Top baby food storage containers
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.
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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
11 Best Baby Food Storage Containers
Table of Contents
Updated on by Lyric Fergusson
Introducing solid foods to your baby is a big milestone, and an exciting time for you both! A whole new world of flavorful experiences awaits your little one, and the options are limitless. If you are considering making your own baby food, you might be overwhelmed with baby brain-boosting foods and recipes, food preparation methods, and tools. As a busy parent, the last thing you need on your plate is to spend countless hours researching the best baby food storage containers.
So we’ve done the research for you, and dished up this list of the 11 best baby food storage containers. No matter what you have a taste for, we’ve got something for everyone here.
Food Storage Containers for Your Baby
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1. WeeSprout Glass Baby Food Storage Containers
(Best quality — $$$)
Why it’s great: This baby food jar set is perfect for when you want to make a whole batch of baby food at once to freeze and store for later. This comes in a set of twelve 4-ounce glass jars with plastic lids in different, pastel colors. The lids have no gaskets, so they are a breeze to clean. They screw on, are leak proof, and the set also includes a dry erase marker to use for labeling them. These high-quality jars are food-safe glass, 100% nontoxic, freezer safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe, making them super convenient – and safe – to use. The jars have measurement markings up to 2 ounces but will hold 4 ounces when filled to the top.
What sets these apart from the rest are the people behind them: this is a small, family-owned business with superior customer service, 5-star reviews, and a genuine desire to see their customers satisfied. If you have any issues with your jars, they will address them and replace them as needed.
Keep in mind: Due to the design of the lid, they don’t stack particularly well, and the empty jars don’t nest within one another for ease of storage.
Good for: When you want to make large batches of baby food at once, and prefer glass to plastic, this set of a dozen jars is your best bet!
View on Amazon.com ➜
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2. Kiddo Feedo Silicone Baby Food Storage Container & Freezer Tray with Lid
(Most convenient — $)
Why it’s great: This silicone freezing tray is a steal when you consider how easy it is to use and how much use you can actually get out of it. Divided into nine 2.5-ounce pods, this tray is super simple to fill with food, snap the locking lid on, and slide into the freezer. When the food is frozen, you can pop the lid off, pop the food pods out of the flexible tray to store in ziplock bags, and use the tray again for the next batch! Or, you can just pop out one pod of food at a time, on an as-needed basis. Super simple!
These trays come in 7 fun colors. They are made with premium quality, food-grade silicone that is naturally bacteria and stain resistant, and also free of all the bad stuff you want to keep away from your baby. These nonstick, space-saving pods have 1-ounce and 2-ounce markings and are stackable in the freezer. As an added bonus, you won’t have a ton of tiny jars and lids to wash and keep track of. The company has also partnered with an award-winning author and dietician to provide buyers with a 47-page e-book filled with baby food recipes and tips.
Keep in mind: While it says dishwasher safe, these trays are best hand-washed, as some folks say theirs were ruined in the dishwasher. Also, heads up, they may have that “new silicone” smell upon arrival. Just soak it in dish soap and/or vinegar before using, and that should do the trick.
Good for: When you want to keep it simple!
View on Amazon.com ➜
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3. Youngever Baby Food Storage Containers with Lids
(Best value — $$)
Why it’s great: This baby food storage set comes with eighteen 4-ounce plastic containers, the most for your money. At a little over $1 a container, the price can’t be beaten. These are great if you plan to make your baby food ahead of time. Especially if you want to color-code them, as they come with colorful lids! This is an ideal set for parents that prefer plastic over glass and want a lot of containers.
These containers are made with lead-free, BPA-free, food safe plastic and come with leak-proof, screw-on plastic lids in bright multi-colors. These containers have measurements on them and come with 36 stickers for easy labeling. They are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, and super easy to clean.
Keep in mind: While the containers hold 4 ounces when filled to the brim, the measurement markings only go up to 3 ounces. You won’t be able to fill to the top if you plan on freezing them, as the food will expand on freezing.
Good for: Those who prefer plastic to glass and budget shoppers
View on Amazon.com ➜
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4. Babymoov Leak Proof Storage Bowls
(Most options — $$$)
Why it’s great: With Babymoov you can choose between BPA free plastic containers or eco-friendly glass. The plastic containers come in different size packs, from 4 all the way up to a set of 24. You can also choose from 6 oz or 8.5 oz bowls. They come in stackable bowls, for easy storage, and different colored lids. They’re leak proof and air tight for the perfect seal. Plus, they’re microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe! They also have measurement markings, so you can easily tell how much you have stored in each bowl. You can use dry erase pens or markers to label the lids and it’ll easily wash off for the next use.
These bowls are BPA free and phthalate free and are highly durable. They seal securely, but are still easy to get open, so they can be used in your child’s lunch box when they get older too!
Keep in mind: The measurement markings are clear, so they can be a little hard to read.
Good for: Parents that want to have matching containers with different size options.
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5. Sage Spoonfuls Big Batch Baby Food Storage Containers – 12-Pack of 4-Ounce Jars
(Easiest to use — $$)
Why it’s great: These containers come in a set of twelve 4-oz jars. They are made of high quality and durable plastic that is BPA, phthalate, lead, and PVC free, so they are exceptionally safe for your baby’s food. They have measurement markings going up to 3-oz and can hold up to 4-oz total. The lids are easy to screw on and take off, leak proof, and airtight for maximum security.
These jars also microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, which means they can be used for just about anything. As an added bonus, they’re made in the USA, so you can support local business when you purchase these.
Keep in mind: While the jars are very durable, if you drop one while frozen, the lid may crack or break.
Good for: Parents that want easy to use and clean storage containers.
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6. 50 Pack BPA-Free Disposable Baby Food Freezer Storage Containers
(Best disposable containers — $$)
Why it’s great: These containers come in a set of fifty 3-oz cups with hinged lids. The attached lids means you’ll never have to search or keep track of separate parts. They’re also leak proof and the lids just snap right on. Plus, these are disposable, but can also be washed and reused. In fact, they’re dishwasher safe! They’re also freezer safe, so you can make ahead and store your baby’s food. You’ll also get a set of labels that you can write on and stick on the lids.
These cups are BPA free and safe to use for your baby’s food. If you do decide to dispose of them after each use, they’re also recyclable.
Keep in mind: These only hold 3 ounces, which is smaller than most of the other options.
Good for: Parents that want containers that they can reuse or dispose of as needed.
View on Amazon.com ➜
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7. OXO Tot Glass Baby Blocks Food Storage Containers
(Best design — $$)
Why it’s great: These glass ‘baby blocks’ have a unique design: they are shaped as blocks and fit neatly into a little plastic tray that holds all 4 of them quite conveniently. The tray also makes for tidy stacking should you have more than one set. These can be great for dips, condiments, and dressings, as well as lunches, when not using them for baby food.
This comes in a set of four 4-ounce jars that are made with borosilicate glass and have measurements demarcated up to 4 ounces. They come with BPA-free plastic, leak-proof, snapping lids with removable gaskets for ease of cleaning. These jars are oven-safe, can go directly from the freezer to the oven or microwave, and are dishwasher safe as well. They also come in two color choices.
Keep in mind: At nearly $5 a jar, these are a bit more costly, but you get what you pay for. We love these, and so does everyone else: and there isn’t a single customer review that is less than 3 stars.
Good for: When you want to go for top quality and design.
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8. LOSAND Platinum Silicone Baby Food Storage
(Best silicone set — $$$)
Why it’s great: This set comes with five containers, with four small and one medium sized rectangles. Each one is made of high-grade silicone that is oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. They are also BPA, phthalate, and lead free. Each box is a different, vivid color and they are scratch-resistant and won’t discolor with use. The lids seal easily and have leak proof technology that makes them the perfect choice for on the go.
These containers stack easily and the small size is perfectly portioned for baby food. The larger container is great for storing multiple cubes of baby food or anything else that you want. They are sturdy and durable and would work well as lunch containers as your baby gets older too.
Keep in mind: These are a bit pricey considering you only get 5 containers, but they are sturdy, durable, and leakproof, so you’ll get a lot of use out of them long term.
Good for: Parents that prefer silicone to glass or plastic.
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9. FineDine Superior Glass Baby Food Storage Containers
(Most versatile — $)
Why it’s great: This glass food storage set is easy on the eyes: with a pretty, neutral design. While it’s perfect for baby food with its 4-ounce containers, nothing about it screams ‘BABY’ so they are practical for other uses as well, which means they will serve you long after your baby outgrows baby food. These containers stack and nest beautifully. They also work great for small sides, condiments, dressings, dips, and grown-up lunches.
This set of 6 rectangular dishes is made of sturdy, borosilicate glass, which won’t leach chemicals into your food. What’s more is that you can portion out your food, freeze it, and reheat it in the oven or microwave without ever having to transfer the food. When you’re done, just stick it in the top rack of your dishwasher! What could be easier than that? The containers come with BPA-free plastic, snap-locking lids with gaskets that are meant to be removed for cleaning, and provide an airtight, leak-proof lock. The company also provides a 5-year warranty on their products.
Keep in mind: Cleaning requires removing the rubber gasket. Be sure to remember to replace the gasket after cleaning to ensure an airtight, leak-proof seal when done.
Good for: When you want containers that will work for baby food and beyond.
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10. Sage Spoonfuls Tough Glass Baby Food Bowls
(Largest size — $$)
Why it’s great: These food bowls are great for when your growing baby’s appetite begins to get bigger. These glass bowls measure in at 7 ounces apiece, our biggest baby food containers listed here, and come in a set of 4. They have super cute designs on the lids, which are made of BPA and lead free plastic, and rubber gaskets to ensure an airtight and leak-proof seal. The super tough bowls are made from thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass that’s free of BPA, lead, phthalate, and PVC.
They can go directly from the freezer to the microwave or oven up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit without defrosting. Now that’s convenient. They have a stackable design and other dish sets that coordinate as well. These baby food bowls are microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe.
Keep in mind: At nearly $5 a jar, these are a little pricier than our other favorites. But when you consider they hold much larger portions, they are worthwhile when your baby no longer gets his fill after just a couple of ounces.
Good for: Parents that want larger containers for their growing baby.
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11. Baby Brezza Reusable Baby Food Storage Pouches
(Most portable — $)
Why it’s great: These baby food storage pouches are a hit among babies everywhere! Babies just love to suck food out of pouches – it just comes naturally to them. Not only are these a cinch to use, but they also create less mess by eliminating the need for a bowl and spoon. This makes them perfect for busy mornings and on-the-go snacking.
This set comes as a pack of ten 7-ounce, reusable, refillable, plastic pouches. The plastic is food-grade and is BPA, phthalate, and lead free. It’s also freezer safe, washable, and recyclable when they’ve reached the end of their life. They come with plastic screw-on caps and a large zip-lock side opening for ease of cleaning and filling when using the included plastic funnel. In addition, the company backs its product with a 1-year guarantee, which covers all included parts!
Keep in mind: These can be a little tricky or labor-intensive to clean, but rinsing right away should help. They claim to be dishwasher friendly, but many parents said they have better results just hand washing.
Good for: Feeding on the go and little hands that aren’t quite adept at using a spoon yet!
View on Amazon.com ➜
FAQs about Baby Food Storage Containers
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1. Is plastic safe to use to store baby food?
The issue with using plastic for food storage is that chemicals like BPA and phthalates can leach from the plastic into the food. However, most storage containers that are made specifically for baby food are BPA and phthalate free, making them perfectly safe to use for your baby. As long as you choose one of those, plastic is fine to use. If you still prefer not to, there are other materials you can choose instead, such as glass or silicone.
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2. What material is best for baby food storage?
This really depends on personal preference. As stated above, as long as you’re choosing plastic that is BPA and phthalate free, it can be a good choice. Glass is another great choice, since you don’t have to worry about any chemicals leaching into the food. But, you do have a higher risk of the glass breaking in an accidental drop. Silicone is another good option for baby food containers, as long as it is food-grade. Which type is best is up to you!
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3. What size containers are best for baby food?
When your baby first starts eating solids, smaller portions are best. Containers that hold 2-4 ounces are perfect for this stage of your baby’s life. You won’t be wasting too much if they don’t eat it all, but have enough to fill them if they’re extra hungry. As your baby gets older, 6-8 ounce containers would be better, but you can always just heat up two smaller containers if needed. If you choose the bigger containers, you don’t have to fill them all the way either. So there are pros and cons to each size.
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4. How long can homemade baby food be stored?
Homemade baby food can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours and in the freezer for 3-6 months. 3 months is recommended for the most nutritional value, but it is safe for your baby up to 6 months. If you leave your baby food out, it should be thrown out after 2 hours.
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5. What features should I look for in baby food storage containers?
Besides the material and the safety concerns mentioned above, there are a few features you should look for. If you plan to use the baby food on the go, you’ll want to make sure whatever container you choose is leak proof and either easy to clean or disposable. You’ll also want to check if the containers are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. If they’re not microwave safe, you’ll have to remember to defrost the food in the fridge ahead of time and find another way to heat it if necessary. If you want to make a batch ahead of time and store it, the containers will need to be freezer safe. Dishwasher safe is just more convenient. If you plan to have a lot of containers, you may want to have ones that easily stack or nest, so they don’t take up as much room.
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6. How often should I replace baby food containers?
For the most part, food storage containers should last for years. If you have glass containers, you’ll want to replace them if they have any cracks or chips. Even if the container doesn’t leak, it’s still a shatter risk or could have a jagged edge. If you have plastic containers, you should replace them if they get warped. Stains can also signal a decrease in the integrity of the container. As long as you’re properly cleaning and caring for your containers, they will definitely last through the baby food stage.
Conclusion
Glass or plastic, jar or pouch, dishwasher or handwashing, microwave or oven, the options abound. There is something for everyone, and now that we’ve helped you narrow it down a bit on how to store your baby food, you can get back to planning and concocting healthy, flavorful food combinations for your hungry little muffin!
Pumping when mom needs to go away | Philips Avent
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Home Milk During Temporary Out of Mom from the Baby
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Even if you don't have the opportunity to be near your baby, you can be sure that by pumping, he will receive all the necessary nutrients from breast milk. Perhaps you are already using a breast pump to continue breastfeeding when you go to work, or you just want to have more free time between feedings.
3 Philips Avent products to help you pump and store your milk comfortably:
Not sure when to start pumping or when to use a pump? Don't worry, we've put together a quick guide to help you learn how to express milk and learn about the benefits of using a breast pump. We'll also give you tips on how to express your milk when you're away from home, how to keep it adequate, and how to store it safely.
When should I start expressing milk?
Most women begin to express milk after six months, but there are circumstances that force them to do so sooner.
If you intend to express milk as early as possible, the answer to the question “When can I start expressing milk?” will be: "A few hours after birth. " Some mothers find that expressing milk is effective at a very early stage, especially if the baby has latch-on problems, as pumping improves the flow of milk to the breast.
Other mothers start pumping after breastfeeding is established because they want someone in the household to help with feeds while they are away or with feeds after they go to work.
There are no specific rules about when to start pumping, so you can do whatever works best for you. Whatever your needs, you can pump to make your schedule less dependent on feedings.
How to express breast milk: general questions
How long should I express milk? How much milk do I need to express? What equipment do I need for this? Every mother has questions about this topic, however, once she starts expressing milk, she easily adapts to this process.
Most moms find a breast pump to be the easiest way to express breast milk. The principle of operation of different breast pumps may vary slightly, so read the instructions for use before using the device. Remember that it can take 1-2 minutes for milk to come out of your breast during pumping, so don't worry if you don't see it right away!
Not sure how long to express milk? If you are not in a hurry, try to express milk until you feel that your chest is empty. Due to the individual characteristics of each woman, the pumping time will be different.
The amount of milk expressed will depend on when you last breastfed and how long you have been using the pump and are accustomed to using it. Even your internal state and time of day can affect the amount of milk. If you're having lactation problems, check out our tips for increasing your milk supply. Generally, the best time to express is in the morning. During sleep, there is an increase in the level of hormones responsible for the production of milk.
Should breastfeeding be combined with pumping? Wait about an hour between pumping and the next feeding. So you will be sure that the baby will have enough milk! Feed your baby as much as it takes to keep him full and happy. Use a breast pump to fully express milk from your breasts and save excess milk.
How to Express Breast Milk: Practical Tips
Whether you are expressing at home (for a night feed) or at work, there are a few key things to keep in mind to help you.
1. Plan ahead. If you have to leave your baby, start using a breast pump a few weeks in advance. This way you will store enough milk for your baby and get used to using a breast pump.
2. Be ready. You may be aware of the so-called "oxytocin reflex", which stimulates the flow of milk due to the release of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin increases the secretion of breast milk that can be expressed. The production of the hormone can be caused in many ways, even just by looking at the child. Therefore, many mothers find it effective to look at a photo of their baby while pumping while away from home. After you finish pumping, you can also use bra pads to keep your breasts dry and protect your clothes from milk stains.
3. Get comfortable. The more comfortable you feel, the easier it will be to express milk. Find a quiet, private place and feel free to change the lighting and music to your liking. It is helpful to find a seat with good support so that you can sit comfortably with the pump in front of you.
4. Express as many times as you would like to breastfeed your baby. To maintain the required supply of milk, express it as often as you normally feed your baby. Thus, if the baby usually has three feedings during your absence, then you need to express milk at least three times.
How to choose the best pump for expressing milk
There are several different types of breast pumps, each with its own advantages. Choose the one that will help you feel comfortable in your daily life. Perhaps you prefer to have a device that is designed to be used on the go? Or do you need a breast pump that will allow you to express milk quickly?
Storage and preparation of milk after pumping
After you have expressed your milk, remember to freeze or refrigerate it. Then, before feeding the baby, it must be thawed and warmed up. Here are some tips on how to store breast milk:
- Use sterile milk storage containers or freezer bags to collect and store milk.
- Do not fill the container to the upper limit, because. when frozen, breast milk "expands", the optimal portion for storage is 60-120 ml.
- Label the container with the pumping date or write the pumping date on the container with a permanent marker.
- Store milk in the refrigerator at 2-4°C for up to 24 hours.
- After cooling the expressed milk in the refrigerator for 0.5 hours, the milk can be frozen in the freezer and stored there for 3 months.
- Place the milk closer to the back of the refrigerator or freezer rather than in the door to keep the milk at a constant temperature.
- Thawed milk placed in the refrigerator should be used within 24 hours.
- Do not refreeze defrosted milk.
- Transport milk in an insulated container with an ice pack.
Use these tips to prepare calculated milk for feeding:
- Defrost or heat the breast milk under a water bath or with the help of a heater for bottles.
- Do not use a microwave oven to heat milk.
- Do not heat milk to boiling point.
- Shake the milk bottle before feeding until smooth.
- Check milk temperature before feeding. The most optimal temperature is the average between body temperature and room temperature. To check the temperature of milk, you can drop it on your skin.
Advice for mothers expressing for the first time
If you are just starting to express milk, remember that this process may not be entirely comfortable. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to express milk. Sometimes this will be difficult to do, for example if you are trying to express milk during a busy work day or in an unfamiliar place; therefore, it is necessary to practice well at home and show patience. You will soon learn how to express breast milk. In the next article, you will learn how to store breast milk!
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How to choose a food container
It is most convenient to store various products and ready meals in a container. So the food will not absorb foreign odors, and in general it will be stored in hygienic conditions.
Containers can be used for storing food, or they can be universal, that is, you can put anything in them. Here the choice depends only on the conditions of use.
There are also so-called vacuum containers. Air can be pumped out of them and due to this, the shelf life of products can be significantly extended.
Food container material
This is the main selection criterion, because the material depends on the safety of the body contact with food. Containers are usually made from 5 materials.
Plastic
Plastic food containers are the most popular. They are suitable for storage in the refrigerator, and in order to take them to work.
The main thing is that the plastic is food grade. That is, the container must be made of virgin polypropylene. It is designated as PP 05. It is this marking that indicates that the material is non-toxic and resistant to high temperatures.
Metal
Metal containers for products are made of stainless steel, so they are durable. Such products are durable, and they can be taken on a hike or to work in the open air. Of course, metal containers should not be heated in the microwave.
If you need hot food, you should buy a thermos for food. In it, the food will stay hot for a long time.
Glass
Glass containers are great for microwaving. Due to their weight and fragility, such products are most convenient for storing cooked food in the refrigerator.
Ceramic
Ceramic food containers are similar to the previous ones, only they often have a more cheerful design. Such products can be used to store bulk products - due to their appearance, they will decorate the kitchen.
Silicone
Silicone food containers are lightweight and easy to take to work. Products can be placed in the oven or microwave, after removing the lid.
Volume
It all depends on what and how much you plan to store. For lunch, containers with a volume of 0.4 to 1 liter are suitable. For storage in the refrigerator, you can take products of 1.5-4 liters.
Large containers, 4-16 liters, are suitable for storing small items, toys, vegetables in large quantities.
Terms of use
When choosing a container, pay attention to whether they can be put in a freezer or microwave. Not all products allow this.
If you have a dishwasher, look for containers that can be washed in it. The product must have a square icon, inside which plates and a jet of water are drawn. If there is no such marking, you can wash the container in the upper basket of the machine - there the mechanical effect is weaker.
Container mold and lid
Containers for bulk products may not have an airtight lid, as cereals do not smell.
For lunch boxes and containers for storage in the refrigerator, the lid must be firmly latched and rubberized on the inside.
Pay special attention to vacuum containers. The design of the lid determines how the air will be removed. It may have a valve for an electric pump or vacuum cleaner. In this case, air can be removed quickly and 100%.
The lid can also have a built-in mechanical pump. By pressing it, the air will be pumped out, but not completely. Oxygen will remain at a minimum, and food can be stored twice as long.