The best baby food storage for your homemade purees and meals

The best baby food storage for your homemade purees and meals

by Lorna White |
Updated on

When your baby is ready to start weaning, having the right baby food storage and baby weaning products will help make the process easier for you to prepare meals for your little one without food going to waste. Whether pureeing your baby's food in a baby food maker or blender or creating handy meals, storing your food in baby-friendly portions in the fridge or freezer will help save leftovers while providing equally nutritious meals as freshly prepared dinners.

Baby foods can only be reheated once, and half-eaten meals can't be saved as saliva carries bacteria, so having your puree divided into helpful portions will mean you'll be able to cut back on food waste and save money on baby meals too while tailoring the flavours and textures of the puree to your baby's liking.

Best baby food storage at a glance

We've listed the best baby food storage pots, trays and pouches for you with some recipes your little one will love!

The best baby food storage 2024

Best weaning food storage overall

Munckin love a bowls full set with lidsMOTHER&BABY

This ten-piece set from Munchkin, which includes four bowls, four lids, and two soft-tip spoons, is a popular choice among parents and has gained thousands of rave reviews on Amazon. It’s basically life-proof—and by that, we mean spill-proof, leak-proof, and break-proof. It can handle anything you throw at it.

The bowls are BPA-free and microwave-safe and can also be washed in the dishwasher and used in the freezer, making them ideal for meal prep and for easy cleaning. Parents love their durability and quality, nothing that they withstand plenty of washes without cracking or breaking. They also mention that this set is great value for money, as it contains everything you need for feeding, and that the easy-to-grip side of the bowls and spoon shape make them user-friendly for parents and kids.

Some reviewers commented that the lids can be difficult to snap on securely, which can be frustrating when you’re in a rush.

Pros

  • Spill-proof, leak-proof, break-proof
  • Microwave, dishwasher and freezer-safe
  • Durable and high-quality
  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to stack
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • Some reviews mentioned they struggled to get the lids to fit securely enough

Best stackable baby food storage

NUK stackable storage jarsMOTHER&BABY

Perfect for storing leftovers or eating snacks on the go, these NUK food storage containers are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer-safe and have helpful measurements down the side. The pots are different sizes so that they can be stacked easily for neat and tidy storage. They are also BPA-free for peace of mind. Parents rate them as easy to clean, versatile, and durable.

Some reviewers mentioned that the lids do not seal as tightly as they’d like leading to leakages, and that they might be too small for older children who eat larger portions. They are also partial to staining when storing foods such as carrots or tomatoes.

Pros

  • Pots can be stacked together to save space
  • Microwave, dishwasher and freezer-safe
  • Easy to clean
  • Durable

Cons

  • Reviewers mention that the lids can cause leakages
  • Partial to staining
Portion size:2 x 50 ml, 2 x 75 ml, 2 x 100 ml
  • Pack of six
  • Suitable for freezer
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe

Best baby food and milk storage

mam milk and food storage jarMOTHER&BABY
Price: £25.89

The MAM Storage Solution Pack is a set of five 120ml BPA-free plastic cups designed to store breast milk and baby food. Reviewers praise these storage pots for their versatility and convenience, making them suitable for both fridge and freezer storage. They feature secure screw-top lids, ensuring no spills, and a washable labelling area to keep track of storage dates. Additionally, these pots are microwave-safe and can be sterilised as often as necessary, making them a practical choice for busy parents.

While most reviews are positive, some reviewers noted that the 120ml capacity isn’t enough for storing larger amounts of milk or food. Unfortunately, the containers cannot be washed in the dishwasher, and the measurement markings are also difficult to see when they’re filled with milk.

Pros

  • Suitable for freezing
  • Leak-proof lids
  • Handy labelling area
  • Can attach to MAM manual breast pump

Cons

  • Can be hard to see the measuring markings
  • Hand-wash only
Portion size:120 ml
  • Flexible and leakproof
  • Suitable for freezing
  • Breast pump compatible
  • Blank labelling section

Best glass baby food storage

kilner baby food jars glassMOTHER&BABY
Price: £28.52
Alternative retailers
Walmart$29.24View offer

For something a little different, look no further than these tiny Kilner jars designed for kids. An eco-friendly alternative to plastic containers, this set includes six glass jars, silicone lids, labels, and a recipe booklet. Parents appreciate the durability and sustainability of these jars, noting that the silicone lids are air-tight and leak-proof.

We love that they’re made from sustainable glass, meaning they’re free from toxins and chemicals. They can be used in the fridge, freezer, and microwave with specific instructions for defrosting.

These jars are hand-wash only, which some users might not enjoy, and the 110ml capacity is quite small, so they’re more suited to younger children.

Pros

  • Delightful design
  • Free from toxins and chemicals
  • Fridge, freezer and microwave-safe (if food is defrosted)
  • Environment-friendly glass

Cons

  • Unable to microwave from frozen (defrost first)
  • Hand-wash only
  • Small capacity
Portion size:110 ml
  • Set of six
  • Airtight jars
  • Screw on lid
  • Made from sustainable glass

Best baby food storage for portions

Expert rating:
3.0
vital baby store and wean potsMOTHER&BABY
Price: £22.00

Our testers highly praise the Vital Baby NOURISH weaning and feeding range for its thoughtful design, durability, and practicality, as well as for making weaning easier and more manageable. Steriliser, dishwasher and microwave-safe, this set of stackable pots is BPA, phthalate, and Latex-free, making them safe for children.

Reviewers love their design and ease of cleaning, but some noted that they’re smaller than expected, can become scratched over time and can retain smells or stains if not washed promptly.

Read our full Vital Baby NOURISH weaning and feeding range review.

Pros

  • Steriliser, dishwasher and microwave-safe
  • Stackable for easy storage
  • BPA, phthalate, and Latex-free

Cons

  • Small capacity
  • Can become scratched and stained over time
Portion size:60 ml
  • Leakproof lids
  • Soft base and sides
  • Stackable
  • Microwave safe
  • Suitable for freezing

Best reusable squeeze pouches

Expert rating:
4.5
DoddleBags x 4 200mlDoddleBags

A clever and versatile product, An impressive product, Doddlebags are an eco-friendly, lightweight option for parents on the go and are particularly useful for those lacking in space or for when you’re camping or travelling. BPA, phthalate and PVC-free, they’ll store up to 200ml of any liquid, such as yoghurts, smoothies, and purees. They’re also available in 100ml sizes, which is the ideal size for toiletries when flying.

Praised by reviewers and our testers for their ease of use, being leak-proof, freezable and dishwasher-safe, they’re sure to have parents at the park asking where you bought them from. The anti-choke caps are brilliant for peace of mind and this set comes with some matching stickers and a pen for labelling, so you can get creative. There’s a range of accessories available, too, such as spoons and a cleaning kit.

Obviously, these are best-suited to liquids, so aren’t as versatile as some options on our list, which can store more solid foods.

Read our full DoddleBags Eco Reusable Squeeze Pouches review.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly
  • Lightweight and easy to store
  • BPA, phthalate and PVC-free
  • Anti-choke cap
  • Leak-proof, freezable and dishwasher-safe

Cons

  • Not suitable for solid foods
Pouch size:100 ml
  • Flip-top cap
  • Anti-choke cap
  • Dishwasher safe

Best baby food storage with rewritable lid

Babymoov Babybol Airtight Baby Food Storage Containers

Rrp: £9.93

Price: £9.21
Alternative retailers
Walmart$9.21View offer
Kohl's$11.99View offer

The Babymoov Babybol Airtight Baby Food Storage Containers are a popular choice among parents for storing baby food, with almost 30,000 reviews on Amazon. The colourful screw-on lids ensure an airtight seal, and they’re BPA-free and safe for use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.

We love the rewriteable surface on the lids, which is great for noting down dates or what’s inside. They're also available in a range of sizes to suit all of your food storage needs, and they’re stackable, which saves space when storing.

Some reviewers found that the lids were difficult to screw on properly, which made them occasionally leak.

Pros

  • Range of sizes available
  • BPA-free
  • Stackable
  • Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe
  • Re-writable lid

Cons

  • Some found they leaked slightly
Portion size:180 ml
  • Screw-top
  • Airtight container
  • Suitable for freezing

Best large food storage

Philips Avent Baby Food Storage Cups
Price: £43.49

This set of ten Philips containers is ideal for portioning and storing various baby meals. Made from BPA-free materials and freezer, microwave, steriliser, bottle warmer, and dishwasher-safe, they’re easy to use and clean. Reviewers raved about the airtight lids, which help to keep food fresh and prevent leaks, making them great for parents on the go.

They’re a good size, at 180ml and 240ml, and can be written on to track contents and dates. Reviewers love their versatility and thoughtful design. This pack also comes with a weaning spoon, which is gentle on baby’s gums.

Some users did note that although the lids are brilliant, they can be difficult to clean, especially in the crevices where food particles can get stuck.

Pros

  • Freezer, microwave, steriliser, bottle warmer and dishwasher-safe
  • Write-on cups and lids
  • BPA-free
  • Airtight lids
  • Generous sizes

Cons

  • Lids can be difficult to clean thoroughfly
Portion size:10 x 180 ml, 10 x 240 ml
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe
  • Large storage container
  • Can store purees, breast milk and finger food

Best for batch food storage

Designed to make batch-cooking a breeze, these NUK freezer moulds are made from BPA-free silicone and can freeze and store nine 60ml servings; they are brilliant for the early stages of weaning. Reviewers love that the silicone material not only makes the moulds easy to use, but that they don’t stain and are really easy to clean.

Some parents mentioned that the lids don’t always fit perfectly, which can be troublesome when storing liquids or can result in food getting freezer burn. The moulds also don’t hold their shape as well as some users would like, which can make it difficult when transporting liquids to the freezer.

Pros

  • Ideal for batch-cooking
  • Easy to clean
  • BPA-free
  • Dishwasher-safe

Cons

  • Lid doesn't always fit properly
  • Difficult to transport liquids to freezer due to flexibility
Portion sizes:9 x 60 ml
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Suitable for freezing
  • Ideal for batch cooking

Best freezable baby food storage

Bu00e9aba Baby Food Storage Containers
Price: £38.32

These clever pots from Beaba are great for those with limited space or who want to keep their food portions tidy and organised. Each set includes six colourful 200ml containers made from BPA-free plastic that can be smartly stacked in the fridge or freezer.

Reviewers highly rate the size of the containers, the stack and clip system, and the fact that they’re dishwasher-safe, making life easier. They also note that the containers remain sturdy, even after repeated use.

A few reviewers mentioned that the lids can leak when tilted and that the writing can be removed after being washed despite being dishwasher-safe.

Pros

  • Stackable and clippable for simple, neat storage
  • BPA-free
  • Freezer, dishwasher and microwave-safe

Cons

  • Can leak when tilted
  • Writing comes off after washing
Portion sizes:2 x 60 ml, 4 x 120 ml
  • Clippable pots for easy and secure stacking
  • Airtight containers
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe
  • Suitable for freezing

Best durable food storage

Babymoov Glass Babybols
Price: £19.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$19.99View offer
Kohl's$22.99View offer
Bloomingdale's$22.99View offer
Macy's$34.99View offer

If you prefer glass to plastic, these Babymoov 220ml storage containers are made from durable glass, making them robust and an eco-friendly choice. Topped with leak-proof silicone lids, they keep food fresh and prevent spills. Reviewers like that the jars are free of any harmful chemicals, and they praise their compact size and stackable nature, making them easy to store in the freezer.

They’re really easy to open, even with one hand, which parents will find particularly useful during feeding, and have a rewritable surface on the lid for any information you’d like to note.

While these containers are dishwasher and freezer-safe, they should be defrosted before heating, which makes them slightly less versatile than plastic containers. Despite being made from durable glass, some reviewers have noted that the glass can break if dropped from a height.

Pros

  • Easy to use and store
  • Made from sustainable glass
  • Dishwasher and freezer-safe
  • Free from harmful chemicals
  • Rewriteable surface on lid

Cons

  • Food needs to be defrosted before heating or glass can break
Portion size:220 ml
  • Glass storage
  • Durable
  • Airtight containers

Best storage cube with snap-on lids

These 60ml containers from First Steps are made from BPA-free plastic. Each section comes with its own snap-on lid, making it easy to select the exact number of portions you want. They’re compact, so they won’t take up too much space in your freezer, and reviewers love how secure the lids are. They help prevent spills and ensure that the other portions stay fresh and intact.

These practical, no-frill pots are easy to clean thanks to their simple design and dishwasher-safe materials, and are microwave-safe.

A few reviews noted that the lids can be difficult to open after freezing and that the portion sizes are too small for older children but should be great for the early stages of weaning.

Pros

  • Snap-on lids are secure
  • Microwave and dishwasher-safe
  • Compact size for easy storage

Cons

  • Small portion sizes
  • Lids can be difficult to open after freezing
Portion size:8 x approx. 70 ml
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe
  • Storage tray to hold containers
  • Suitable for freezing

Best baby food maker and storage

Expert rating:
3.5
Fill n Squeeze Baby Food Maker and Reusable Pouches
Price: £50.94

The award-winning Fill n Squeeze Baby Food Maker and Reusable Pouches set has everything you need to prepare and store your nutritious homemade baby food: five eco-friendly reusable food pouches, a cleaning brush, a 500ml baby food pouch maker, a jug cap, and a food masher. Great for baby-led weaning, the reusable pouches can be used time and time again and are suitable for the microwave and freezer. Each pouch is 100 per cent free of BPA and phthalates.

Reviewers love how easy the food maker is to assemble and clean, plus how versatile it is, lending itself to the different stages of weaning. The pouches are praised as ideal for travelling as they’re portable and convenient.

A few parents experienced occasional leaks with the pouches if they were not fastened properly and found that cleaning them could be tricky.

Read our full Fill n Squeeze Baby Food Maker and Reusable Pouches review

Pros

  • All-in-one set for various stages of weaning
  • Eco-friendly
  • BPA and phthalates-free
  • Pouches are portable and convenient
  • Microwave, freezer, and bottle warmer-safe

Cons

  • Pouches can leak if not fastened properly
  • Cleaning the pouches can be tricky
Portion size:150 ml
  • Easy to fill plunger
  • 500ml food making jug
  • Includes baby food masher

Best food storage with eBook

Kiddo Feedo Baby Food Storage Container and Freeze Tray
Price: £11.98

For hassle-free baby food storage, we love the KIDDO FEEDO freezer tray. Made from premium-quality silicone, it’s BPA-free and free from harmful chemicals for peace of mind. With nine individual 60ml compartments, it allows for easy portion control and serving. The secure lid prevents freezer burn and spills, and the tray and lid are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Customers have praised how easy it is to use, as the portions pop out of the silicone effectively. The portion size is on the small side, though, so it may not be as suitable for older children.

Pros

  • BPA-free
  • 100% food-grade silicone
  • Secure lid
  • Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning

Cons

  • Small portion size
Portion size:9 x 75 ml
  • Markings for prepping correct portion size
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe
  • Suitable for freezing

Best for fun design

ChooMee SnakPak Reusable Baby Food Pouch
Price: £7.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$7.99View offer

Mealtimes are much more enjoyable if children can use their imagination, and these fun food pouches certainly help with that. Crafted for durable materials and with a double zipper closure for secure storage, they’re great for purees, smoothies and more. BPA, PVC, lead and phthalate-free, these pouches are convenient, easy to store and are great for feeding on the go.

Reviewers did note that they can be trickier to clean than some options and aren’t as versatile as other containers.

Pros

  • Fun and playful designs
  • No-leak double lock
  • BPA, PVC, lead and phthalate-free
  • Dishwasher and freezer-safe

Cons

  • Tricky to clean
Portion size:Approx. 140 ml
  • Fun design
  • Easy fill with zipper bottom
  • Dishwasaher and freezer safe

How we tested the best baby food storage

When testing the best baby food storage we took into account a number of factors including:

• How easy the food storage is to clean – is it dishwasher friendly?
• How easy it is to transport and use on-the-go
• Portion sizes – does it store enough food?
• How secure are the lids, is it 100% spill proof?
• Is it freezable and microwavable?
• Is it stackable and easy to store even when not in use?
• Can it be labelled?
• What material is it made from? Is it durable?

We also considered a range of baby food storage types.

Types of baby food storage

There are different baby food storage options available, and the best choice for you depends on your meal preparation and what you need the storage for. Pots may be better suited for multi-purpose storage for snacks and secure travelling, but pouches and freezer trays may be more useful if you're planning to make delicious puree batches.

Choosing ones that are dishwasher, microwave and steriliser safe can also help to make your life easier when it comes to cleaning and reheating recipes.

Plastic pots

Plastic pots are a handy way to store leftovers in your fridge, and some are freezer-safe, too. A great size for little portions, these lightweight pots are great for storing puree, meals, and snacks that you can carry on the go. Make sure that your plastic pots are BPA-free for your little one's safety.

Freezer trays

At the beginning of the weaning process at 6 months, your baby is likely to only want small portions and making quantities to suit might be fiddly and result in wasted ingredients. You can make batches up to go into ice cube trays for little mouths or specially-made freezer trays designed for storing, sealing and popping out portions when needed.

Baby food pouches

Reusable baby food pouches are great for puree storage, offering a flexible and lightweight solution that can be used on the go. Soft pouch tops allow teething babies to comfortably chew from all angles while snacking without hurting their soft, tender gums and help little ones to self-feed holding their purees, compotes, smoothies, soups and yoghurt.

Glass storage containers

Glass jars and containers provide an ideal way to store homemade baby food if you'd rather avoid plastic. Made from sustainable and durable materials, these jars are great for fridge/freezer storage, reheating and easy cleaning. They are likely to last longer and less likely to stain, absorb smells or warp in extreme temperatures.

How long can you keep baby food in the fridge/freezer?

Baby food can be kept in the fridge and used within two days (one day for rice), or you can pop your puree in the freezer to keep it for longer. Cooked food can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Freezing helps to lock in the nutrients and prevents the growth of bacteria so your baby's food will stay safe.

If you're popping multiple batches in the fridge or freezer, make sure to label and date the portions as you would with normal leftovers so you can keep track of the ones that are reaching their best before and so you know what needs to be used first.

How to freeze and reheat baby food

Once you've made your baby puree, make sure to let your prepared meals cool before popping them in the fridge or freezer to keep. Don't let your food sit out for more than two hours after cooking.

When it comes to defrosting baby purees, you can do this overnight in the fridge and use it within 24 hours. Alternatively, you can reheat your baby purees from frozen, making meal prep for your little one even easier.

Baby purees should always be reheated until piping hot in order to kill off bacteria, even though they are best served at room temperature. This can be done on the hob or in the microwave, assuming your baby food storage pot is microwave safe, of course! If you are reheating from frozen, make sure to increase your cooking time and check carefully to make sure your puree is evenly heated throughout.

Baby food recipes for storing in the freezer

Making homemade healthy purees for babies not only helps to control their sugar and salt intake, but it's a great cost-effective way of supplementing their nutritional needs. We've listed some of the best sweet and savoury recipes for you to try for your little one. If none of these takes your fancy, we've got plenty more recipe options here.

Savoury recipes

Cauliflower and pumpkin puree

Butternut squash, pea, broccoli and kale puree

Lentil and vegetable puree

Sweet recipes

Summer berry puree

Peach, apple and strawberry puree

Plum, peach and prune puree

Top tips for preparing and storing homemade baby food

  • Before freezing masses of puree, make sure your baby likes the food first! It'll save you wasted efforts, cleaning, food costs and waste

  • Have some basic equipment to hand to make quick and easy meals and purees for your baby, packed with nutrients. We'd recommend a steamer, electric hand blender and food processor.

  • Cook vegetables in a pan or steamer and then mash up or blend the mixture until smooth

  • Make sure all work surfaces and utensils are clean before preparation, and your hands are cleaned with soap and water

How we test and choose recommended products

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.

For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.

Lorna White is the Senior Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.

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How we write our articles and reviews
Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.