Heating & Defrosting Baby Food

Thawing and heating frozen foods must be done correctly to ensure that they remain safe and tasty for your baby…

Thawing:

• Thaw only the amounts you need for one or two days – it is not safe to re-freeze any left- over amounts.
• Put portions in a suitable container and thaw them in the refrigerator,in the microwave, or by the ‘warm water method’.
• Thaw baby food in a glass bowl if possible – research indicates glass is safer than plastic.
• Some parents do not like to use the microwave to thaw or heat baby foods, for several reasons – only you can decide what is right for you and your baby.
• If you thaw foods in a microwave, stir the food well to ensure even thawing and no hot pockets.
• If you use the refrigerator, thaw overnight, and ensure that the food is in a closed container to avoid odours from other foods affecting your baby’s food.
• Using the refrigerator will take longer than using a microwave – up to 12 hours – so plan accordingly!
• Thawing by the ‘warm water method’ should take 10 to 20 minutes – put portions in a small bowl and then place this in a larger bowl of hot water, or in a pan of warm water heated gently on the stove.
• Do not thaw foods for your baby on the kitchen counter, at room temperature, as bacteria or other contaminants may get into the food.
• Thawed homemade baby food should be kept in the refrigerator for no more than 72 hours.

Heating:

• Warm baby food in a glass bowl if possible – research indicates that glass is safer than plastic containers
• Always test the temperature of the foods before giving them to your baby!
• Don’t feed your baby from the container then re-store any left in the container,as your baby’s saliva may contaminate the food and bacteria may develop.
• Heating and then reheating and serving baby food is not safe or necessary – baby foods are fine served at room temperature once they have been thoroughly heated, then cooled to avoid burning.
• Many parents find using a microwave for heating homemade baby food very convenient – only you can decide if it is right for you and your baby.
• In the microwave, always use a glass microwave-safe container – you should not use plastic to heat foods in the microwave.
• When microwaving, heat for 15-second periods and stir after each heating – and give one final stir so that no hot pockets are left to burn your baby’s mouth.
• If you heat baby food on the stove top, use a small saucepan and heat gently using a low setting to avoid burning the food.

This information presented to you acts as a guide which contains researched information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.