Are you considering making your own baby food? Are you worried about making a bunch of baby food in bulk and then not being able to adequately store it? Here are some of the best baby food storage containers to use!

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Best Baby Food Storage Containers

When it comes to the care of our babies, we as moms want to do what’s best. We want to do whatever will be healthiest, whether its for physical health or mental and emotional health.

Before having children I never considered making my own baby food. I just assumed I would buy jars of baby food to feed my infant. After all, why not do whats easiest right?

But once my baby was here and had reached the age where solids needed to be introduced, I wanted to make sure my baby was getting all of the nutrients that they needed. I wanted to give my child the best start possible to life! After all, once they hit the teenage years and start driving themselves we all know that they are going to be eating things out that we’d rather not know about! Am I right? So giving them a great start can be a little comforting for us moms:)

But what are the benefits of homemade baby food? Is it truly a better option than store bought baby food?

Benefits of Homemade Baby Food

Homemade baby food offers several benefits compared to store-bought options, including:

1. Nutritional Control

Customizable Ingredients: You can choose fresh, organic, and nutrient-rich ingredients.
No Additives: Homemade food is free from preservatives, added sugars, and artificial flavors, offering a pure and natural option.

2. Freshness and Quality

Fresh Produce: You can make baby food from fresh, locally sourced vegetables, fruits, and grains, ensuring high nutritional content.
Nutrient Preservation: By controlling the cooking process, you can retain more nutrients compared to commercial processes, which may degrade vitamins.

3. Cost-Effective

Affordable: Making baby food at home can be significantly cheaper than buying pre-packaged foods.
Larger Batches: You can make and store larger batches, saving both time and money.

4. Promotes Healthy Eating Habits

Variety of Flavors: You can introduce a wide range of flavors and textures, helping babies develop a taste for healthy, unprocessed foods. (and hopefully this helps instill in them a love of healthy foods, hopefully eliminating those dreadful teenage diets, or at least helping them come back to them as adults:)
Control Over Allergens: You can better monitor and control potential allergens, introducing them one at a time to detect any adverse reactions.

5. Environmental Benefits

Less Packaging Waste: By making food at home, you reduce reliance on single-use plastic containers and packaging.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Using local produce can minimize the environmental impact compared to commercially transported foods.

6. Bonding and Care

Personal Involvement: Preparing food for your baby can be a rewarding and bonding experience, as it involves nurturing your child directly.

Now, once you’ve decided to make your baby food and have a large bulk supply of baby food made and ready to go, what should you store it in? There are so many options when it comes to baby food that it can be overwhelming. Plus you don’t always want a large container, you also need the right storage solution for storing small portions. It makes life easier to be able to pull out the perfect size solid foods for a single meal for your baby.

The first step is to choose the material you wish to store your baby food in. Let’s find the right baby food container options for you! Here are some things to consider before we discuss the best baby food containers:

Is it best to use plastic containers or glass containers to store homemade baby food?

When storing homemade baby food, both plastic containers and glass jars have pros and cons. However, glass jars are generally considered a better option for several reasons:

Glass Jars

Pros:

Chemical-Free: Glass is free from chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, which can sometimes leach into food from plastic containers.
Non-porous Surface: Glass doesn’t absorb food stains, smells, or bacteria, ensuring a cleaner storage environment.
Better for Freezing: Glass jars, when properly tempered, can safely store baby food in the freezer and retain the food’s quality without breaking down like some plastics over time.
Environmentally Friendly: Glass is recyclable and can be reused for years without degrading.
Heat Resistant: Glass can handle heat better, making it ideal for reheating food safely in a microwave or on the stove.

Cons:

Heavier: Glass jars are heavier than plastic containers, making them less convenient for travel.
Breakable: Glass can break if dropped, posing a potential hazard, especially with babies around.

Plastic Containers

Pros:

Lightweight: Plastic is lighter and more portable, making it easier to carry around.
Durable: Plastic containers are generally shatterproof and won’t break if dropped, providing a safer option in certain situations.
Cost-Effective: Plastic containers are typically cheaper than glass jars, though high-quality options may still be costly.

Cons:

Chemical Concerns: Some plastic containers can contain chemicals that may leach into food, especially when heated. BPA-free plastics are safer, but some studies question the safety of alternative plastics as well.
Can Absorb Stains & Odors: Plastic is porous, which can cause it to absorb food stains and retain odors over time.
Less Environmentally Friendly: Plastic is less durable and less eco-friendly, contributing to environmental waste when discarded.

Best Option: Glass Jars

If you’re primarily concerned about safety, long-term use, and environmental impact, glass jars are the better option. However, for convenience and durability during travel, high-quality, BPA-free plastic containers can also be a good choice.

For home use, I’d recommend glass jars, and for on-the-go meals, lightweight plastic containers can sometimes be more practical.

Is stainless steel a good baby food storage option?

Yes, stainless steel is a great option for storing baby food due to several benefits. It offers a durable, safe, and eco-friendly alternative to both plastic and glass. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of using stainless steel containers for baby food storage:

Benefits of Stainless Steel for Baby Food Storage

1. Safe and Non-Toxic

Chemical-Free: Stainless steel is free from harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and other toxins that can sometimes be found in plastic containers.
Non-Reactive: Unlike some metals, stainless steel doesn’t react with acidic or salty foods, so it won’t alter the taste or quality of the baby food.

2. Durable and Long-Lasting

Shatterproof: Stainless steel is extremely durable and won’t break or crack if dropped, making it a safe option around babies.
Long-Lasting: It’s resistant to rust, scratches, and general wear, so it can last for many years, even with frequent use.

3. Lightweight and Portable

Lightweight: While not as light as plastic, stainless steel is lighter than glass, making it easier to carry when on the go.
Portable: Its durability makes it ideal for travel and outings, as it can handle rough handling without the risk of breaking.

4. Eco-Friendly

Reusable: Stainless steel is a highly durable material that can be reused for many years, reducing the need for single-use packaging or containers.
Recyclable: At the end of its long life, stainless steel is 100% recyclable, making it a more sustainable choice than plastic.

5. Temperature Resistant

Heat Resistant: Stainless steel can withstand both high and low temperatures, making it suitable for freezing baby food or heating it up later.
Insulation Option: Some stainless steel containers are insulated, helping to keep baby food warm or cold for longer periods, making them especially useful for outdoor activities or travel.

Considerations

Opaque: Unlike glass, stainless steel is not transparent, so you can’t easily see the contents without opening the container.
Not Microwave Safe: Stainless steel should not be used in the microwave, which could be a disadvantage if you often use one to warm baby food. However, food can be easily reheated on the stove.

Conclusion

Stainless steel is an excellent baby food storage option due to its safety, durability, and eco-friendliness. While it may not be ideal for all situations (like microwaving or when transparency is needed), it is perfect for daily use, especially for travel and outdoor meals.

Are reusable pouches a good baby food storage option?

Yes, reusable bags and pouches can be a great option for storing and serving baby food, especially if convenience and portability are priorities. They’re a popular choice for homemade baby food purees, smoothies, and other soft foods. Here are the key benefits and considerations when using reusable pouches for baby food storage:

Benefits of Reusable Food Pouches

1. Convenient for On-the-Go Feeding

Portability: Reusable pouches are lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for on-the-go meals or snacks.
Self-Feeding: Many babies enjoy the independence of squeezing the pouch and feeding themselves, which can make mealtime more enjoyable and less messy when you’re out.

2. Environmentally Friendly

Reduced Waste: By reusing the pouches multiple times, you cut down on single-use packaging waste, which is more eco-friendly than using disposable food pouches.
Sustainable: High-quality pouches can last a long time with proper care, reducing the need for continuous replacement.

3. Customizable

Homemade Food: You can fill the pouches with homemade purees, fruit blends, or yogurt, giving you control over the ingredients.
Portion Control: Pouches typically come in various sizes, allowing you to portion out appropriate serving sizes for your baby.

4. Easy to Store

Space-Saving: Reusable pouches are compact and flexible, making them easy to store in the refrigerator or freezer without taking up much space.
Freezer-Safe: Most reusable pouches can be safely stored in the freezer, allowing you to prep and store larger quantities of baby food for future use.

5. Fun and Engaging

Appealing to Babies: Babies often enjoy the novelty of squeezing and eating from a pouch. The bright colors and designs on some pouches can make feeding more fun.

Considerations for Using Reusable Pouches

1. Cleaning Can Be Tricky

Thorough Cleaning: Some pouches can be harder to clean, especially in areas around the spout or corners. Look for pouches that have a wide opening or have a zipper opening at the bottom for easy cleaning. This is very important for food safety and to ensure that your baby is eating a good quality food that is not contaminated in any way.
Dishwasher-Safe: To make cleaning easier, choose pouches that are dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing may still be required for thorough cleaning.

2. Not Ideal for All Foods

Texture Limitations: Reusable pouches work best with smooth, pureed foods. Chunky or thick foods may be difficult for babies to squeeze out of the pouch.
Non-Microwave Safe: Most reusable pouches aren’t microwave-safe, so food should be transferred to a bowl for reheating if necessary.

3. Potential Overuse

Balanced Diet Concerns: While convenient, relying too much on pouches may limit babies’ exposure to different textures and self-feeding opportunities with a spoon, which are important for development.

What to Look for in Reusable Pouches

BPA-Free Material and Non-Toxic Materials: Choose pouches made from safe, food-grade materials that are free from BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals.
Wide Openings for Easy Filling and Cleaning: Pouches with a wide mouth or bottom opening make it easier to fill with food and clean properly.
Durability: Opt for durable, leak-proof pouches that can withstand multiple uses and are freezer-safe.

Conclusion

Reusable pouches are an excellent choice for baby food storage, especially for parents seeking a convenient, portable, and eco-friendly option. They are best used for pureed foods and can make self-feeding easier for babies, though care should be taken with cleaning and varying the types of foods offered for balanced development.

Best Freezer-safe containers to store baby food

Best Freezer Safe Baby Food Storage Containers

After creating your baby food in bulk you will definitely need some good quality freezer storage containers to preserve your healthy homemade baby food!

BPA Free Silicone Freezer Tray with Clip-On Lid for Breast Milk Storage, Homemade Baby Food, Vegetable & Fruit Purees - Blue

These are great for freezing food in individual serving sized cubes!

OXO Tot Baby Blocks Freezer Storage Containers 2 Oz - Teal

Freeze portions in 2oz servings.

PandaEar 12 Pack Silicone Baby Food Storage Containers, 4 oz Reusable Small Snack Containers Freezer Storage with Airtight Lids Leak Proof for Infants Kids Babies, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe

These 4oz. containers are made of silicone.

HEYVALUE Baby Food Containers, 12 Container Set, 4 oz Glass Baby Food Jars With Lids, Small Baby Food Maker, Infant Storage Container, Microwave, Dishwasher & Freezer Safe, BPA Free

Here are some glass freezer storage containers.

Best Glass Baby Food Storage Options

Glass Baby Food Storage Containers

These are some of the best container options for glass baby food storage containers. Whether you are looking for small jars or large glass containers these baby food jars make excellent storage options.