How to Store Baby Food: 9 Steps (with Pictures)

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How to Store Baby Food: 9 Steps (with Pictures)
How to Store Baby Food: 9 Steps (with Pictures)

Video: How to Store Baby Food: 9 Steps (with Pictures)

Video: How to Store Baby Food: 9 Steps (with Pictures)
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So that baby food does not go bad, it is very important to store it correctly. Fortunately, you only need to memorize a few simple instructions for this. A closed container of industrialized baby food can be kept in the cupboard, while, once opened, the food must be taken to the refrigerator or freezer, whether homemade or industrialized. To defrost the food, put it in the refrigerator or use the submersion method. To heat it up, take it to a fire or microwave.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Storing Baby Food in the Cupboard, Refrigerator, or Freezer

Store Baby Food Step 1
Store Baby Food Step 1

Step 1. Keep unopened processed food jars in a cool, dark place for one to two years

Commercial baby food does not need to be refrigerated before being consumed. Leave the food in the original jar, package or bottle and look at the expiration date printed on the lid to see how long you can give your child the baby food. Store food in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight, such as a closet or pantry.

  • Throw away the expired industrialized baby food.
  • Examine the baby food package to see if it has not been tampered with. The seals must be intact and the packages without any holes. Return the products to the store if the packaging is damaged.
Store Baby Food Step 2
Store Baby Food Step 2

Step 2. Store fruit and vegetable baby food for up to 72 hours in the refrigerator

Baby foods made with fruits and vegetables can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days, whether homemade or processed. Put the baby food in a plastic or glass container with a lid and close tightly. Then refrigerate until the baby food runs out or until it's time to throw it away.

  • To prevent the development of unhealthy bacteria, refrigerate baby food within two hours of preparing or opening the package.
  • Only give your baby stored food if it has been refrigerated at a constant temperature. When in doubt, throw the food away.
Store Baby Food Step 3
Store Baby Food Step 3

Step 3. Store the meat-based baby food in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours

Baby foods made from beef, chicken or fish do not have the same durability as those made from fruits and vegetables. After making the baby food or opening the package, transfer the food to a plastic or glass container with a lid and refrigerate immediately.

  • After 24 hours, discard the refrigerated meat-based porridge.
  • Throw the food away if it smells strange, looks old, or if you're not sure it's okay.
Store Baby Food Step 4
Store Baby Food Step 4

Step 4. Freeze any baby food for up to one month

Both homemade and industrialized baby food can be stored in the freezer without problems. Transfer the food to a bag or a freezer container and take it to the freezer until it runs out or until it's time to throw it away. If you suspect the baby food has been thawed and frozen again, throw it away for safety.

  • Freeze baby food within two hours of preparing or opening the package.
  • You can freeze both meat and fruit and vegetable porridge.
  • If the baby food is homemade, freeze it in small pots.
Store Baby Food Step 5
Store Baby Food Step 5

Step 5. Note the expiration date of the baby food in the jar before refrigerating or freezing it

If you need to store a large amount of baby food, you may have difficulty remembering all expiration dates. With a pen or labeling machine, put the expiration date of the food on the lid of each stored container. It might also be a good idea to note the flavor of the food.

Keep the baby food closer to expiration at the front so you don't forget to use them first

Method 2 of 2: Thawing and heating the baby food

Store Baby Food Step 6
Store Baby Food Step 6

Step 1. Refrigerate baby food for four to 12 hours to thaw it

If you don't need the baby food right away, the best way to defrost it is to put it in the fridge. Just take the container out of the freezer and put it in the fridge. The food will take between four and 12 hours to thaw, depending on the ingredients. After placing the baby food in the refrigerator, use it within 24 hours.

  • Tightly close the baby food jar before taking it to the freezer to prevent bacteria from developing.
  • The time needed for the baby food to thaw will depend on the density of the product. A small, ice-cube-sized portion of fruit puree, for example, will thaw much faster than a large portion of meat-based baby food.
Baby Food Store Step 7
Baby Food Store Step 7

Step 2. Soak the baby food in hot water to thaw it in ten to 20 minutes

This is a quick and easy method of defrosting baby food evenly. Fill a large bowl with hot water and place the frozen food in a smaller bowl. Then place the bowl in hot water and wait for the food to thaw. Stir occasionally to see if it's still frozen. Use the baby food as soon as it is thawed.

  • Take care that the hot water does not overflow when you place the small bowl into the large one.
  • The submersion method is also great for defrosting breast milk.
Baby Food Store Step 8
Baby Food Store Step 8

Step 3. Heat the baby food in the microwave at 15-second intervals

If the food is in a small package or in a plastic pot, transfer it to a glass container or to a microwave-safe dish. Then take the baby food to the microwave and heat it in short intervals. Stir the food every 15 seconds so that it heats up evenly and to prevent the formation of heat pockets. Try the food before giving it to the baby to make sure it isn't too hot.

  • Never place plastic containers in the microwave.
  • The method can also be used to defrost baby food.
Baby Food Store Step 9
Baby Food Store Step 9

Step 4. Heat the baby food on the stove if you don't have a microwave

Heating baby food on the stove is also super simple. Just put it in a small saucepan and put it on a low heat. Stir food constantly with a wooden spoon so that it heats up evenly.

  • The ideal is to heat the baby food over low heat so that it doesn't get too hot. However, don't forget to taste it before serving it to be sure of the temperature.
  • You can also defrost baby food on the stove.

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