Food processor
Using a food processor enables you to prepare large quantities of baby food quickly and easily, with minimal prep time and mess. Just throw your ingredients in the bowl and blitz. The pulse function gives you complete control over consistency, which comes in handy as you move on to making more textured foods for your baby, while the variable speed settings provide you with extra power when you need it. 

If you’re experimenting with different flavour combinations, some models like the MultiPro Express Weigh+ have integrated digital weighing, allowing you to weigh ingredients directly into the bowl. And using a food processor doesn’t just save you time prepping meals for your baby. With dishwasher-safe tools and parts, it cuts down on the washing up, too. 

Hand blender
A hand blender is ideal to use when making smaller quantities of baby food, or puréeing leftovers from the family meal. Use it to blend foods down in the pan to save on washing up, or models like the Triblade XL come with a handy beaker, along with both a purée wand and masher for creating different textures. 

The Triblade’s foot is designed for faster blending and finer results, even when working with tougher ingredients. And when it comes to cleaning up, all the tools can be popped in the dishwasher, while its compact size means your blender is easy to store away when not in use. 

Steamer
Some firmer ingredients like sweet potatoes or apples need to be softened before being puréed. 

A steamer will help achieve the right texture, while still preserving essential nutrients (you can also use the Cooking Chef XL to steam food if you have one). 

For storing and freezing food
Ice cube trays or small single portion pots.

• Steam, boil or roast your ingredients to soften first, if required. This applies to firmer ingredients like root vegetables.
• Fit your food processor’s knife blade and add the ingredients to the bowl, making sure you don’t exceed the maximum mark. If you’re using your hand blender, ensure the bowl or pan that your ingredients are in is on a stable, flat surface before you start blending. 
• Purée until smooth on a high, continuous setting for 30 seconds-1 minute. If you’re using a hand blender, start on a slower speed to avoid splashing.  Settings will vary depending on your machine model and the ingredients you’re using. For a coarser texture, use the pulse control. 
• To thin out a purée’s  consistency for younger babies, gradually add a little of the cooking water or your baby’s usual milk as you blend. If you aren’t using  the purée straight away you can add the liquid when you prepare it for serving instead. This will save storage space in your fridge or freezer, and enable you to vary the purée's consistency as your baby gets used to different textures.