Homemade Baby Food Shelf Life: Question for Kristen
Updated July 28, 2007
I am just past 7 months now, and I am wondering if it's okay to start making my own babyfood and store it in the freezer until he is old enough to eat it. How early can one start making their own foods? How long is too long to keep it in the freezer? Thanks so much.
--Sarah
Sarah,
I would freeze it for no more than one month. Freezing does delay the growth of microbes like bacteria, but it doesn't stop it completely. If I were freezing food for a healthy older child or adult, I wouldn't have a problem freezing something for months, but babies have a very weak immune system, so you need to stick to the safe side. Another factor to consider is flavor. Foods in the freezer tend to pick up odors from other foods and can get freezer burned if not sealed properly (ever eat some ice cream that's been sitting in your freezer much too long).
I know it would save time to make it now, but making baby food actually doesn't take much time at all (especially when it becomes a habit). If you want to make it in batches, you can make a new batch during one day every month.
Of course, if you really want to start practicing your baby food making skills now, you can use those purred fruits and veggies in super-yummy sauces like they do at fancy restaurants.
...by Feed