How to Buy a Baby-Food Maker

Choosing a baby food maker

More parents are turning to baby food makers for complete control over their child's diet. Because even though jarred baby food comes in organic varieties, some parents are wary of preservatives and simply prefer to feed their babies freshly prepared food. Baby food makers allow parents who prefer to feed their children an organic diet to do so somewhat easily. Baby food makers also allow parents to steam fruits and vegetables, which some nutrition experts say preserves more of the vitamins and minerals than other cooking methods. More expensive baby food makers have the ability to steam, puree, defrost and reheat in the same unit, a plus for parents who prefer to make baby food in advance and store it in the freezer until needed.

Reviews suggest keeping the following points in mind when shopping for and using a baby-food maker:

• Defrosting features are useful. If you plan to make multiple batches of baby food in advance, choose a unit with the ability to defrost and reheat foods for the most functionality.

• Keep capacity in mind. Most baby food makers can make between 2 and 2.5 cups (16 to 20 ounces) of baby food in a single batch.

• Steamer units provide lasting use. More expensive baby food makers have the ability to steam foods in addition to pureeing. Parents say they use these machines longer, because they can steam finger foods after moving past the pureed food stage.

• Clean with care. Most baby food makers are top-rack dishwasher safe, although some reviews indicate that hand washing is preferred. Lids and other plastic parts have a tendency to crack and warp in the dishwasher.

• Allow parts to dry before reassembly. Steamer units, in particular, are likely to accumulate mold in the water reservoir if not allowed to dry completely before reassembly.

• You don't need a baby food maker. Skeptics say baby food makers are an unnecessary expense, because the same result can be achieved with the use of a steamer and blender or food processor. That said, many parents say baby-food makers are more convenient and require less clean up. Some owners say that a baby-food maker made it easier for them to commit to feeding their babies fresh, organic foods.