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Tip Store: Babies: Food
Baby Food Cubes
When preparing soft foods for baby make up extra or save leftovers by freezing portions in ice cube trays. This not only is time saving for preparing meals but also money saving in not disposing of leftovers, very handy for the working mum!!!
Contributed by Donna, Thornlie, 19th May 2009
When preparing soft foods for baby make up extra or save leftovers by freezing portions in ice cube trays. This not only is time saving for preparing meals but also money saving in not disposing of leftovers, very handy for the working mum!!!
Contributed by Donna, Thornlie, 19th May 2009
Children's Food At Home and Out and About
Approximate $ Savings: $10 a week plus
When preparing young children's food e.g. sandwiches, yoghurt, fruit etc, instead of putting it in a bowl and giving it to them to eat, put it in a plastic reusable container. When the child has had enough to eat you can then put the lid on and put the leftovers in the fridge and pull out again later. Not only does this save on food but also saves on a lot of extra washing up! Saving you both time and money.
Contributed Ashleigh, Coffs Harbour, 5th by February 2009
Approximate $ Savings: $10 a week plus
When preparing young children's food e.g. sandwiches, yoghurt, fruit etc, instead of putting it in a bowl and giving it to them to eat, put it in a plastic reusable container. When the child has had enough to eat you can then put the lid on and put the leftovers in the fridge and pull out again later. Not only does this save on food but also saves on a lot of extra washing up! Saving you both time and money.
Contributed Ashleigh, Coffs Harbour, 5th by February 2009
Dim the Lights and Watch the Kids Gobble Down Their Dinner, Vegies and All!
Approximate $ Savings: $5 each meal + Priceless sanity???
We have three boys aged 7, 5, and 2. They're not the most adventurous kids when it comes to eating, but we like to add new things all the time to get them to try things. If we make spaghetti Bolognese, we add a can of lentils and a mountain of grated vegetables. I got sick of grating everything, so tried small pieces of vegies such as broccoli and mushroom which ended up being a VERY long dinner with much fussing and picking out of vegetables. So we tried it again, this time by candlelight. The boys couldn't really see the vegies, and as they were having so much fun watching the candles, never noticed the larger chunks of vegies. They ate everything and went back for seconds! The next time I tried larger chunks, they complained until I told them they'd eaten it last time we used the candles and they ate the lot. It works with stir fries, fried rice, pretty much anything you can mix different things into without changing the flavour too much. Now they are much more accepting and adventurous. Saves me time, money (as I can reduce the quantity of expensive meat that I have to buy), and my sanity!
Contributed by Nicole, Rooty Hill, 12th April 2010
Approximate $ Savings: $5 each meal + Priceless sanity???
We have three boys aged 7, 5, and 2. They're not the most adventurous kids when it comes to eating, but we like to add new things all the time to get them to try things. If we make spaghetti Bolognese, we add a can of lentils and a mountain of grated vegetables. I got sick of grating everything, so tried small pieces of vegies such as broccoli and mushroom which ended up being a VERY long dinner with much fussing and picking out of vegetables. So we tried it again, this time by candlelight. The boys couldn't really see the vegies, and as they were having so much fun watching the candles, never noticed the larger chunks of vegies. They ate everything and went back for seconds! The next time I tried larger chunks, they complained until I told them they'd eaten it last time we used the candles and they ate the lot. It works with stir fries, fried rice, pretty much anything you can mix different things into without changing the flavour too much. Now they are much more accepting and adventurous. Saves me time, money (as I can reduce the quantity of expensive meat that I have to buy), and my sanity!
Contributed by Nicole, Rooty Hill, 12th April 2010
Frozen Baby Meals
We all know making our own bubs food is best for them, but I used to have some bought jars on hand for going out. When finished the jar I would sterilise them to use to put homemade baby meals into them, then freeze them, bub got the amount she needed with little or no wastage. The bigger ones are great for bigger eaters or get two little jars out for each meal.
Contributed by Teneille, Avenell Heights, 21st July 2009
We all know making our own bubs food is best for them, but I used to have some bought jars on hand for going out. When finished the jar I would sterilise them to use to put homemade baby meals into them, then freeze them, bub got the amount she needed with little or no wastage. The bigger ones are great for bigger eaters or get two little jars out for each meal.
Contributed by Teneille, Avenell Heights, 21st July 2009
Baby Food in a Jar
Approximate $ Savings: $3.00-$4.00 plus
If you prefer to use bottle food when you feed your baby dinner, try boiling a medium size potato and mashing it using water/formula/milk/breast milk then add the bottle of baby food into it. This can be frozen and used later if need be. Instead of getting one meal out of a bottle of food you will get about four (4) meals out of it, will taste great for bub.
Contributed by Sarah, Darwin, 30th July 2009
Approximate $ Savings: $3.00-$4.00 plus
If you prefer to use bottle food when you feed your baby dinner, try boiling a medium size potato and mashing it using water/formula/milk/breast milk then add the bottle of baby food into it. This can be frozen and used later if need be. Instead of getting one meal out of a bottle of food you will get about four (4) meals out of it, will taste great for bub.
Contributed by Sarah, Darwin, 30th July 2009
Save a Bundle on Fruit Jellies for Baby
Approximate $ Savings: $14 a week or approximately $360 in six months
Feeding a young baby who is just starting solids can be a challenge when considering such guidelines as healthiness, no sugar, no salt, lots of fruit etc. Baby fruit jellies retail for around $1.15 per jar, but these can be made at home for a fraction of the price. Take 1 tin of fruit (peaches/pears etc. with no added sugar, I buy it from Aldi) and separate the fruit and retain the juice. Puree the fruit and use as a fruit serve or to flavour yoghurt, freezing in portions. Add a small amount of the puree to the juice and mix in powdered gelatine (using the proportions on the gelatine packet). Pour this into used jars and you have baby jelly! (Store in the fridge and use within 2 wks). One tin of fruit from Aldi for approximately $1.60 and a tablespoon of gelatine make around 6 baby food jars of jelly and about 8 serves of the fruit itself - 14 serves for less than $2 compared to 14 jars at $1.15each = $16.10. Over the 6 months of introducing baby foods, this could save up to $360 in baby desserts!
Contributed by Amy, Toowoomba, 11th January2009
Editors note: If you don't like using gelatine, visit your local health food shop and get agar agar - a vegan alternative to, and natural seaweed derivative that works the same way, as gelatine. It can be used in place of gelatine, just follow the instructions on the packet as it needs to be prepared differently. A benefit of agar agar is that it doesn't melt like gelatine does, making it great to use for jellies etc that are to go into lunchboxes.
Cath
Approximate $ Savings: $14 a week or approximately $360 in six months
Feeding a young baby who is just starting solids can be a challenge when considering such guidelines as healthiness, no sugar, no salt, lots of fruit etc. Baby fruit jellies retail for around $1.15 per jar, but these can be made at home for a fraction of the price. Take 1 tin of fruit (peaches/pears etc. with no added sugar, I buy it from Aldi) and separate the fruit and retain the juice. Puree the fruit and use as a fruit serve or to flavour yoghurt, freezing in portions. Add a small amount of the puree to the juice and mix in powdered gelatine (using the proportions on the gelatine packet). Pour this into used jars and you have baby jelly! (Store in the fridge and use within 2 wks). One tin of fruit from Aldi for approximately $1.60 and a tablespoon of gelatine make around 6 baby food jars of jelly and about 8 serves of the fruit itself - 14 serves for less than $2 compared to 14 jars at $1.15each = $16.10. Over the 6 months of introducing baby foods, this could save up to $360 in baby desserts!
Contributed by Amy, Toowoomba, 11th January2009
Editors note: If you don't like using gelatine, visit your local health food shop and get agar agar - a vegan alternative to, and natural seaweed derivative that works the same way, as gelatine. It can be used in place of gelatine, just follow the instructions on the packet as it needs to be prepared differently. A benefit of agar agar is that it doesn't melt like gelatine does, making it great to use for jellies etc that are to go into lunchboxes.
Cath
Lactose Free Homemade Teething Rusks
Approximate $ Savings: $250pa
My son is severely lactose intolerant (has been from birth) and all the teething rusks on the market when he was teething had milk in them so we had to come up with our own recipe as the lactose free ones weren't on the market yet.
Ingredients:
1 cup of plain four
1-2 tbsp of pureed food of your choice
Lactose free milk to bind
Method:
Mix together the flower and puree and add lactose free milk, gradually mixing as you go until you get a dough consistency. Bake in a low oven until rusk like (depends on your oven and the dough).
Note: You can add a little egg white if your child is 8 months old or over and not allergic, this helps with it binding together. If your child is lactose tolerant then you can save even more by using formula
Contributed by Raelene, Qld, 11th October 2008
Approximate $ Savings: $250pa
My son is severely lactose intolerant (has been from birth) and all the teething rusks on the market when he was teething had milk in them so we had to come up with our own recipe as the lactose free ones weren't on the market yet.
Ingredients:
1 cup of plain four
1-2 tbsp of pureed food of your choice
Lactose free milk to bind
Method:
Mix together the flower and puree and add lactose free milk, gradually mixing as you go until you get a dough consistency. Bake in a low oven until rusk like (depends on your oven and the dough).
Note: You can add a little egg white if your child is 8 months old or over and not allergic, this helps with it binding together. If your child is lactose tolerant then you can save even more by using formula
Contributed by Raelene, Qld, 11th October 2008
Better Baby Meals for Less
Approximate $ Savings : $1.00 upward per jar
Instead of buying expensive baby food, I get my friends to give me their used and washed baby food jars and I use them as containers so I know my baby is getting enough food. I also copy ideas I see in shops for recipes that I modify for my own baby. For example, Heinz sell a jar of baby food for about $1.25 which is really just cooked pasta with a meaty bolognaise sauce. Getting about 250g of mince, a jar of mild pasta sauce and 1/2 a cup of cooked small pasta would only set you back $6.00 at the most. That amount fills at least 15 used jars. That recipe could save you at least $10.00 each time you make it. You also know what goes into your baby's food so your mind is at ease.
Contributed by Amanda, Bexley, 3rd August 2008
Approximate $ Savings : $1.00 upward per jar
Instead of buying expensive baby food, I get my friends to give me their used and washed baby food jars and I use them as containers so I know my baby is getting enough food. I also copy ideas I see in shops for recipes that I modify for my own baby. For example, Heinz sell a jar of baby food for about $1.25 which is really just cooked pasta with a meaty bolognaise sauce. Getting about 250g of mince, a jar of mild pasta sauce and 1/2 a cup of cooked small pasta would only set you back $6.00 at the most. That amount fills at least 15 used jars. That recipe could save you at least $10.00 each time you make it. You also know what goes into your baby's food so your mind is at ease.
Contributed by Amanda, Bexley, 3rd August 2008
Strawberry Coulis for Baby
You can puree the strawberries with a little sugar for a beautiful coulis. You only need take the amount of strawberries you need, out of the freezer. I have done this and served it with my baby daughter's yoghurt and then with home made pavlovas at a dinner party we had. Or you can blend them up with some milk and yoghurt for a healthy breakfast smoothie. Enjoy!
Contributed by Collette, Coburg, 12th March 2008
You can puree the strawberries with a little sugar for a beautiful coulis. You only need take the amount of strawberries you need, out of the freezer. I have done this and served it with my baby daughter's yoghurt and then with home made pavlovas at a dinner party we had. Or you can blend them up with some milk and yoghurt for a healthy breakfast smoothie. Enjoy!
Contributed by Collette, Coburg, 12th March 2008
Homemade Baby Food Approximate $ Savings: $20-30 per week
Buying baby food in cans, jars or tubs can cost $1-2 per meal, but you can plan and cook ahead for very little ones just like adults! There are many "baby cookbooks" available if you want to make something special rather than mashing up portions of your own meals, along with cheap plastic tubs for freezing portions (ours were £1 for 5 from Wilkinsons, here in the UK), bringing the cost down considerably. I batch some variety of fruit, veggie or meat/fishy meal for our little girl each weekend - staggering the varieties so I'm not bogged down by the task - then defrosted 3 containers (different coloured lids for easy identification!) each night in the fridge. If you want to take it a step further, you could try baby-led weaning, which focuses more on giving your baby normal food to feed his or herself from the very beginning. It does work, however is very messy :) We use a combination of the two, in the hope that feeding herself will develop more quickly this way. http://www.babycenter.com.au/baby/startingsolids/babyledweaning/ Of course, further Cheapskating is possible from a pre-weaning age by breastfeeding rather than formula. It can be hard to get the hang of, however if you need support there are helplines and support groups. Breastmilk is not only free, but best for your baby too!
Contributed by Sophie, Poole, 30th March 2008
Buying baby food in cans, jars or tubs can cost $1-2 per meal, but you can plan and cook ahead for very little ones just like adults! There are many "baby cookbooks" available if you want to make something special rather than mashing up portions of your own meals, along with cheap plastic tubs for freezing portions (ours were £1 for 5 from Wilkinsons, here in the UK), bringing the cost down considerably. I batch some variety of fruit, veggie or meat/fishy meal for our little girl each weekend - staggering the varieties so I'm not bogged down by the task - then defrosted 3 containers (different coloured lids for easy identification!) each night in the fridge. If you want to take it a step further, you could try baby-led weaning, which focuses more on giving your baby normal food to feed his or herself from the very beginning. It does work, however is very messy :) We use a combination of the two, in the hope that feeding herself will develop more quickly this way. http://www.babycenter.com.au/baby/startingsolids/babyledweaning/ Of course, further Cheapskating is possible from a pre-weaning age by breastfeeding rather than formula. It can be hard to get the hang of, however if you need support there are helplines and support groups. Breastmilk is not only free, but best for your baby too!
Contributed by Sophie, Poole, 30th March 2008
Easy Serve Fruit for Bub
Approximate $ Savings: $5.70
Instead of buying pureed baby food by the jar (100g) Heinz/ Golden Circle etc buy a can 825g canned fruit in natural juice rather than syrup. Simply open can (drain some of the juice or use later in cooking) and blend and put into small containers e.g. 100g serve and freeze. It's easier than peeling and slicing and cooking the fruit first (like you need to with apple and pear). I make 7-8 per can which instead of $1-$130 per serve in the baby aisle they are 40-47 cents. Even cheaper if you use a generic brand. There is quite a wide variety of canned fruits available and you can blend a few cans and mix and match fruit combinations (apple and peach, peach and mango, peach and pear etc.
Contributed by Vanessa, Glendenning, 9th February 2008
Approximate $ Savings: $5.70
Instead of buying pureed baby food by the jar (100g) Heinz/ Golden Circle etc buy a can 825g canned fruit in natural juice rather than syrup. Simply open can (drain some of the juice or use later in cooking) and blend and put into small containers e.g. 100g serve and freeze. It's easier than peeling and slicing and cooking the fruit first (like you need to with apple and pear). I make 7-8 per can which instead of $1-$130 per serve in the baby aisle they are 40-47 cents. Even cheaper if you use a generic brand. There is quite a wide variety of canned fruits available and you can blend a few cans and mix and match fruit combinations (apple and peach, peach and mango, peach and pear etc.
Contributed by Vanessa, Glendenning, 9th February 2008
Easy to Eat Roll-ups
To get my toddler to eat her sandwiches I roll them up, she thinks they are cakes and wants more. This is easy to do with Vegemite, Peanut butter, Jam, and also cheeses spread. I save money as I don't have to try and buy different thinks to entice her to eat her lunch.
Contributed by Colleen, Bendigo, 14th January 2008
To get my toddler to eat her sandwiches I roll them up, she thinks they are cakes and wants more. This is easy to do with Vegemite, Peanut butter, Jam, and also cheeses spread. I save money as I don't have to try and buy different thinks to entice her to eat her lunch.
Contributed by Colleen, Bendigo, 14th January 2008
Easy, Cheap and Nutritious Lentil Stew
One thing my baby absolutely loves is red lentils, cooked up in water for about 40 minutes (it goes really soft and mushy), mixed with peas, beef mince (and I often add finely chopped alfalfa or silverbeet I grow at home). I freeze it in small containers and it's cost me next to nothing to prepare.
Beans are fantastic, too... especially if you buy them dry, from the health food store.. I buy red kidney beans for $1.45kg and cook them up and mix in chopped up veggies. Not only doesmy baby get lots of vitamins and protein, but they're really filling, too.
Contributed by Anita, West Launceston, 12th December 2007
One thing my baby absolutely loves is red lentils, cooked up in water for about 40 minutes (it goes really soft and mushy), mixed with peas, beef mince (and I often add finely chopped alfalfa or silverbeet I grow at home). I freeze it in small containers and it's cost me next to nothing to prepare.
Beans are fantastic, too... especially if you buy them dry, from the health food store.. I buy red kidney beans for $1.45kg and cook them up and mix in chopped up veggies. Not only doesmy baby get lots of vitamins and protein, but they're really filling, too.
Contributed by Anita, West Launceston, 12th December 2007
Baby Food Solution
Approximate $ Savings: $64
My son hates a type of baby food I keep for emergencies - I have made a home cooked batch of beef and vegetables and mixed in the "hated baby food" and frozen it into many meals. He loves it now!!! Saving of $14 per batch and makes approximately 45 "mini meals" saving about $50 per time.
Contributed by Julie, Mt. Lawley, 4th December 2007
Approximate $ Savings: $64
My son hates a type of baby food I keep for emergencies - I have made a home cooked batch of beef and vegetables and mixed in the "hated baby food" and frozen it into many meals. He loves it now!!! Saving of $14 per batch and makes approximately 45 "mini meals" saving about $50 per time.
Contributed by Julie, Mt. Lawley, 4th December 2007
Half Price Baby Cereal
Approximate $ Savings: 50%
My baby normally eats Heinz apple and oatmeal for breakfast. I found exactly the same product under the name "Baby's Own" in Aldi last week. Heinz costs at least a dollar in the major supermarkets, or even $1.20 ... this generic product was 69 cents at Aldi, almost half price and great quality.
Contributed by Alison, Hornsby Heights, 17th July 2007
Approximate $ Savings: 50%
My baby normally eats Heinz apple and oatmeal for breakfast. I found exactly the same product under the name "Baby's Own" in Aldi last week. Heinz costs at least a dollar in the major supermarkets, or even $1.20 ... this generic product was 69 cents at Aldi, almost half price and great quality.
Contributed by Alison, Hornsby Heights, 17th July 2007
Breast Is Cheapest
I have an 11 month old daughter and my best advice on how to save real money is to breastfeed. I was quite ambivalent about breastfeeding when I had my baby but had her at a hospital that was very strong on breastfeeding. I didn't find it easy and initially had to see a lactation consultant (provided free by the hospital). I persevered and I am still breastfeeding her. In fact have never had to buy any formula at all. With formula costing over $20 a can I must have saved well in the $100s. Breast milk is also the best food you can give your little one.
Contributed by Emma, Brunswick, 1st June 2007
I have an 11 month old daughter and my best advice on how to save real money is to breastfeed. I was quite ambivalent about breastfeeding when I had my baby but had her at a hospital that was very strong on breastfeeding. I didn't find it easy and initially had to see a lactation consultant (provided free by the hospital). I persevered and I am still breastfeeding her. In fact have never had to buy any formula at all. With formula costing over $20 a can I must have saved well in the $100s. Breast milk is also the best food you can give your little one.
Contributed by Emma, Brunswick, 1st June 2007
Make Your Own Baby Cereals
Hey Cath A tip for you on feeding your baby... Discovered as a cost saving exercise purely by accident!
I am a bit of a greenie and look into foods a little more closely than most would. When my little fella was born I discovered that most baby foods have fillers and thickeners in them and rice cereals didn't seem to go far at all - my little man sat there looking at me like "is that it" after he finished the recommended portion size so I was going through truck loads of these tiny packets.
I ended up going to the health food store and bought a kilo of wholemeal rice flour, millet flour, and whatever other flours were used in these meals, I think I had about 4 different kinds. Anyway they cost me about $2 a kilo and I created a little mixture every morning and cooked it up on my stove.
These lasted me months I tell you months! In fact I still have some millet and rice flour 2 years down the track! I actually saved hundreds of dollars compared to what I would have spent on packets.
Contributed by Michelle, Emerald, May 4th 2005
Hey Cath A tip for you on feeding your baby... Discovered as a cost saving exercise purely by accident!
I am a bit of a greenie and look into foods a little more closely than most would. When my little fella was born I discovered that most baby foods have fillers and thickeners in them and rice cereals didn't seem to go far at all - my little man sat there looking at me like "is that it" after he finished the recommended portion size so I was going through truck loads of these tiny packets.
I ended up going to the health food store and bought a kilo of wholemeal rice flour, millet flour, and whatever other flours were used in these meals, I think I had about 4 different kinds. Anyway they cost me about $2 a kilo and I created a little mixture every morning and cooked it up on my stove.
These lasted me months I tell you months! In fact I still have some millet and rice flour 2 years down the track! I actually saved hundreds of dollars compared to what I would have spent on packets.
Contributed by Michelle, Emerald, May 4th 2005
Save Money on Toddler Juice
Golden circle 100% tropical juice for adults costs $3,14 for 2 litres. Their 50/50 toddler juice is $3.17 for 4 of the 125ml boxes. Buy 2 litres of adult juice and dilute 50/50 with boiled cooled water yourself. By doing so you can get 32 portions of 125ml each for the same price as buying 4 boxes. Total saving: $25.39
Contributed by Tracey, Cremorne, April 9th 2005
Golden circle 100% tropical juice for adults costs $3,14 for 2 litres. Their 50/50 toddler juice is $3.17 for 4 of the 125ml boxes. Buy 2 litres of adult juice and dilute 50/50 with boiled cooled water yourself. By doing so you can get 32 portions of 125ml each for the same price as buying 4 boxes. Total saving: $25.39
Contributed by Tracey, Cremorne, April 9th 2005
Don’t Waste Money On Small Baby Yoghurts
Yoplait Baby yoghurt is sold in packs of 4 small tubs and is quite expensive and no different from regular vanilla yoghurt. I buy vanilla yoghurt in a 1kg tub which also means the whole family can eat it as well. I checked with the Child Health Clinic and they agreed it was OK for babies.
Contributed by Catherine, Gordon, April 26th 2005
Yoplait Baby yoghurt is sold in packs of 4 small tubs and is quite expensive and no different from regular vanilla yoghurt. I buy vanilla yoghurt in a 1kg tub which also means the whole family can eat it as well. I checked with the Child Health Clinic and they agreed it was OK for babies.
Contributed by Catherine, Gordon, April 26th 2005
Baby Yoghurts
Save money on 'baby' yoghurts, by buying generic natural yoghurt and adding your own fruit puree.
Contributed by Rose, Littlehampton, March 10th 2005
Save money on 'baby' yoghurts, by buying generic natural yoghurt and adding your own fruit puree.
Contributed by Rose, Littlehampton, March 10th 2005
Baby and Toddler Fruit
I have 10-month-old twins and a 3 year old and buying fruit can be expensive, so I buy tins of bakers apple, bakers peach and bakers apricot to add to the girls cereals and yoghurts. It has no preservatives added, is cheap, saves a heap of time peeling, cutting and stewing and I mash it for the babies and leave it in slices for the 3 year old
Contributed by Belynda, Rathmines, October 25th 2006
I have 10-month-old twins and a 3 year old and buying fruit can be expensive, so I buy tins of bakers apple, bakers peach and bakers apricot to add to the girls cereals and yoghurts. It has no preservatives added, is cheap, saves a heap of time peeling, cutting and stewing and I mash it for the babies and leave it in slices for the 3 year old
Contributed by Belynda, Rathmines, October 25th 2006
Diluting Juice for Baby Saves Money
I was buying juice for my toddler in the baby food section of my local supermarket, which was costing me $1.99 for 1 litre. I was finding this to be quite expensive and considering it was so diluted you could hardly taste it, I decided to buy him the 2 litre bottles of juice and dilute it myself. This was saving money as it was, but I was finding that I would put too much juice in his drinking cup before I added the water. So I saved an empty juice bottle and the next time I purchased juice I put half in the saved bottle and topped up both bottles with water. I turned one bottle of juice into two which now lasts twice as long and saves me money.
Contributed by Julie, Yerrinbool, September 17th 2006
I was buying juice for my toddler in the baby food section of my local supermarket, which was costing me $1.99 for 1 litre. I was finding this to be quite expensive and considering it was so diluted you could hardly taste it, I decided to buy him the 2 litre bottles of juice and dilute it myself. This was saving money as it was, but I was finding that I would put too much juice in his drinking cup before I added the water. So I saved an empty juice bottle and the next time I purchased juice I put half in the saved bottle and topped up both bottles with water. I turned one bottle of juice into two which now lasts twice as long and saves me money.
Contributed by Julie, Yerrinbool, September 17th 2006
Baby Food
I have found it so easy to 'extend' the amount of food I am able to prepare for my baby, whilst at the same time giving her fresh vegetables. I cook and puree or mash fresh vegies that I buy at the shops and mix them with Homebrand Mixed Vegetables. I find this increases the amount substantially, yet she is still getting the flavours of various fresh vegies such as zucchini, sweet potato etc. that are not found in the mixed vegies. Saves time too as I am only having to peel, cut, cook and mash half as much as I normally would.
Contributed by Ella, Salamander Bay, August 2nd 2006
I have found it so easy to 'extend' the amount of food I am able to prepare for my baby, whilst at the same time giving her fresh vegetables. I cook and puree or mash fresh vegies that I buy at the shops and mix them with Homebrand Mixed Vegetables. I find this increases the amount substantially, yet she is still getting the flavours of various fresh vegies such as zucchini, sweet potato etc. that are not found in the mixed vegies. Saves time too as I am only having to peel, cut, cook and mash half as much as I normally would.
Contributed by Ella, Salamander Bay, August 2nd 2006
Make Your Own Multi-pack Snack Packs
Instead of purchasing the multi-packs of chips/snacks for school lunches, buy the larger packs. I portion these into snack size plastic bags, which last a week (for 2 children). Keep the remaining in the fridge for freshness and alternate what you buy for variety.
Contributed by Tina, May 19, 2004
Instead of purchasing the multi-packs of chips/snacks for school lunches, buy the larger packs. I portion these into snack size plastic bags, which last a week (for 2 children). Keep the remaining in the fridge for freshness and alternate what you buy for variety.
Contributed by Tina, May 19, 2004
Eke Out Tinned Baby Food
If you must use tinned baby food (we all know that making your own is cheaper) eke it out with natural yoghurt. I add it to both savoury and sweet foods. That way a tin or jar will last twice as long (and it's probably better for bubs too).
Contributed by Melissa, Sydney
If you must use tinned baby food (we all know that making your own is cheaper) eke it out with natural yoghurt. I add it to both savoury and sweet foods. That way a tin or jar will last twice as long (and it's probably better for bubs too).
Contributed by Melissa, Sydney
Golden Circle Outlet for Cheaper Baby Food
I live in Brisbane. We have a Golden Circle Cannery/Factory Shop Outlet at Virginia - northern suburb of Brisbane. They sell all forms of canned and glass bottled Golden Circle brand baby food. It is a terrific place to visit, with extremely discounted prices. Better still, the food is all Australian made and owned! You can buy one flavour or a selection of flavours in a carton. - Contributed by Natalie, McDowall, April 5, 2006
I live in Brisbane. We have a Golden Circle Cannery/Factory Shop Outlet at Virginia - northern suburb of Brisbane. They sell all forms of canned and glass bottled Golden Circle brand baby food. It is a terrific place to visit, with extremely discounted prices. Better still, the food is all Australian made and owned! You can buy one flavour or a selection of flavours in a carton. - Contributed by Natalie, McDowall, April 5, 2006
Making Easy Baby Meals
I NEVER bought baby food! I brought a Baby Mouli from the chemist. I can't remember how much it was but it was worth every penny. Anything we ate, would get put into the Mouli with a little of the cooking liquid...and it became instant warm baby food. Later I used a small food processor.
The baby Mouli makes very smooth paste like mixture of the food. In the beginning I would put a bit of potato or carrot, then later I started mixing foods (when you see the baby is not allergic to anything) and eventually I would even put spaghetti bolognaise or chilli con carne in it! It comes out smooth but you need to add a bit of liquid. If there is no cooking liquid then add a bit of water or milk...remember that babies shouldn't have salt...or at least very little so watering it down might make it tasteless for you but it's good for baby.
Of course if you have extra you can freeze it in the middle of a small piece of gladwrap, wrapped up like a parcel, or a small container. But because I cook dinner every night I didn't need to as I always had something different to give the baby. Also, for nappies if you use disposables try this site www.dealsdirect.com.au. Sometimes, not always they sell bulk nappies really cheap. Look under the bulk section. Good luck!
Contributed by Silvia, Port Kennedy
I NEVER bought baby food! I brought a Baby Mouli from the chemist. I can't remember how much it was but it was worth every penny. Anything we ate, would get put into the Mouli with a little of the cooking liquid...and it became instant warm baby food. Later I used a small food processor.
The baby Mouli makes very smooth paste like mixture of the food. In the beginning I would put a bit of potato or carrot, then later I started mixing foods (when you see the baby is not allergic to anything) and eventually I would even put spaghetti bolognaise or chilli con carne in it! It comes out smooth but you need to add a bit of liquid. If there is no cooking liquid then add a bit of water or milk...remember that babies shouldn't have salt...or at least very little so watering it down might make it tasteless for you but it's good for baby.
Of course if you have extra you can freeze it in the middle of a small piece of gladwrap, wrapped up like a parcel, or a small container. But because I cook dinner every night I didn't need to as I always had something different to give the baby. Also, for nappies if you use disposables try this site www.dealsdirect.com.au. Sometimes, not always they sell bulk nappies really cheap. Look under the bulk section. Good luck!
Contributed by Silvia, Port Kennedy
Regular Tinned Fruit as Baby Food
For baby food - my friend told me about Baker's Delight, approx 400g & 800g sizes, found at Coles in the baking aisle (maybe Bi-Lo too, don't know about other supermarkets) - it's what you'd use in pies etc. There's apple, peach and even apricot and, from what I read, it's 100% fruit. Just open & freeze or for younger babies, puree more. Great for those desperate moments, as a timesaver or for out-of-season fruit. Generally, it works out cheaper at the regular price than the tinned baby food on special! I'll be using this idea once I use up my homemade freezer supply.
Contributed by Rochelle, Rochedale, April 6, 2006
For baby food - my friend told me about Baker's Delight, approx 400g & 800g sizes, found at Coles in the baking aisle (maybe Bi-Lo too, don't know about other supermarkets) - it's what you'd use in pies etc. There's apple, peach and even apricot and, from what I read, it's 100% fruit. Just open & freeze or for younger babies, puree more. Great for those desperate moments, as a timesaver or for out-of-season fruit. Generally, it works out cheaper at the regular price than the tinned baby food on special! I'll be using this idea once I use up my homemade freezer supply.
Contributed by Rochelle, Rochedale, April 6, 2006
Save Time and Money and Keep It Simple
Don't be suckered by advertising, toddlers don't need formula. Continue breastfeeding if possible. Don't buy baby food; cook up your own veggie, meat or fruit mixes. Depends on the age of the child and what they are up to eating. Freeze into ice cubes and bag. Defrost cubes as needed. Eg for dinner defrost an already cooked cube each of pumpkin, broccoli and a chicken broth. Maybe stewed apples for dessert?
For treats, freeze batches of biscuits, fruit slice etc. Even frozen fruit is yummy in summer, again depending on the age of child and choking risk.
For their clothes, they don't need many. The fewer they have the easier to care for, saving washing and time, organisation etc. Try clothing parties where clothes are swapped free. They are good fun too! Buy at end of season sales for next year.
For toys, try a toy library. Children get bored so quickly. Do craft things out of your recyclables. Search the net for inspiration. Eg let them spill and spread bi carb soda all over the carpet, it's fun and you get to deodorise your carpet. LOL!
For older children, garden and produce your own food, even in containers it saves heaps and is a lovely experience for all. I have 5 children aged 15 years to 10 weeks. Life's a ball and it doesn't cost much at all!
Contributed by Luci, Moruya,April 5, 2006
Don't be suckered by advertising, toddlers don't need formula. Continue breastfeeding if possible. Don't buy baby food; cook up your own veggie, meat or fruit mixes. Depends on the age of the child and what they are up to eating. Freeze into ice cubes and bag. Defrost cubes as needed. Eg for dinner defrost an already cooked cube each of pumpkin, broccoli and a chicken broth. Maybe stewed apples for dessert?
For treats, freeze batches of biscuits, fruit slice etc. Even frozen fruit is yummy in summer, again depending on the age of child and choking risk.
For their clothes, they don't need many. The fewer they have the easier to care for, saving washing and time, organisation etc. Try clothing parties where clothes are swapped free. They are good fun too! Buy at end of season sales for next year.
For toys, try a toy library. Children get bored so quickly. Do craft things out of your recyclables. Search the net for inspiration. Eg let them spill and spread bi carb soda all over the carpet, it's fun and you get to deodorise your carpet. LOL!
For older children, garden and produce your own food, even in containers it saves heaps and is a lovely experience for all. I have 5 children aged 15 years to 10 weeks. Life's a ball and it doesn't cost much at all!
Contributed by Luci, Moruya,April 5, 2006