How Do You Store Pureed Baby Food? (Solved & Explained)
Pureed food is the primary source of nutrition babies ingest, but sometimes it takes time to prepare a lot of it for every meal. Therefore, it is convenient to prepare it at once, and later store it, so you will have ready food at any time. So, how do you store pureed baby food?
The most convenient way to store pureed baby food is by using plastic containers with lids, which do not take up too much fridge space. Another great option is using glass containers since they are safer regarding BPA exposure. Lastly, you can use regular lunchboxes, especially for when you go out.
There are many ways to store pureed baby food, which will keep it fresh and ready to use whenever needed. In this article, I have listed the options you have while keeping in mind the safety and convenience measures. Also, I have included some tips for preserving food quality, so keep reading to find out the methods to do so!
What is the Best Way to Store Pureed Baby Food?
Storing pureed baby food can be a very delicate task, especially if you are preparing it with organic ingredients. Many parents always try to find the best way to store baby food in order to avoid throwing it away.
There are several ways in which you can store it while making sure it stays fresh and safe for eating later. Here is a table comparing the differences between using various containers for storing pureed baby food:
| Safety | Good for | |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic container | If it includes BPA-free stamp | Preserving little portions of pureed food Some are freezer-safe |
| Glass container | BPA-free | Reheating and easy cleaning Fridge and freezer-safe |
| Lunchbox | If it includes BPA-free stamp | Preserving little portions of pureed food and carry them on the go |
Plastic containers: your basic option for storage
Plastic containers are the basic option for storage pureed baby food, and it is the commonly chosen one. First, plastic containers are affordable, and they come in varied sizes, shapes, and colors. People choose them because they do not take up too much space in the fridge, and some of them can be used for different purposes.
For instance, while you can use plastic containers to store pureed baby food in the fridge, some of them can be used in the freezer as well. That is, if the containers have the stamp that they are freezer-safe, you can simply use them to freeze the food and preserve it for a longer period of time. In addition, if you choose the ones with a smooth surface inside, you will clean them quite simply.
However, you should bear in mind that these are still plastic containers, and plastic can be harmful to your little one in regard to BPA exposure. That is why you should opt for containers that include the BPA-free stamp. This way you will be sure that you are keeping the food for your baby safe.
Glass containers: a better choice for baby food storage
Glass containers are considered a better choice due to the lack of BPA exposure. Namely, these containers are a great way to avoid plastic while keeping your food fresh and securely stored. Moreover, they are easy to clean, meaning you can store any kind of food you want without worrying about getting permanent stains on them.
In addition, glass containers are made of durable and sustainable materials, so you can use them for a long time. They are also safe for use in both the fridge and freezer, but you can also use them in the microwave or oven for reheating purposes. What is more, they do not absorb the smell, which is usually the case with some lower-quality plastic containers.
Lunchboxes as an alternative to plastic & glass containers?
If you do not have any plastic and glass containers at your disposal, lunchboxes can come in handy for storing pureed baby food. First, they are good for storing small portions of food, and second, they do not take up too much space. Furthermore, they are ideal to carry on the go if you intend to spend the day outside.
Nonetheless, you have to make sure to use BPA-free lunchboxes in order to meet the required safety measures for your baby. In addition, you have to make sure that they have an airtight lid to keep the food fresh, especially on the go.
Can You Freeze Pureed Baby Foods?
You can freeze pureed baby foods as long as you make sure that the containers you are using are freezer safe. For instance, most glass containers are suitable for this purpose, hence you will be able to freeze food for up to 30 days without any issues. However, some plastic containers do not have this feature, so you will have to check on their package.
In addition, it is recommended that you label the food you intend to freeze, so you will always know what you want to unfreeze next without opening the containers. Make sure that you never refreeze the food that has already been frozen once. This way you avoid spoilage and contamination of the food.
Another way to freeze small portions of pureed baby food can be done using ice cube trays. You will need to spoon the baby food into the trays, cover them with a lid, and wrap them in cling film. Although this is a convenient method for freezing pureed baby food, it is only suitable for small amounts of it.
How long does pureed baby food last in the fridge or freezer?
Generally, store-bought pureed baby food, such as pureed fruit and vegetables, can stay in the fridge for 48 hours. Some manufacturers even recommend that the food can last for 72 hours in the fridge. However, it is wise that you check the food for mold before giving it to your little one.
When it comes to homemade pureed baby food, it is recommended that you keep it in the fridge for 24 or 48 hours. If the pureed food contains meat or fish, it should not be kept in the fridge for longer than 24 hours.
On the other hand, pureed baby food can last longer in the freezer. More precisely, you can keep homemade food in the freezer for 1-2 months, while store-bought pureed vegetables and fruit can last for 6-8 months.
Pureed baby food storage chart
| Fridge | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | 1/2 days | 1/2 months |
| Eggs | 1/2 days | 1/2 months |
| Fish | 1/2 days | 1/2 months |
| Veggie + Meat/Fish/Eggs | 2/3 days | 2/3 months |
| Veggie + Fruit | 3/4 days | 6/8 months |
How to Store and Preserve the Quality of Your Home-Made Organic Baby Foods?
When it comes to preserving the quality of your homemade food, you need to be sure to take the appropriate steps.
- Refrigerate the food within 2 hours after cooking in order to avoid the occurrence and spread of bacteria.
- Keep your fridge at or below 40 degrees F. If the temperature is higher, you can allow the occurrence of bacteria since they spread at warm temperatures.
- Always use lids or plastic wrap when storing pureed baby food to prevent spoiling of the food and mixing of smells in the fridge.
If you follow these steps, you will make sure that the food for your baby will be safe and fresh. Do not risk giving your little one food that has been kept long in the fridge without appropriate storage steps. Babies have delicate immune systems, meaning that they can easily get ill.
Conclusion
Hopefully with the help of this article, you now know that the ultimate best way to store pureed baby food is using glass or specific plastic containers that are marked BPA free.
If you are planning to take pureed baby food with you, you can consider using a BPA-free marked lunch box!
Sources
- Motherandbaby.co.uk: The best baby food storage for your homemade purees and meals
- Raisingchildren.net.au: Homemade baby food
- Happy Family: How to Store Baby Food
