You do not have to settle for the baby food sold at your local supermarket --- you can make it easily right at home, by mashing, straining or pureeing adult foods like vegetables, fruits and meats. Unlike commercial baby foods, you can control exactly what is in the food, as well as its texture. Because bacteria can grow rapidly, it is important to store and freeze baby food properly.
Step 1
Use a clean ice-cube tray to separate pureed baby food into single-serving sections. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends wrapping the tray in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
Step 2
Place homemade baby food in approximately 2-tbsp. clumps on a cookie sheet if you prefer not to use ice-cube trays. Cover the sheet with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then stick it in the freezer.
Step 3
Remove the baby food from the ice-cube trays or cookie sheet once it is completely frozen. The BabyCenter website suggests storing the cubes of baby food in plastic bags in the freezer. Meats will last approximately two months in the freezer; vegetables and fruit can last up to eight months.
Step 4
Write the date and contents on all freezer bags. The Ask Dr. Sears website recommends that you rotate frozen baby food regularly. Move older frozen food forward so you use it first.
Tips and Warnings
- When your baby graduates to larger portion sizes, ditch the ice-cube trays, Ask Dr. Sears instructs. Consider freezer containers or commercial baby food jars to store your homemade baby food instead. Because food expands when frozen, do not fill the jar to the top with baby food. If you choose to thaw your baby food in a microwave, stir it well before serving to your baby. This will help release any pockets of heat.
- Because bacteria can grow quickly, the USDA advises that you properly defrost frozen baby food. Do not leave food standing at room temperature or in a bowl of water. Instead, defrost baby food in the refrigerator or by placing it under running water. Never refreeze baby food once it is thawed. Be sure your baby consumes thawed food within 48 hours. Throw away meat or fish more than 24 hours removed from the freezer.
Things You'll Need
- Ice-cube tray
- Cookie sheet
- Freezer bags
- Freezer containers or commercial baby-food jars
