While some baby foods can be made with nothing more than the silverware you already have, others require more in the way of equipment. Very ripe fruits, such as avocados, bananas, and pears, can be mashed with a fork. That's it! They don't require cooking or puréeing.

For the meat-and-vegetable purées, or any of the more complex recipes for younger babies, you'll need more than a fork. Consider purchasing a food processor, blender, food mill, “mini” chopper, or other machine that will grind and pulse your food into a purée. These tools range dramatically in price and capacity, so choose accordingly based on your needs. Do you plan to make only enough food for one or two servings at a time? If so, go with a smaller model. If you want to make a month's worth, consider a full-sized food processor.

Thicker purées usually can be thinned with water but, even so, some may have too grainy a texture. Use a food strainer (or even a colander) to further thin your purées before serving. Another very useful tool is a mortar and pestle — rice, oats, and other grains can be ground to a powder quickly and easily, especially for small amounts.

When it comes time to feed your baby, consider using coated spoons. These are small baby-sized spoons that have plastic or rubber tips. They're available in stores, inexpensive, and perfect for your baby's sensitive mouth. Many of these spoons are heat-sensitive, and will quickly change colors to warn you if the food you're about to serve is too hot.