How do you actually puree something?!

[toffeecrispandacupoftea]

This may be a very stupid question but how do you actually puree food? My first baby and feels like such a daft question to ask the HF.

I have a blender, do you just put fruit/veg in there? Would have thought it would need extra fluid if you did? Or do you just mash things with a fork? Or am I meant to buy some kind of puree machine?!!

Thank you for your help

[WhatHo]

It needs to be finer than mashing. You can either use a food mill (I hated them, nightmare to use and wash) www.amazon.co.uk/Kitchen-Craft-Rotary-Plastic-Frame/dp/B000NLSSYG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376471037&sr=8-2&keywords=food%20mill&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

or a hand blender like the Philips which I thought was brilliant, it did everything from fruit to chicken www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Collection-HR1610-01-Blender/dp/B005LBM1H8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1376471008&sr=8-4&keywords=hand%20blender%20philips&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Don't puree potatoes or parsnips by the way - you end up with something that resembles concrete, as I found out the hard way You CAN mash them!

There are some really good sites to suggest good puree foods and combos, I'll have a look.

[MyNameIsAnAnagram]

You can use a blender or mash with a fork if you want it lumpier, or give as finger food if you'd rather.

[WhatHo]

Here you go - some great suggestions on here: wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/babyfirstfoods.htm#.UgtIXBZU3ww

PS they are absolutely right about not needing to start with rice/oats, though they can be useful thickeners.

Also check out baby-led weaning - www.babyledweaning.com for an alternative. DD2 refused to take puree so I was forced to go that route and it worked just as well as purees. DD1 however was all about the puree.

[toffeecrispandacupoftea]

Thank you both, that's great.

Really useful links WhatHo. Thank you for adding these.