Since we're just getting back into the busy of baby food again, I thought I would remind everyone to donate their jars to elementary schools. They love the tiny little jars to do crafts and science projects with their classes and were thrilled when I called asking if they wanted me to collect them again. A teacher friend of mine has the kids make their own butter using the jars, among other things!

Or better yet, make your own baby food! I just started and I love it. It's easy, so far and you would be appalled at how much water you are paying for in those little jars.

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Sarah

Most baby food comes in little plastic containers now.

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~Happiness is a large family~

That's funny -- I've seen very few plastic containers for baby food.

I make some of my own baby food from things that I can/freeze in the summer, but use Gerber for somethings that aren't in season or aren't safe to make your own of (like carrots) or if we have to be out and keeping it cool may be an issue. I save the little plastic containers and freeze my homemade baby food in them. Much easier than using the ice cube tray. I find that most fruits and veggies (stage 1/2) in Gerber are now in the plastic containers, but the stage 2 meals and all stage 3 foods are in jars- that's just where I live though.

Why is it not safe to make your own carrots?? I have been for my ds---I'm wondering if I should stop?

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Mom to Ryan ('06)

See I have a big brown bag full of them. I am debating on keeping them for my baby once she gets to eating solids (in anothe 2+ months) or donating them. I won't be getting anymore after this month.....

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Misty
I am a AP mother to: Chauncy, Meghan, Apple

Only Gerber uses the plastic tubs, and I've started buying the cheap brand. Then I found out I have to drive like 30 miles to recycle glass at the landfill! (not allowed to put it in the pick up recycling). I will call the school, thanks for the tip.

I make some of my own baby food too, but for a lot of things I don't really think it's a whole lot cheaper. For example, I bought some butternut squash and made it, but I think it worked out to be just a little less (although much yummier). I like to freeze it in the plastic tubs too, but I don't buy Gerber veggies anymore, just some of the meats she likes.

As for the carrots, I think it has something to do with the nitrates in cooked carrots. It's fine if you are using them fresh, just not frozen or stored for a long time.

My simplest solution to the expense and waste of buying baby food is starting her on table foods as soon I can. She already eats a lot of fruits and veggies this way, so we're working our way up.

It must be your grocery store. Most of the containers at our grocery store are plastic also. Lydia had a strong gag reflex and I had to use stage 1 baby food until she was 14 months old. She still chokes on regular applesauce. I made all of Lilly's baby food but I couldn't get the texture smooth enough for Lydia.

I use the plastic containers for everything from crackers on the go to Polly Pocket shoe containers.