As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
This post was updated on December 27, 2020.
So you’ve decided to make your own baby food (excellent choice!) and you’re not sure how to store it? Let me help you!
Top 3 tips on storing homemade baby food
1. Get Good Containers
Good containers are a must-have for storing your homemade baby food. Trust me…it’ll make your life so much easier!
I was gifted these Preppy Baby food storage containers, and I absolutely love them!
My favorite thing about them is that they stack easily, which is such a space saver!
They are made of heavy duty glass, so they are extremely durable and very safe (100% free from BPA, lead, phthalate, and PVC).
They’re also freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe, so you can store, heat and serve all from the same container. Less dishes, anyone?
2. Always label your homemade baby food
Mom brain is real. Remembering exactly what’s in the food container sitting at the back of the fridge is unlikely, let alone remembering what day it was made.
That’s why it’s so important to label your homemade baby food. The last thing you want to do is feed your baby food that is old and unsafe to eat.
The Preppy Baby food storage containers come with a dry erase pen, which is perfect for labeling the jars.
If you’re using other storage containers, check out these food labels. They work well on glass, plastic and stainless steel and are easy to remove (they don’t leave any residue).
3. Ice Trays
Ice trays, ice trays, ice trays. Did I say ice trays?
All kidding aside, making homemade baby food in bulk and freezing it is the best game plan you can have. If you can set aside a few hours (during baby’s nap is a great time!), you can make a month’s worth of food!
The easiest, cheapest way to freeze baby food is using good old ice trays. And if you plan on doing a few weeks’ or a month’s worth of food at a time, you will need a lot of them.
If you don’t already have them, these easy-release ice cube trays with removable lid are the best!
Once the food is frozen solid, you can transfer the cubes into a freezer bag or a reusable silicone bag.
How long is baby food good for in the fridge?
Homemade baby food is only good in the fridge for 3 days. After that, it is unsafe to give it to your baby and it should be thrown out.
How long is baby food good for in the freezer?
Homemade baby food will last in the freezer for up to 3 months, if stored properly. Make sure it is in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
How do you thaw frozen baby food?
There are three safe ways to thaw frozen baby food.
- Place it in an airtight container and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Do not leave it outside of the fridge to thaw.
- Microwave the frozen food in 10 second intervals.
- Heat it in a small pot on the stove on low heat. Make sure to watch it and stir it often so it doesn’t burn.
How much baby food should I make at once?
Don’t make more than a month’s worth of purees. Your baby should be progressing to more textured food and finger foods generally between 8 and 10 months, and it would be a shame for all of those purees to go to waste!
However, if you do find yourself with a freezer full of purees that are no longer relevant to the texture of food your baby is currently eating, try adding some cooked grains such as quinoa, millet, bulgar and rice to the defrosted purees. You can cook the grains ahead of time and freeze them in cube trays as well.
What are the benefits of freezing homemade baby food?
The best part of having a freezer full of homemade baby food is that you can serve your baby a variety of food with minimal effort.
Offering your baby a variety of food is important in keeping her interested in eating, and training your baby’s palate.
Having frozen baby food on hand is also the best way to feed your baby delicious and nutritious food without it taking over your life (as if you weren’t busy enough).
