If you go into any kitchen supply store you will find a gadget for everything. This can be overwhelming; however, you do not have to buy all these gadgets to be a successful cook. Do you need fancy equipment to make your own baby food and cook healthy organic food for your family? No! Most people have everything that they need to get started making their own organic baby food. Here is a list of some of the basics to make sure you have on hand:

1. Food processor or blender: The size of the processor or blender needed depends on how much puréeing you want to do at one time. If you are planning to prepare large batches of purées at one time, a large processor will be helpful. Most people will be successful with puréeing in a simple blender or mini processor.

2. Sieve or strainer: Your pasta colander is not sufficient for straining purées for your infant. A small metal strainer is needed to catch the fine seeds and fibers that did not get puréed fine enough. Make sure that this item is in good condition with no rust on the strainer.

3. Steamer: A small metal collapsible steamer that fits inside your saucepan is fine for steaming small batches. If you plan on steaming large batches, you might want to invest in a combined rice and vegetable steamer. This is a nice addition to your kitchen for more than just purées. You can continue to use this to cook rice and steam vegetables perfectly without having to watch the stove constantly.

4. Ice cube trays or small glass containers: This is the easiest way to store your prepared purées. Once your foods are puréed, you can pour them into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, you pop them out and into storage containers for your freezer. Each ice cube–sized portion is about a 2-tablespoon portion of baby food, or about 1 ounce. As your child gets older, it might be helpful to use small glass containers for freezing larger portions. Then these containers can go right from the freezer to the microwave. Be sure to label and date your containers so you know how long the purées have been in storage.

5. Appliances: A microwave is wonderful for thawing or heating up purées and toddler meals for your child. Make sure to always microwave in glass containers or on plates. Microwaving in plastics can make the plastics unstable and may not be healthy for your family in the long term. Microwaves often heat foods unevenly, so be sure to test the temperature of the food. There could be very hot spots in the food that can burn your baby. Stir food well after heating and always test the temperature before feeding your baby.

6. Handy helpers: Some items to keep handy in your kitchen drawers that are helpful for making organic foods for your child include the following: vegetable peeler, assortment of different-sized knifes, wet and dry measuring cups, measuring spoons, kitchen timer, spatula, whisk, kitchen scissors, small hand grater, meat thermometer, and wooden spoons.

7. Feeding supplies: A small bowl, a few shallow plastic spoons, and a bib are all that you need to start. Be sure to test the temperature of the food yourself. Do not rely on the spoons and bowls that change color if the food is too hot.

8. High chair: Your baby should be able to sit in the high chair to start taking some of his first solids. Initially, it might make your child more comfortable with this new experience for you to hold him. Be careful not to continue this past the first couple of feeds. You want your child to learn that eating is done in the high chair. This helps establish a regular eating pattern with your child from the beginning.

As you can see, a few small investments are all that you need to begin cooking and preparing healthful organic food for your baby and family. Organizing and equipping your kitchen is fun way to start off this adventure in organic cooking!