Before Junior was born, you vowed to make all his organic meals by hand.

Then out popped reality: Hours spent pureeing means less time with baby.

Relax, because food-centric community org 18 Reasons is hosting a Homemade Baby Food Swap next Friday. The monthly epicurean exchange lets you provide more home-cooked dishes for your mini gourmand stress free.

The concept is simple — you whip up ten half-pint containers of his favorite mango risotto (using all-organic ingredients, natch) in return for equally delicious eats (sweet pepper and eggplant puree, perhaps?) made by like-minded foodies. One morning of cooking yields a fridge full of palate pleasers.

Less work, more playtime.

Homemade Baby Food Swap, January 14 and the second Friday of every month, 11 a.m.-noon, at 18 Reasons, 593 Guerrero Street (18reasons.org). Admission is $5.

Our No. 1 resolution in 2011: to help you keep your family healthy, active, and organized. Find out how.

PLAY
Jills ’n’ Joeys
What: A zoo-themed playgroup answers the call of the wild for your little roos (ages 3 and under).
Why: Getting up close with real animal visitors.
When: Tues., 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Blvd., at Great Hwy. (415-753-8140). Zoo admission for adults, $15; playgroup admission for children, $5.

JAM
Winter Music Class
What: Start the new year with a toot and a tra-la-la at weekly developmental sessions for little musicians (ages 4 and under).
Why: It’s never too early to get your groove on.
When: Wed.-Mar. 17. Wed. or Thurs. sessions, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m.
Where: Sprout San Francisco, 1828 Union St. (415-359-9205). Course fee, $180.

LISTEN
Seesaw Story Time Returns
What: Kids listen to tales while you get caffeinated. It’s just one more reason to head to the city’s only coffee shop/play emporium.
Why: Four Barrel coffee and Wi-Fi for grown-ups.
When: Tues., 10 a.m.
Where: Seesaw, 600a Octavia St. (415-553-8070). Admission, $5 per family or free with $5 purchase.

Photo: Lovelihood / Flickr