Homemade baby food has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it is a great way to introduce children to new flavours and textures through fresh, healthy food.
By making homemade baby food, you can offer a wide variety of food using fresh, local ingredients. With this in mind, homemade baby food is a great option for parents who want to provide healthy and nutritious meals for their babies.
Storage of homemade baby food
What is the shelf life of homemade baby food? :
- * 24-48 hours in the fridge
- * 3 months in the freezer
- * 12 months if the jars are sterilised
Steps for storing jars
1/ Containers
The choice of container for homemade jars is important to ensure optimal preservation of the food. Glass containers are often recommended as they are non-toxic and can be sterilised. Plastic containers are also a popular option, but it is important to choose BPA-free ones.
2/ Sterilisation
Before filling containers with food, it is important to sterilise them to eliminate potential bacteria. Glass containers can be sterilised by soaking them in boiling water for 10 minutes, while plastic containers can be sterilised by soaking them in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for 15 minutes.
3/ Filling
When filling homemade jars, make sure to leave about 0.4 inch of space between the lid and the food to allow for expansion in case of freezing. Label each jar with the date of preparation and the contents to facilitate stock rotation.
4/ Refrigeration
If you plan to eat the food within 2 to 3 days, you can store it in the fridge. Make sure that the fridge temperature is below 4°C.
5/ Freezing
Homemade jars can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. Make sure you freeze the jars as soon as possible after preparation to ensure the best quality. Label each jar with the freeze date and the contents. We offer you fully erasable labels for this purpose! You can write the amount of puree, the date of freezing and the contents on the label. Depending on the marker used, it is recommended to erase the writing with rubbing alcohol or a wipe with a sponge and warm water and you have a label like new again.
6/ Defrosting
When you are ready to use the frozen jars, place them in the fridge to defrost. Avoid defrosting jars at room temperature or in the microwave as this can encourage the growth of bacteria.
Discover our erasable labels to mark baby food
Personalised labels to mark homemade jars
Customised labels to mark homemade jars of purees and mash are a great way to mark homemade food. These labels can be used to identify the contents of the jar as well as the date it was made.
Our personalised jar labels are self-adhesive and erasable, allowing you to erase and rewrite on them without having to throw away the jar or buy new labels. You can write the name of the food, the date of preparation, the portion size or the shelf life.
How do I heat up baby food jars?
There are several ways to heat your baby food:
1/ In a water bath: place the jar in a pan of hot water, making sure that the water does not touch the lid or the contents of the jar. Heat the jar over medium heat until it reaches the desired temperature.
2/ Microwave: remove the lid from the jar and heat it for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check the temperature of the contents before giving it to baby.
3/ Bottle warmer: use a bottle warmer to heat the jar according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is important to always check the temperature of the contents before giving it to baby. Make sure the content of the jar is not too hot by stirring it and testing the temperature on your wrist. Never reheat a pot that has already been heated once, and do not leave it at room temperature for more than an hour after heating.
