Freezer friendly bulk cooking for introducing solids

We get it; as a busy parent, you need to find ways to save time. That’s where bulk cooking comes in. This is a great solution for introducing solids to your baby as it lets you prepare meals in large batches and freeze them. This way, you always have healthy, homemade food ready for your baby.

Freezer cooking also eases the daily meal prep stress and means you have a variety of healthy foods for your baby’s growing needs. To help you out, we’ve gathered our best tips to make freezer-friendly bulk cooking a doddle!

• Bulk cooking for freezer saves time and reduces stress when introducing solids to your baby
• Make-ahead meals ensure nutritious, homemade options are always available
• Freezer cooking allows for a variety of healthy foods to support baby’s growth
• Planning and preparation are key to successful bulk cooking for freezer
• Freezer-friendly meals provide convenience and simplify daily meal routines for parents

Bulk cooking for your baby’s meals and freezing them saves time and ensures your baby eats nutritious food whenever they’re hungry! 

To make bulk cooking simple, follow these steps…

• Plan your recipes and shopping list ahead of time
• Choose a day in the week or weekend with a few hours free that you can devote to cooking
• Prepare all ingredients before cooking – wash, peel, and chop as needed
• Cook foods in large batches, one recipe at a time
• Let food cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays
• Label each container with the contents and date before freezing

The right tools make bulk cooking easier and less stressful. 

When your baby starts eating solids, meal prepping and cooking in bulk can be a big help and preparing frozen meals in advance means your baby always has healthy food ready. 

Need some inspiration? Here are some good ingredients and recipes for different ages…

Cooking in bulk and freezing meals helps to introduce new tastes and textures to your baby. As your baby gets used to solids, you can add more ingredients to your meal prepping.

• Mix and match purees for new flavours
• Add herbs and mild spices for depth
• Move from smooth to mashed and chopped foods
• Offer both sweet and savoury frozen meals

Bulk cooking for your freezer is a great way to save time and energy and it lets you prepare meals for your little one ahead of time. To help you succeed in freezer cooking, follow these tips…

• Cool food thoroughly before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming and affecting texture.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and remove as much air as possible to minimise freezer burn.
• Label each container with the contents and date to keep track of your frozen meals.
• Freeze food in small, individual portions for easy thawing and serving.
• Utilise ice cube trays for freezing purées, which can be popped out and stored in bags once frozen.

When planning the meals that you want to bulk cook for your freezer, think about the foods that freeze well. 

By planning and organising, you can have a steady supply of healthy, homemade meals ready to go so your little one will never go hungry! 

Start by making a shopping list with all the ingredients you need; pick a variety of fruits, veggies, proteins, and grains for a balanced diet. Then, set aside time to prep and cook. Wash, chop, and measure ingredients in advance to make things easier.

When cooking in bulk, aim for meals that are both nutritious and varied. You can do this by mixing different veggies, proteins, and grains to create balanced meals. 

• Sweet potato, chicken, and peas puree
• Butternut squash, quinoa, and broccoli mash Apple, carrot, and lentil blend
  

  Labelling and storing your bulk-cooked baby food

  It’s important to label and store your meals properly. Use airtight containers or ice cube trays for portioning and make sure to label each container with what’s inside and when you made it. The NHS suggests that baby food should stay in the freezer for no longer than 3 months.

  When you need to defrost your freezer meals, thaw them in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Heat the food gently, stirring often, until it’s hot all the way through.

Starting your baby on solids can seem scary. But, with bulk cooking and freezer meals, it’s easier as you’ll save time, reduce stress, and you’ll know that you’re giving your baby the best. Just remember these key points…

• Begin with simple, single-ingredient purees and gradually expand to more complex combinations as your baby grows
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients and avoid added sugars, salt, and preservatives
• Invest in the right tools, such as a blender, food processor, ice cube trays, and freezer-safe containers
• Label and date your frozen meals to ensure easy identification and maintain food safety

Don’t worry if you can’t make lots of meals at first. Just start with a few of your baby’s favourite foods and as you cook more, you’ll find new recipes and techniques.