Station is perfect for making large batches of food to store for later or to prepare for travel, saving parents time and effort in the long run.

Bananas, Avocados, and More Food Ideas for Babies

Easy homemade options for babies include pureed fruits, vegetables, and meats. Homemade cereals are also a good idea. Food ideas for on-the-go include:

• Apples or applesauce
• Pears
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Peas
• Homemade baby oatmeal
• Rice cereals
• Pureed meats (chicken or beef)
• Mixes (sweet potato-carrot, apple-berry, banana-peach, chicken-apple, etc.)

These foods are not only packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but they also introduce babies and toddlers to a variety of flavors and textures. By offering a variety of homemade foods, including fruits and veggies, you can help your baby develop healthy eating habits and a diverse palate.

Conclusion

If your baby is out of the purée phase and into the baby led weaning or finger foods phase, you can still easily pack solid food for your baby or toddler that is easy to travel with and consume. Regardless if you have a 6-month-old or your little one just hit one year of age, feeding your little one while traveling has never been so easy! Pack any necessary utensils, bibs, and wet wipes for easy clean-up, and always supervise your baby or toddler while eating to prevent choking hazards. With these easy and convenient solid food options, feeding your little one homemade baby food on the go will be a breeze!