Baby food storage cups
Buying Guide 2022: Best Baby Food Storage (6 expert tips)
The Best Baby Food Storage Containers for storing and freezing homemade baby food. Plus – 6 expert tips on how to store baby food, as well as a how-to guide on freezing and thawing your own baby food, FAQs, pros and cons and so much more!
Medically reviewed and co-written by Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
Best Baby Food Storage ContainersWant to make your own homemade baby food, but are not sure the best way to store it?
Then this post is for you!
Regardless if you are making homemade purees or going with the baby-led weaning approach to feeding your baby, you will need some small fridge and freezer-safe containers to store your baby’s food in.
Below you will find my tried-and-true storage containers at all price points, along with my guide on how to freeze and thaw baby food purees., FAQs, pros and cons of each container, as well as 6 tips on the best way to store baby food.
How to Make Baby Food Video
Watch this video to see how easy it is to make and store your own baby food!
Top Baby Food Freezer Storage ContainersIf you just want to cut straight to the chase – these are our absolute favorite storage containers for baby food.
Baby Food TraysWEESPROUT Silicone Baby Food Freezer Tray – great 10-sectioned baby food tray that holds 1.5oz each, but has a 1 oz fill line for smaller portions. Is made out of premium food-grade silicone and has a plastic lid for easy stacking. These trays or worth their price and we would recommend getting a couple of their fun color trays so you can easily stock up on your homemade baby food.
4 Pack of Silicone Ice Cube Molds Tray with Lid – This is a newer purchase for us and so far the quality has been great and you can’t beat the price for 4 trays! The trays are made out of food-grade silicone and BPA-free plastic and each cube gives you 1oz of baby food.
Glass Baby Food StorageWEESPROUT Glass Baby Food Storage Containers – We absolutely love these jars! You get 12 colorful glass jars that hold 4oz each. Great for storing baby food purees as well as yogurts, overnight oats, chia seed pudding for toddlers and kids. While the price is a little high, you will get many years worth out of these jars. Well worth the investment in our opinion.
Babymoov Glass Food Storage Containers – I love that this set comes with two different sizes of containers – 4oz and 8oz. This is great if you have a baby that is a bigger eater and needs more than an ounce or two of purees at each meal.
Plastic Baby Food ContainersWEESPROUT Leakproof Baby Food Storage – just as amazing as their glass jars, just with a smaller price tag! This set comes with 12 colorful 4oz jars made out of BPA free high-quality polypropylene plastic. I also love that this plastic version is easier (and lighter) to toss into your diaper bag for a quick baby meal on the run.
OXO Tot Baby Blocks Freezer Storage Containers – a great smaller set that contains 4 – 4oz PVC, BPA, and phthalate-free jars and a storage tray. Great space-saver system that helps keep your jars of baby purees organized and tidy. Plus, you can easily stack more trays on top of each other if you need a bigger freezer stash.
Full Review of each Container: for our full reviews on each of the above products, including pros and cons, go to the end of this guide.
Other Helpful Tools- Stasher Bags – these silicone reusable bags can hold your frozen cubes of baby food purees.
- ZipLock Bags – another option for storing your frozen purees in.
When making homemade baby food purees, your freezer is about to become your best friend, allowing you to keep several weeks’ worth of baby purees at the ready.
For more information on how to make your own baby food, check out my Ultimate Guide on Making Your Own Baby Food!
- After making your puree, let it cool until just warm.
- Spoon the puree into your choice of baby food storage container.
- Cover your container with a lid or plastic wrap, and place in the freezer.
- Let the puree freeze completely before you crack the purees out of the tray and place the cubes into a plastic freezer zip-lock or stasher bag. If using jars, the frozen purees would stay in the jars.
- Label each bag or jar with the name of the puree and the date you made it.
Thawing may seem like a no-brainer, but it never hurts to know your options. There are three different ways to thaw purees:
MicrowaveTake the frozen puree cubes that you want to serve out of your freezer, place them in a glass container, and microwave in 20-second increments, stirring every time. The puree is ready when it is just warm to your touch.
Grab two clean spoons, one for you and one for your baby, and test your puree before serving.
Some infants like their puree cold, warm, or really warm, and some will devour it no matter the temperature. You will get to know your baby’s personal preferences as the two of you bond over food.
FridgeThis one takes the longest time, but it is a great alternative to using a microwave.
Take the frozen puree cubes you want to serve out of your freezer, and place them in glass containers with airtight lids and leave in the fridge for 12 to 16 hours. Do not leave the puree in the container to thaw on the counter or anywhere out of the fridge, as bacteria will start to grow at a rapid rate – which is definitely not good.
The puree will be cold but thawed, so if your baby likes her puree warmed, you’ll have to finish the job using the microwave or stovetop method.
StovetopIn the smallest saucepan, you can find, place the frozen puree cubes you want to serve, and gently thaw them on medium-low heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you store homemade baby food?
You can store homemade purees in the fridge for up to 5 days or up to 4 months in the freezer. For small finger foods, depending on the item, you can store those in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Is it better to store baby food in glass or plastic?
You can do either! Just make sure to use plastic containers that are BPA-free and container no scratches or dents. To keep the plastic in tact, be sure to wash the containers by hand and do not place in the microwave.
6 Expert Tips on Storing Baby Food- Do Not Overfill: it’s important not to overfill any baby food storage container as the purees will expand slightly when freezing.
- Label Purees: in order to know what you are feeding baby, it’s important to label your purees while they are freezing in the storage containers and when they are stored in freezer bags. Make sure you put the name of the puree as well as the date you made it on. Putting the date on it helps you remember when the puree will expire.
- Keep Some/Freeze Some: whenever you make a puree, put several ounces in the fridge for your little one to enjoy that week, then freeze the rest of the batch for her to finish up at a later date.
- Dedicate Space in Freezer: I found it helpful to dedicate a certain space in the freezer (a shelf or drawer) just for your homemade baby food purees. That way you don’t have to go rummaging around your freezer trying to find a puree when your baby is already hungry for dinner. I also found this helpful so that I could take a quick look in my freezer to know exactly how much purees we had on hand and when I would need to make some more.
- Have Multiple Storage Containers on Hand: while not cheap, having multiple storage containers on hand is really needed to be able to have a good freezer stash of your own baby food. I usually recommend having at least 4 storage trays or 2 sets of jars. This way you can make and store a good amount of purees for the weeks ahead. With the trays, you will freeze the purees in them and then once frozen you can pop out the cubes and place them into a freezer bag, thus leaving you with more trays to work with. For the baby food jars, you will freeze the purees in the jars but they do not pop out, you have to thaw and serve the purees in order to get the jar ready for the next round of food. Either work great, just depends on how you work in your kitchen.
- What to Look For: regardless of which jars or trays you go with, look for a freezer-safe and dish-washer-safe brand, cuz I know you have better things to do than handwash dishes!
More Resources
Here are some more in-depth guides that will help you feed your baby!
- Best Spoons for Baby
- 12 Best High Chairs for Baby
- Best Sippy Cups for Baby
- Best Baby Cereals
- Beaba Babycook Neo Review
Key Features
- Includes 10 sections that hold 1. 5 ounce each, with a 1-ounce fill line for smaller portions
- 100% food-grade silicone
- Reinforced bottom with a sturdy build for stacking multiple trays
- Non-stick for easy food removal
- Easy clip-on lid provides coverage
- Dishwasher safe
- Available in a variety of fun colors
Why Our Experts Love it
No more time spent looking for lost container lids! We love this compact, all-in-one baby food storage design. It’s ultra-durable, unbreakable, and made with 100% food-grade silicone, which means no harmful chemicals contacting your baby’s food.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Multiple sections make it possible to mix and match flavors for a balanced meal
- 100% food-grade silicone
- Sturdy design makes it easy to stack multiple trays at once
- Comes with easy clip-on lid
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Lid is made of plastic, although contact with baby food is minimal to none, depending on how full you decide to fill containers
Parent’s Review
WEESPROUT Silicone Baby Food Freezer TrayI’m really pleased with the baby food cube trays. I’ve now been using them for 2 weeks to do my batch cooking for my baby boy. They’re fantastic, good portion sizes, easy to remove and clean, great clip-on lid to prevent food from spilling out before frozen. I will most likely invest in a couple more trays in the near future.
-Jenni
No more making baby food every day or cleaning multiple containers throughout the week! Batch prep baby food, purees, breastmilk, and more – then store your food in the tray or transfer to a Ziploc bag for easy meals.
Amazon
Walmart
Key Features
- Food grade silicone
- Comes with removeable lid
- Easy to stack and store in the freezer
- Dishwasher safe
Why Our Experts Love it
The quality is great and you can’t beat the price for 4 trays! Each cube gives you 1 ounce of baby food for perfect portion sizing to help minimize waste.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Great price
- Each tray has 14 small sections, giving you plenty of space for different baby food flavor combinations
- Small portion size can be useful for other items, such has freezing bone broth, fresh herbs in olive oil or candy molds
Cons
- Not made with the same high-qualilty materials as the trays marketed for baby food – which may not last as long.
Parent’s Review
4 Pack of Silicone Ice Cube Molds Tray with LidI bought the trays to freeze my homemade baby food (thanks to COVID-19, I needed to save money and had the extra time). These trays are AMAZING! The lids made for easy stacking in the freezer. The cubes were very easy to pop out, definitely more sturdy than they feel, easy to clean, great colors, and can’t beat the price for he quality. I highly recommend this product!! Thank you!!
-Lacey
These silicone ice cube molds are quite the bargain! The flexible silicone material shapes the bottom well, making it easy to release baby food.
Amazon
Key Features
- Set of 12 glass baby food storage containers with lids
- 4-ounce capacity jars with measurement markings
- Made of food-grade glass
- Airtight, twist-on lids
- Microwave, freezer and dishwasher friendly
- Also available in 8-ounce capacity
Why Our Experts Love it
We love these colorful, eco-friendly glass jars. They are great for storing baby food purees as well as yogurts, overnight oats, and chia seed pudding for toddlers and kids. They also come in a BPA-Free plastic version – WEESPROUT Leakproof Baby Food Storage.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Ultra-durable glass jars
- Airtight twist-on lids helps keep food fresh
- Convenient measurement markings lets you control the portion size
- Jars are stackable for space saving
Cons
- More expensive than other storage containers, although many reviewers feel their durability makes the investment well worth it
Parent’s Review
WeeSprout Glass Baby Food Storage ContainersI’m thrilled at this product. I was looking for non-toxic, non-plastic container options to store baby food and to take to daycare. This has been an awesome solution! I love that I can store in freezer, write on lid, and thaw food in warmer without worrying about heating up plastic. The glass is sturdy, they look great, and I can reuse for more than just baby food. I’m really happy with this purchase. The package came safe with thoughtful minimal packaging. Love this eco-friendly, zero waste baby product. Wee Sprout has been excellent to work with and offers amazing customer service.
-Michelle
WeeSprout Baby Food Storage Containers make batch preparing baby food quick and easy. Airtight lids keep food fresh, nutritious, and delicious longer.
Amazon
Walmart
Key Features
- Set of 8 glass containers and lids (four, 4 ounce and four, 8 ounce containers)
- Measurement markings on the jars
- Leak proof lids
- Made of environmentally-friendly glass, BPA and Phtalate free
- Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe
Why Our Experts Love it
We love that this set comes with two different sizes of containers – 4 ounce and 8 ounce. This is great if you have a baby that is a bigger eater and needs more than an ounce or two of purees at each meal.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Multi size pack provides convenience
- Airtight screw top keeps food fresh
- Stain resistant and free from harmful components
- Stackable for easy storage
Cons
- More expensive than other storage containers, although many reviewers feel their durability makes the investment well worth it
Parent’s Review
Babymoov Glass Food Storage ContainersI bought a set to test out as reusable containers for my breast milk and I am not disappointed!! I love that they’re able to hold a good quantity of milk even more so than the baggies and the main reason I got them is because I can easily just wash them and reuse them…. they fit perfectly fine and could be easily stacked so I’d say they’re the perfect size!! The lid is a twist on so you don’t have to worry about leaks at all which was another important thing for me very easy to use clean and reuse… the best part is I can use them for this now and later on when needed I can use them for other things so I’ll be getting my money’s worth with them.
-Adriana
Provides a healthy and easy way to store your baby’s meals, in addition to preserving the taste of food for longer. Stackable for easy storage and microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.
Amazon
Walmart
Related
Title of Related Post
Key Features
- Set includes four, 4-ounce containers and stackable tray
- Leak-proof seal
- Measurement markings indicate portion sizes
- BPA free
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- Also available in 2-ounce capacity
Why Our Experts Love it
The OXO Tot Baby Blocks are a great smaller set if you don’t plan on making a lot of baby food or only making baby food occasionally. The space-saver system helps keep your jars of baby purees organized and tidy.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Airtight, watertight, leak-proof seal prevents spills in freezer or diaper bag
- Stackable tray keeps containers stable and organized in the freezer
- Measurement markings make portioning simple
Cons
- Some reviewers find that taking apart 3 pieces to wash can be tiresome, but does allow for a thorough cleaning
Parent’s Review
OXO Tot Baby Blocks Freezer Storage ContainersThe quality of these containers is definitely much superior than the other cheap ones we see here on Amazon. Why buy a cheaper thing to your baby if you will be using these containers over an over again? Also they are beautiful and very easy to clean. They are so good that I decided to buy more sets, I have 2 of 4 oz containers and 2 of the 6 oz containers. For now, that my baby is 8 months old his meals are 4 oz but might improve in the future so I decided have those bigger ones and fill with whatever quantity I want now.
– Renata
Baby Blocks are airtight, watertight and leakproof for safe storage and spill-free outings. Blocks fit into the freezing tray, and multiple trays can be stacked to save space in the freezer.
Amazon
Walmart
Target
Baby Food Storage Containers (For All Budgets)
Find the best baby food storage containers in glass, BPA-free plastic, and stainless steel, with options for jars, containers, reusable pouches, lidded bowls and more. I’ve included options for all budgets that will last and last!
Baby Food Storage Containers
Make the most of all of that nutritious baby food—whether purees, BLW, or finger foods–with the best baby food storage container options. These will help you safely store food in the fridge and freezer, and give you options for packing for daycare, too.
Included in this post are containers made from glass, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic. I have a mix of jars, bowls with lids, reusable bags, reusable pouches, and more so you can use what works best for your life and routine.
Best Glass and Ceramic Baby Food Storage Containers
Glass and ceramic storage containers are safe from any potential issues you may find with plastic, are easy to clean, are durable, and last for years. You can reuse them again and again without issue and they come in a range of sizes for storing baby food—and then kid food as the littles grow.
WeeSprout Jars
These jars, which come in both 4- and 8-ounce sizes, are amazingly useful. We’ve used them daily for over a year and have never had an issue with them. They are easy to clean, the lids screw on tightly, and they are incredibly durable.
AIGI Ceramic Containers
These ceramic containers are another wonderful option, especially for storing slightly larger portions. They are great for leftovers, meal-prepping, and even serving the baby food as a bowl.
How to Freeze Baby Food
Freezing baby food, whether as a way to store leftovers or as a way to batch cook it, is easy and helpful. You can simply add the baby food to an ice cube tray, freeze the cubes, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for longterm storage.
To thaw, place 1-2 cubes (or more, according to the portions your baby is eating) in a container in the fridge overnight.
You can also freeze baby food in reusable pouches.
Favorite Reusable Pouches for Baby Food
Reusable pouches are a great way to store baby food in both the fridge and the freezer. There are a lot of options and my favorite ones are below.
Squeasy Gear
This has long been one of my favorite baby feeding products as it’s one of the few reusable pouches that doesn’t come with the possibility of a mess—there’s a little guard that prevents baby from squirting out the food (whether on purpose or by accident).
It’s easy to clean, comes in a few different sizes (we like to start with the 3.5 ounce one) and can store baby food in the fridge or freezer.
Weesprout Reusable Pouches
BPA-free plastic pouches are easy to fill (they fill from a zipper that opens and closes along the bottom) and store wonderfully in the fridge and freezer. This is a helpful way to portion out baby food and have it ready to go.
To wash, remove the screw-top and open the bottom. Let water run through and use a small bottle brush as needed to clean. Prop open to dry on a bottle drying rack.
Best Baby Food Bowls with Storage Lids
Having a bowl or two with a tight fitting lids means that it’s easy to serve and store baby food in the same container. These silicone bowls from WeeSprout are a great option that you can use throughout childhood. They’re easy to clean and are freezer and dishwasher safe.
Favorite BPA-Free Plastic Baby Food Containers
With all of the options for plastic containers on the market, it can be hard to know which ones really last. My two favorite are below, which I recommend after 6 years of real-life testing. These are the only two brands that have held up to repeated washings and haven’t scratched easily.
Beaba Clip Containers
These containers, which come in a few sizes so you can use the one that fits your purpose, stack for easy storage. They are easy to clean and made from a safer type of plastic. The lids screw on tightly enough to store liquids and purees.
They’re also great for finger foods.
Replay Recycled Snack Stackers
These colorful containers are great for snacks and also for storing food in the fridge or pantry. They are made from recycled milk jugs and twist together for easy storage.
Best Stainless Baby Food Containers
Stainless is a great option for food storage since it’s a safe material that tends to be very durable. It’s also very easy to clean. The downside is that you can’t heat food in this container, so you’d have to transfer it to another if you need to warm it up. My favorite options are below.
WeeSprout Stainless Food Containers
Sold in a set of three, these stainless containers come with tight-fitting silicone lids. They are perfect for storing any type of baby food and are safe in the fridge, freezer, and dishwasher.
Everusely Stainless Containers
Sold as containers for salad dressing, these stainless containers are actually a great size for baby food at just under 2 ounces. And then you can use them for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to store baby food in glass or plastic?
You can use either. If using plastic, look for BPA-free plastic and avoid putting it into the microwave or dishwasher to help the plastic stay in tact. Discard it if you see any scratches.
What is the best way to store homemade baby food?
You can store homemade baby food in the fridge in small containers for up to 5 days, or you can freeze it in reusable pouches or in ice cube trays. If doing ice cube trays, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for longer term storage.
Is it safe to store baby food in plastic containers?
It can be. Look for BPA-free plastic and avoid putting it into the microwave or dishwasher to help the plastic stay in tact. Avoid acidic food like citrus or tomato-based foods, as those can break down the material, too. Discard it if you see any scratches.
Best Tips for Success
- Care for your storage containers according to manufacturer’s directions.
- To lengthen the life of BPA-free plastic, hand wash it rather than putting it into the dishwasher.
- Let dry fully before storing.
- Check out my fav Snack Containers for more food storage options.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please comment below to share!
SCF618/10 Breast Milk Storage Containers
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Storage of baby food: terms and requirements for the storage of baby food
09/23/2019 31460
Contents of article
- Importance of proper storage of baby food
- About the safety of baby food
- Rules for the storage of different types of food
- General storage rules
All parents want to see their baby cheerful, active and healthy. The harmonious development of the child largely depends on the correct and high-quality diet. The market for special baby food is striking in its diversity, and everyone strives to choose the best for the child. But for the safety of the baby and its full development, it is not enough to buy high-quality products. You also need to know how to properly store baby food.
The importance of proper storage of baby food
Warmth, care and attention are necessary for all children. But the child is gradually growing, while he needs to eat varied. And here the question arises: is it possible to save the cooked product until the next feeding? Here it is important to pay attention to the fact that the child's immune system is not yet strong enough, so the storage of baby food should be given special attention. The well-being and health of the baby often depends on the conditions in which and how long they are kept.
About the safety of baby food
In the Russian Federation there is a whole regulation on the safety of food for children - that's what it is called. This document sets out requirements for manufacturers and sellers of children's products related to the protection of children from toxic and chemical substances. This applies not only to baby food produced in our country, but also imported from abroad. That is why when buying infant formula, porridge, puree or other product, you can be sure of its quality and safety. The regulation requires not only correct production, but also packaging, storage of baby food and its disposal:
- Children's products are sold only through special stores or dedicated departments of supermarkets (therefore, it is better to buy them there or, in extreme cases, in a pharmacy).
- Expiration dates are set by the manufacturer, who is fully responsible for the quality of his product.
- Transportation of baby food is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the technical regulations for the transportation of any products.
At the same time, in the production of baby food, a number of conditions must be observed:
- Do not use highly acidic curd products.
- Do not add soy flour or grains contaminated with impurities.
- Offal is prohibited except for tongue, liver, heart and blood.
- Do not include beef with a fat content of more than 12%, pork - 32%, lamb - 9 in baby food%.
- Do not use salted butter or products with a fat content below 82%*.
For a complete list of products prohibited in the production of baby food, you can follow the link attached to the article.
Rules for the storage of different types of food
Undoubtedly, breast milk is the most valuable and beneficial for a child. But there are situations when a mother needs to leave the house and she expresses milk in order to feed the baby on time. In addition, the child grows, over time he needs complementary foods. Expressed breast milk, formula-fed infant formula and complementary foods require a special approach, and it is very important to know the conditions and shelf life of baby food.
How long can open packages of infant formula and cereals be stored?
This is important!
The shelf life of opened dry infant formula or cereal is limited to 2-3 weeks, sometimes 4 weeks for cereals (depending on the manufacturer - read the packaging carefully). After its expiration, this product cannot be prepared for a child. Dry mixes should be stored in a place protected from light, but not in the refrigerator.
Open jars (packages) of fruit, vegetable and meat puree should only be stored in the refrigerator. And after opening the package, you can eat only within 12 hours **. After the expiration date or 12 hours after opening the package, the product must be disposed of, since it can no longer be eaten. Yes, not only for children, but also for adults.
Also, many are interested in how long home-made baby food, such as freshly prepared vegetable or fruit purees and juices, can be stored. There are two main options to use immediately after preparation (the best) or freeze. Such a product will also be suitable for eating for 12 hours, after which it will begin to deteriorate. Frozen fruits and vegetables can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, depending on the culture. However, even frozen products have expiration dates, after which it would be wiser to throw them away than eat them.
General storage rules
A huge variety and affordable cost of products greatly facilitate the worries of preparing complementary foods for children. But along with this, many parents face another problem: where to store baby food? So that the products do not lose their qualities from the influence of external factors, the following basic rules must be observed.
- Hygiene. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food and feeding your baby. The child's dishes should always be clean and stored separately in sterile conditions.
- Storage location. Dry cereals and mixtures should be stored in a ventilated cupboard out of the reach of children. In caring for a baby, mothers are loaded with various problems and worries. It is difficult for them to remember everything, so it is recommended to stick a label on each product with the date of its opening. This will help you meet the deadlines.
- When feeding a child with vegetable and fruit juices, puree or fermented milk products in jars, it should be remembered that after the integrity of the package, the use of its contents is allowed on average up to 12 - 24 hours. Different manufacturers may have different terms, read carefully what is written on the label! Be sure to ensure that the integrity of the packaging has not been violated even in the store. Most manufacturers on the jars have a special protection against opening. Fresh puree in jars emits a characteristic “pop” when opened, juices must have either a protective foil film or a special opening mechanism. Unopened jars of juices and purees can be stored in the cupboard, while dairy products should only be kept in the refrigerator.
- Baby food containers may be glass or plastic, but must be properly labeled to indicate the absence of toxic impurities in the composition of the material.
Food for a child is a source of energy and a guarantee of full growth and development. Therefore, it is very important not only to buy quality products, but also to learn how to properly store them. The health and well-being of the baby, the resistance of his body to the adverse effects of the external environment often depend on this.