You have many alternatives for heating baby food. You can put a nonmetallic jar into a microwave, or you can heat it in a water bath on the stove top. However, according to the University of Maine, these methods tend to produce hot spots in the food that, if unnoticed, could burn. Baby food warmers work to heat food evenly, eliminating the risk of a hot spot. Most models have the same basic design, making them accessible and fast when it's time to feed your little one.
Step 1
Add water to the reservoir in the warmer. Do not submerge the unit. Place water into a pitcher and pour it from the pitcher into the unit. Look for a fill line on the inside or outside surface. Fill the reservoir to the fill line appropriate for the food or jar size you wish to warm.
Step 2
Set the food into the warmer. The method depends on the food and model of warmer. Some foods should be placed in a holder and set on top of the warmer. Other items, such as baby food jars, can be placed directly into the device. Follow the instructions for your model.
Step 3
Plug the unit into a wall socket.
Step 4
Select a warming temperature appropriate for the food type, your child's preference and the volume of food to be heated. If you are unsure what setting is best, select a medium level. If the food is not heated thoroughly after three minutes, turn the temperature up to high. Baby food warmers, by design, will not overheat food. Put the food aside and let it cool if it is too hot for your child.
Step 5
Unplug the model once the food heats. Pick it up and dump the water out of the reservoir into a sink. Wipe down the model with a damp cloth.
