Whether you prepare meals in advance using batch cooking or there are leftovers from your baby's meal, it's important to store them properly! Do you know how to store baby food correctly? In the fridge, freezer, or even in an airtight container, there are several ways to store baby food!
In the refrigerator
The first technique for storing baby food is the refrigerator. This simple method allows you to keep baby food at a low temperature. In the refrigerator, baby food is best preserved in airtight containers such as plastic boxes, glass jars, etc.
For optimal preservation of baby food, it's best to consume it within 3 days. Of course, some meals, such as vegetarian recipes, can be kept in the refrigerator a little longer (4 to 5 days). However, recipes made with breast milk only keep for a short period, approximately 2 days.
Before putting baby food in the fridge, it's important to let it come to room temperature to avoid breaking the cold chain. Food shouldn't be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, so remember to put it back in the fridge!
In the freezer
The freezer allows you to store baby food for a longer period: several months (from 2 to 12 months). Each food has a different shelf life in the freezer: for example, fish-based preparations can be kept for 4 months while chicken-based preparations for 6 months.
As with the fridge, you must wait until baby food is at room temperature before putting it in the freezer and it must be in an airtight container to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Psst, we have a little tip for you! To prevent muffins or any other preparations from sticking together, you should first freeze them separately and then group them in the same container!
Photo: © Lune et l'autre
In an airtight container
Delicious homemade treats like muffins can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. For all savory dishes, and especially those containing protein, refrigerate them for optimal preservation!
More advanced techniques
Using home sterilization
Generally, home sterilization involves preserving food by heating it to a high temperature. This ensures the stability of meals in glass jars at room temperature. It's a great solution if your fridge or freezer is about to overflow.
Thanks to this preservation process, baby food can be stored in your cupboard for up to a year!
Home sterilization is quite simple. Just place the baby food in glass jars suitable for this method. Put the jars in a pot filled with water (the jars must be completely submerged). And let the baby food sterilize for 30 to 60 minutes from the moment the water boils.
This technique slightly alters the quality of the food, so make some room in your freezer or fridge!
Under a vacuum
By storing baby food in vacuum-sealed bags, it can stay in your fridge for 10 days before being offered to the baby.
To vacuum-seal baby food, you need a machine that allows you to do so! This is really a last resort technique, as the fridge or freezer is already quite sufficient for storing baby food.
