Storing and Reheating – Feeding My Baby (2024)

FAQs

Storing and Reheating – Feeding My Baby? ›

Defrosting and reheating

Homemade baby foods can be stored in the refrigerator with a tight-fitting lid. Freeze foods that you know you won't use within 1-2 days. It's best to freeze in single-serve portions so that you can warm up only what you need. To do so, consider the ice cube tray or cookie sheet method.

Baby purees are often best served at room temperature, but don't be tempted to partially reheat food for your baby to avoid having to wait for it to cool. Unless served cold straight from the fridge, baby purees should always be reheated until piping hot, which means steaming throughout, to kill off bacteria.

Baby food shouldn't be reheated more than once. Leftovers should always be discarded.

Baby food storage guidelines

Homemade baby foods will keep for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator and for 1 to 2 months in the freezer.

Always refrigerate freshly prepared baby foods within two hours. Like store-bought baby foods, you can store homemade purees in sealable, fridge-worthy containers such as BPA-free plastic containers, glass jars, or reusable pouches.

If you're batch-cooking, cool the food down (ideally within 1 to 2 hours) and then freeze or refrigerate. If you're keeping it in the fridge, use it within 2 days.

Refrigerated - 48 Hours

Be sure to write the date on the containers, to ensure that they are being thrown out after the 48-hour window closes! If you do not plan to freeze your homemade baby food, we would suggest that you make the puree on a day to day, or every other day, basis.

Store Foods Safely

Store opened commercial baby food in the refrigerator for no more than three days. If baby was fed from the jar, discard all leftover baby food and do not store for later.

The following are guidelines for saving opened baby food: Strained fruits and vegetables: 2 to 3 days. Strained meats and eggs: 1 day. Meat/vegetable combinations: 1 to 2 days.

Can you save Gerber baby food after opening? ›

Questions or concerns? Join MyGerber to meet MyGerber Baby Expert, your on-call personal baby expert, or call us anytime 24/7 at 1-800-284-9488. Refrigerate after opening and use within 2 days. If heating, stir and test before feeding.

You can store this baby food puree in small airtight containers in the fridge or freeze into little cubes to store for later. I like using a silicone ice cube tray to make baby-size portions. TIP: Find my full guide to Baby Food Storage for more information.

Warming: Baby food can be served cold, at room temperature or slightly warmed. Refrigerated or frozen home-prepared baby food should be thoroughly reheated to at least 165 °F before feeding it to your baby.

If the baby needs more food, use a clean spoon to serve another portion. Throw away any food in the dish that's not eaten. If you do feed a baby from a jar, always discard any remaining food. The baby's salvia mixed with the unused food in the jar can start producing bacteria.

Q: Is it safe to put a partially eaten jar of baby food back in the fridge for next time? A: You can stash it in the fridge for later as long as you haven't fed your baby from the jar (or yogurt container). If that's the case, toss it. Harmful bacteria from your baby's mouth can grow and multiply in the jar.

Heat homemade purées in the microwave or on the hob until they're hot all the way through – remember to give them a good stir to remove any hot spots. Let the food cool a little and then serve it immediately – it's best served warm or at room temperature. Always check the temperature before serving.

Refrigerated - 48 Hours

Be sure to write the date on the containers, to ensure that they are being thrown out after the 48-hour window closes! If you do not plan to freeze your homemade baby food, we would suggest that you make the puree on a day to day, or every other day, basis.

Storage of homemade baby food

The choice of container for homemade jars is important to ensure optimal preservation of the food. Glass containers are often recommended as they are non-toxic and can be sterilised. Plastic containers are also a popular option, but it is important to choose BPA-free ones.

You can also take a flask of hot water, which you can then pour into a bowl and stand a pot of food in to warm it through. Many venues, particularly child-centred establishments like play centres and family restaurants, will heat food for you if you ask, or provide hot water.

How long can you freeze homemade baby food? You can store baby food in the freezer for up to six months. I recommend storing in an airtight container with minimal air or headspace. For optimal taste, quality and nutrient retention, consume frozen baby food within 1-3 months.