Introducing solid foods to your baby is a big milestone, and an exciting time for you both! A whole new world of flavorful experiences awaits your little one, and the options are limitless. If you are considering making your own baby food, you might be overwhelmed with baby brain-boosting foods and recipes, food preparation methods, and tools. As a busy parent, the last thing you need on your plate is to spend countless hours researching the best baby food storage containers.
So we’ve done the research for you, and dished up this list of the 11 best baby food storage containers. No matter what you have a taste for, we’ve got something for everyone here.
Food Storage Containers for Your Baby
1. WeeSprout Glass Baby Food Storage Containers
(Best quality — $$$)
Why it’s great: This baby food jar set is perfect for when you want to make a whole batch of baby food at once to freeze and store for later. This comes in a set of twelve 4-ounce glass jars with plastic lids in different, pastel colors. The lids have no gaskets, so they are a breeze to clean. They screw on, are leak proof, and the set also includes a dry erase marker to use for labeling them. These high-quality jars are food-safe glass, 100% nontoxic, freezer safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe, making them super convenient – and safe – to use. The jars have measurement markings up to 2 ounces but will hold 4 ounces when filled to the top.
What sets these apart from the rest are the people behind them: this is a small, family-owned business with superior customer service, 5-star reviews, and a genuine desire to see their customers satisfied. If you have any issues with your jars, they will address them and replace them as needed.
Keep in mind: Due to the design of the lid, they don’t stack particularly well, and the empty jars don’t nest within one another for ease of storage.
Good for: When you want to make large batches of baby food at once, and prefer glass to plastic, this set of a dozen jars is your best bet!
2. Kiddo Feedo Silicone Baby Food Storage Container & Freezer Tray with Lid
(Most convenient — $)
Why it’s great: This silicone freezing tray is a steal when you consider how easy it is to use and how much use you can actually get out of it. Divided into nine 2.5-ounce pods, this tray is super simple to fill with food, snap the locking lid on, and slide into the freezer. When the food is frozen, you can pop the lid off, pop the food pods out of the flexible tray to store in ziplock bags, and use the tray again for the next batch! Or, you can just pop out one pod of food at a time, on an as-needed basis. Super simple!
These trays come in 7 fun colors. They are made with premium quality, food-grade silicone that is naturally bacteria and stain resistant, and also free of all the bad stuff you want to keep away from your baby. These nonstick, space-saving pods have 1-ounce and 2-ounce markings and are stackable in the freezer. As an added bonus, you won’t have a ton of tiny jars and lids to wash and keep track of. The company has also partnered with an award-winning author and dietician to provide buyers with a 47-page e-book filled with baby food recipes and tips.
Keep in mind: While it says dishwasher safe, these trays are best hand-washed, as some folks say theirs were ruined in the dishwasher. Also, heads up, they may have that “new silicone” smell upon arrival. Just soak it in dish soap and/or vinegar before using, and that should do the trick.
3. Youngever Baby Food Storage Containers with Lids
(Best value — $$)
Why it’s great: This baby food storage set comes with eighteen 4-ounce plastic containers, the most for your money. At a little over $1 a container, the price can’t be beaten. These are great if you plan to make your baby food ahead of time. Especially if you want to color-code them, as they come with colorful lids! This is an ideal set for parents that prefer plastic over glass and want a lot of containers.
These containers are made with lead-free, BPA-free, food safe plastic and come with leak-proof, screw-on plastic lids in bright multi-colors. These containers have measurements on them and come with 36 stickers for easy labeling. They are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, and super easy to clean.
Keep in mind: While the containers hold 4 ounces when filled to the brim, the measurement markings only go up to 3 ounces. You won’t be able to fill to the top if you plan on freezing them, as the food will expand on freezing.
Good for: Those who prefer plastic to glass and budget shoppers
Why it’s great: With Babymoov you can choose between BPA free plastic containers or eco-friendly glass. The plastic containers come in different size packs, from 4 all the way up to a set of 24. You can also choose from 6 oz or 8.5 oz bowls. They come in stackable bowls, for easy storage, and different colored lids. They’re leak proof and air tight for the perfect seal. Plus, they’re microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe! They also have measurement markings, so you can easily tell how much you have stored in each bowl. You can use dry erase pens or markers to label the lids and it’ll easily wash off for the next use.
These bowls are BPA free and phthalate free and are highly durable. They seal securely, but are still easy to get open, so they can be used in your child’s lunch box when they get older too!
Keep in mind: The measurement markings are clear, so they can be a little hard to read.
Good for: Parents that want to have matching containers with different size options.
5. Sage Spoonfuls Big Batch Baby Food Storage Containers – 12-Pack of 4-Ounce Jars
(Easiest to use — $$)
Why it’s great: These containers come in a set of twelve 4-oz jars. They are made of high quality and durable plastic that is BPA, phthalate, lead, and PVC free, so they are exceptionally safe for your baby’s food. They have measurement markings going up to 3-oz and can hold up to 4-oz total. The lids are easy to screw on and take off, leak proof, and airtight for maximum security.
These jars also microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, which means they can be used for just about anything. As an added bonus, they’re made in the USA, so you can support local business when you purchase these.
Keep in mind: While the jars are very durable, if you drop one while frozen, the lid may crack or break.
Good for: Parents that want easy to use and clean storage containers.
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Why it’s great: These containers come in a set of fifty 3-oz cups with hinged lids. The attached lids means you’ll never have to search or keep track of separate parts. They’re also leak proof and the lids just snap right on. Plus, these are disposable, but can also be washed and reused. In fact, they’re dishwasher safe! They’re also freezer safe, so you can make ahead and store your baby’s food. You’ll also get a set of labels that you can write on and stick on the lids.
These cups are BPA free and safe to use for your baby’s food. If you do decide to dispose of them after each use, they’re also recyclable.
Keep in mind: These only hold 3 ounces, which is smaller than most of the other options.
Good for: Parents that want containers that they can reuse or dispose of as needed.
7. OXO Tot Glass Baby Blocks Food Storage Containers
(Best design — $$)
Why it’s great: These glass ‘baby blocks’ have a unique design: they are shaped as blocks and fit neatly into a little plastic tray that holds all 4 of them quite conveniently. The tray also makes for tidy stacking should you have more than one set. These can be great for dips, condiments, and dressings, as well as lunches, when not using them for baby food.
This comes in a set of four 4-ounce jars that are made with borosilicate glass and have measurements demarcated up to 4 ounces. They come with BPA-free plastic, leak-proof, snapping lids with removable gaskets for ease of cleaning. These jars are oven-safe, can go directly from the freezer to the oven or microwave, and are dishwasher safe as well. They also come in two color choices.
Keep in mind: At nearly $5 a jar, these are a bit more costly, but you get what you pay for. We love these, and so does everyone else: and there isn’t a single customer review that is less than 3 stars.
Good for: When you want to go for top quality and design.
Why it’s great: This set comes with five containers, with four small and one medium sized rectangles. Each one is made of high-grade silicone that is oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. They are also BPA, phthalate, and lead free. Each box is a different, vivid color and they are scratch-resistant and won’t discolor with use. The lids seal easily and have leak proof technology that makes them the perfect choice for on the go.
These containers stack easily and the small size is perfectly portioned for baby food. The larger container is great for storing multiple cubes of baby food or anything else that you want. They are sturdy and durable and would work well as lunch containers as your baby gets older too.
Keep in mind: These are a bit pricey considering you only get 5 containers, but they are sturdy, durable, and leakproof, so you’ll get a lot of use out of them long term.
Good for: Parents that prefer silicone to glass or plastic.
9. FineDine Superior Glass Baby Food Storage Containers
(Most versatile — $)
Why it’s great: This glass food storage set is easy on the eyes: with a pretty, neutral design. While it’s perfect for baby food with its 4-ounce containers, nothing about it screams ‘BABY’ so they are practical for other uses as well, which means they will serve you long after your baby outgrows baby food. These containers stack and nest beautifully. They also work great for small sides, condiments, dressings, dips, and grown-up lunches.
This set of 6 rectangular dishes is made of sturdy, borosilicate glass, which won’t leach chemicals into your food. What’s more is that you can portion out your food, freeze it, and reheat it in the oven or microwave without ever having to transfer the food. When you’re done, just stick it in the top rack of your dishwasher! What could be easier than that? The containers come with BPA-free plastic, snap-locking lids with gaskets that are meant to be removed for cleaning, and provide an airtight, leak-proof lock. The company also provides a 5-year warranty on their products.
Keep in mind: Cleaning requires removing the rubber gasket. Be sure to remember to replace the gasket after cleaning to ensure an airtight, leak-proof seal when done.
Good for: When you want containers that will work for baby food and beyond.
Why it’s great: These food bowls are great for when your growing baby’s appetite begins to get bigger. These glass bowls measure in at 7 ounces apiece, our biggest baby food containers listed here, and come in a set of 4. They have super cute designs on the lids, which are made of BPA and lead free plastic, and rubber gaskets to ensure an airtight and leak-proof seal. The super tough bowls are made from thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass that’s free of BPA, lead, phthalate, and PVC.
They can go directly from the freezer to the microwave or oven up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit without defrosting. Now that’s convenient. They have a stackable design and other dish sets that coordinate as well. These baby food bowls are microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe.
Keep in mind: At nearly $5 a jar, these are a little pricier than our other favorites. But when you consider they hold much larger portions, they are worthwhile when your baby no longer gets his fill after just a couple of ounces.
Good for: Parents that want larger containers for their growing baby.
Why it’s great: These baby food storage pouches are a hit among babies everywhere! Babies just love to suck food out of pouches – it just comes naturally to them. Not only are these a cinch to use, but they also create less mess by eliminating the need for a bowl and spoon. This makes them perfect for busy mornings and on-the-go snacking.
This set comes as a pack of ten 7-ounce, reusable, refillable, plastic pouches. The plastic is food-grade and is BPA, phthalate, and lead free. It’s also freezer safe, washable, and recyclable when they’ve reached the end of their life. They come with plastic screw-on caps and a large zip-lock side opening for ease of cleaning and filling when using the included plastic funnel. In addition, the company backs its product with a 1-year guarantee, which covers all included parts!
Keep in mind: These can be a little tricky or labor-intensive to clean, but rinsing right away should help. They claim to be dishwasher friendly, but many parents said they have better results just hand washing.
Good for: Feeding on the go and little hands that aren’t quite adept at using a spoon yet!
The issue with using plastic for food storage is that chemicals like BPA and phthalates can leach from the plastic into the food. However, most storage containers that are made specifically for baby food are BPA and phthalate free, making them perfectly safe to use for your baby. As long as you choose one of those, plastic is fine to use. If you still prefer not to, there are other materials you can choose instead, such as glass or silicone.
2. What material is best for baby food storage?
This really depends on personal preference. As stated above, as long as you’re choosing plastic that is BPA and phthalate free, it can be a good choice. Glass is another great choice, since you don’t have to worry about any chemicals leaching into the food. But, you do have a higher risk of the glass breaking in an accidental drop. Silicone is another good option for baby food containers, as long as it is food-grade. Which type is best is up to you!
3. What size containers are best for baby food?
When your baby first starts eating solids, smaller portions are best. Containers that hold 2-4 ounces are perfect for this stage of your baby’s life. You won’t be wasting too much if they don’t eat it all, but have enough to fill them if they’re extra hungry. As your baby gets older, 6-8 ounce containers would be better, but you can always just heat up two smaller containers if needed. If you choose the bigger containers, you don’t have to fill them all the way either. So there are pros and cons to each size.
4. How long can homemade baby food be stored?
Homemade baby food can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours and in the freezer for 3-6 months. 3 months is recommended for the most nutritional value, but it is safe for your baby up to 6 months. If you leave your baby food out, it should be thrown out after 2 hours.
5. What features should I look for in baby food storage containers?
Besides the material and the safety concerns mentioned above, there are a few features you should look for. If you plan to use the baby food on the go, you’ll want to make sure whatever container you choose is leak proof and either easy to clean or disposable. You’ll also want to check if the containers are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. If they’re not microwave safe, you’ll have to remember to defrost the food in the fridge ahead of time and find another way to heat it if necessary. If you want to make a batch ahead of time and store it, the containers will need to be freezer safe. Dishwasher safe is just more convenient. If you plan to have a lot of containers, you may want to have ones that easily stack or nest, so they don’t take up as much room.
6. How often should I replace baby food containers?
For the most part, food storage containers should last for years. If you have glass containers, you’ll want to replace them if they have any cracks or chips. Even if the container doesn’t leak, it’s still a shatter risk or could have a jagged edge. If you have plastic containers, you should replace them if they get warped. Stains can also signal a decrease in the integrity of the container. As long as you’re properly cleaning and caring for your containers, they will definitely last through the baby food stage.
Conclusion
Glass or plastic, jar or pouch, dishwasher or handwashing, microwave or oven, the options abound. There is something for everyone, and now that we’ve helped you narrow it down a bit on how to store your baby food, you can get back to planning and concocting healthy, flavorful food combinations for your hungry little muffin!
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