Homemade baby food can be a wonderful thing. It is usually cheaper than buying pre-made baby food, and you can make up a variety of flavors and textures that can be enjoyed by your baby.
Homemade baby food is a great way to feed your baby, but you need to know when it expires. In this post, I’ll discuss the shelf life of homemade baby food and how to store it properly.
How long can baby food sit out at room temp?
Up to two hours is the maximum time that baby food can be left at room temperature. If the room temperature exceeds 90°F, it is only safe to ingest for an hour. Foods produced at home with fruit and vegetables that have been refrigerated should be eaten within two days.
How do you store homemade baby food when out?
Store them in an airtight freezer bag, and if at all feasible, add some water to the bag. This will ensure that the food stays as fresh as possible. If you are going on a hiking or camping vacation, this tactic will serve you very well. Additionally, at the site where you will be staying, you will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown, fresh vegetables and then prepare them as required.
How long does homemade baby food last in the refrigerator?
The standard rule of thumb is that homemade baby food that has been pureed can be stored in the refrigerator for up to forty-eight hours. Food safety professionals recommend waiting no longer than seventy-two hours before consuming an item. As a result of the limited amount of time, there will be fewer opportunities for pathogens to develop in the puree. In addition to this, it prevents the dreaded “refrigerator taste” from permeating the flavour of the delicious dishes you prepare.
What temperature should baby food be served at ?
There is no set standard for the temperature at which infant food should be provided; it can be cold, at room temperature, or even slightly warmed. Baby food that has been refrigerated or frozen must be thoroughly heated to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before being given to a child.
Can you save unfinished baby food?
Yes! It is possible to keep any unused baby food in the freezer for up to four or six months. Move it to a freezer-safe container or an ice cube tray as soon as it is ready to be frozen.
Do you serve baby puree warm or cold?
No requirement for freshly opened jars of baby food to be warmed. It can be served at room temperature if desired. On the other hand, when you do leftovers or food that has been made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, it is pretty unlikely that your child, like you, will prefer to eat it cold. In addition to this, the increased temperature eliminates microorganisms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I know it’s tempting to use store-bought foods for your baby when you don’t have the time to cook. But there’s a reason why most of us don’t use home cooking for our kids. Home cooking isn’t practical for feeding babies (at least in the US). So, we rely on store-bought baby food. But, the good news is that homemade baby food will last just as long at room temperature as store-bought, and it’s a lot healthier for the baby. Plus, homemade baby food is cheaper, too!
