quick ? about homemade baby food

[my2monkeyboys]

What equipment do/did you all use to make it? Waylon is getting to where he likes his food with a little more substance to it, not so thin/pureed as they sell in the jars. But right now esp. I don't have money for a nice food processor. So what do you suggest I use to make him food? I am thinking I could steam the veggies/fruit, bake meat and then mash it all with a potato masher, adding water as needed. I'm just not sure if that would wear my arm out to the point of me giving up on it.
Any suggestions? Thanks!!

[coasterqueen]

How old is he again? Sorry, I can't keep ages straight. My girls were well past one before getting solid foods so we just did finger foods, no need to mash anything up.

[PrairieMom]

you can use a blender, steam up the food, toss it in the blender with a little water or Bm till it gets to the right consistency. Not carrots tho, there is something bad in them, I think.

[luvmykids]

The way you described would be fine, I even used just a regular fork to mash some things like veggies.

[my2monkeyboys]

Either he just turned 6 months last Tuesday or he'll be 6 months on the 18th, depending on if you go by every 4 weeks or the date of the month. I say he's just turned 6 months.
I'm wondering when he'll be old enough for things like those puffs, cheerios, etc. I am thinking it's when they're about 9 months, is that right? I can't remember how I did it with Will...

As for the meat. what's the best way to prepare it? I know to stay away from too much salt, but I also know he HATES the jarred meat unless I mix it with something else. Not that I blame him...it smells like Vienna Sausages! I wouldn't want it either.

I am thinking that if I can figure out an easy enough to make it that I'll only use the jarred stuff when it would just be more convenient. Otherwise I want to add more variety to his diet than those little jars allow.
Thax!!