How to properly store baby food?
Making several servings is a good use of time, but it also requires careful storage. One to three servings may be stored in the refrigerator.
Use cooked vegetables or fruit within three days. Raw fruit and meats should be used the next day. Freeze baby food in ice trays for easy storage.
To store more than three servings, freeze the prepared foods in ice cube trays. After the food is frozen, out the cubes in freezer bags, seal tightly, label, and store up to one month.
To serve, heat in a small dish or custard cup set in a pan of water. You do not need to heat the food too much.
Warning: Use extreme caution if defrosting or heating in a microwave oven. Microwaves can heat a food unevenly and form hot spots. One spoonful may be cold, yet the next spoonful could burn your baby’s mouth.
Always stir the food well before feeding your baby. Most health and child care professionals recommend against using a microwave oven to warm baby food.
Do not let baby food sit at room temperature for more than two hours.
Harmful bacteria in the food grow very well if given a chance. You can also save time and money by making your own baby food. Just be sure to follow the same procedure when it comes to safely storing your baby’s food.
Storage checklist: Ice tray or something to freeze each serving into cubes. Plastic bags to store frozen cubes, be sure to label and date them. Store frozen cubes in a refrigerator.
Fruits and veggies must be eaten within three days. Avoid using a microwave to thaw your baby’s food.
Always stir thoroughly before feeding and don’t forget to make flying airplane noises while feeding your baby.
