Should I use a mixer grinder for purees, or hand-mash food for my baby?

Many pediatricians advise against the mixer because it makes food too smooth (encouraging swallowing over chewing) and may not be perfectly clean; most moms recommend hand-mashing or straining instead, though some used a mixer without issues.

Community Answers from Moms(6)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

1. 1

   My pediatrician strictly said no to a mixie, only hand mashing. Soft fruits like banana and chickoo can be cut small and mashed with a spoon or fork. Apple and Kerala banana can be steamed and then mashed.

2. 2

   Boil the veggies well and strain them through a channi using a spoon - it takes care of peels too.

3. 3

   Use a pav bhaji masher (steel) - you can control how much to mash and it is easy to clean. A mixer makes purees super fine so kids get used to a smooth texture and just swallowing, which doesn't let them explore their gums. Pressure cook rice and vegetables and mash with a bit of hot water.

4. 4

   I used a mixer and it wasn't a problem. The alternative is to steam properly and mash with a fork or spoon, though that isn't possible for all foods.

5. 5

   My ped said the main reason to avoid a mixer is that we use it for family cooking and it may not be fully clean. Alternatives: a hand blender, or a separate dedicated mixer. Babies adapt slowly to granular foods like rava and apple as long as mashed is given first.

6. 6

   Try passing food through a strainer to retain some texture while ensuring no big particles; switch to a strainer with bigger pores after a couple of months.