The safest way to freeze baby food is to use glass or plastic-free containers, cool food in the fridge before freezing, and defrost slowly in the fridge. Popular options include Glasslock baby food containers, Kilner jars, and silicone freezer pods for small portions.
Freezing baby food can make life a lot easier — especially in those early months when everything feels a bit busy, a bit messy, and you’re just trying to stay one step ahead.
If you’re already putting in the effort to make or choose good food for your baby, it makes sense to store it in a way that feels just as considered.
What is the best container for freezing baby food?
Glass is usually the best container for freezing baby food, as it is non-reactive, durable, and doesn’t absorb odours or stains. It’s especially useful for families freezing baby food regularly.
When food is frozen, it doesn’t become completely inactive — it still sits in contact with whatever it’s stored in, often for weeks or months at a time.
Some plastics can release small amounts of chemicals into food, particularly when they’re heated, scratched, or used repeatedly over time. Freezing slows things down, but it doesn’t completely stop that interaction — especially once food is reheated.
For something like baby food, which you’re making and storing often, many families prefer to keep that contact as simple and stable as possible.
Our top picks for containers to freeze baby food
Designed specifically for the baby food stage when you need the convenience of small portions, easy storage, and simple reheating.
Best overall for freezing baby food:
Glasslock baby food containers
Tempered glass containers designed for freezing, storing, and reheating baby food safely. Airtight lids help prevent leaks and keep portions fresh, while the durable glass won’t absorb stains or odours.
Why they work so well: A reliable all-round option for batch cooking and storing baby food, with the added benefit of being suitable from freezer to fridge to warm water reheating.
“Great baby food storage! I bought more of these as they're so handy. They are good quality and leak proof. Great for storage, freezing and reheating.”
“I love these containers — I use them for baby food in the freezer & fridge, but also for small pantry items. They’re sturdy and the lids are easy to use.”
Best glass jars for small portions:
Kilner kids jar set (110ml or 190ml)
A simple glass jar option for storing and freezing baby food in small portions. The compact size makes them easy to stack in the freezer and practical for prepping ahead.
Why they work so well: Ideal for families who prefer a more traditional glass jar format, especially for purees, yoghurts, or small meals ready to grab and thaw.
“I love these jars for storing my little one’s food. They’re easy to wash and simple to defrost meals straight from the freezer.”
“So useful! Great quality and I use them all the time.”
Best for freezing small portions:
Food-grade silicone freezer pods
Helpful for freezing baby food into small, pop-out portions — especially in the early stages of weaning when intake is unpredictable.
Why they work so well: Easy portion control and quick defrosting make these a practical option for busy days, with uses that extend well beyond baby food (think muffins or even sensory play later on).
Note: While silicone isn’t completely plastic-free, it can still be a practical reusable option.
“Perfect for freezing baby food portions — easy to pop out, simple to clean, and makes weaning feel that little bit easier.”
“So versatile and long-lasting — still using it years later for things like muffins, sauces, and leftovers, well beyond the baby stage.”
Best for serving frozen baby food safely:
Haakaa fresh food feeder & mini nibble tray
Designed for safely introducing frozen fruit, purees, or small soft foods during weaning, without choking risk. Also especially helpful during teething, offering a soothing way to serve chilled or frozen foods.
Why it works so well: A helpful next step once you’ve frozen baby food — allowing you to serve small amounts safely while supporting self-feeding, exploration, and soothing sore gums.
Best for larger portions and batch meals:
Glasslock containers
Great for storing larger portions of baby and toddler food, including purees, mash, broths, baked goods, and batch-cooked meals.
Why they work so well: Durable, non-reactive glass makes them ideal for freezing, reheating, and everyday storage — without absorbing odours or stains.
“Really useful for freezing portions and leftovers — the sizes are just right, and the click-lock lids seal well in the freezer.”
“Genuinely a joy to use. Tough, well-sized containers that make it easy to see what’s inside, without worrying about reheating in plastic.”
What is the safest way to cool baby food before freezing?
Cooling food properly is just as important as how you freeze it — especially when preparing meals in your baby feeding routine
A simple way to do this is to let food cool slightly, then place it in the fridge with the lid off to finish cooling.
This helps bring the temperature down more quickly and reduces the risk of bacteria growth — especially important in warmer climates like Australia.
Once cooled, you can seal the container and transfer it to the freezer.
How do you freeze baby food safely?
Quick tips for freezing baby food safely:
- Cool food before freezing
- Use freezer-safe glass containers
- Freeze in small portions
- Label and rotate
- Defrost in the fridge
Let food cool before freezing
Avoid putting hot food straight into containers or the freezer. Warm food creates condensation once sealed, which can affect both texture and freshness. Let cooked food cool first before portioning and freezing.
Leave room at the top
Purees, soups, and other liquids expand as they freeze. Always leave a little space at the top of the container, especially with glass, to help prevent cracking.
Choose wider containers where possible
Wide containers tend to freeze more evenly and are generally a better option than narrow jars or bottles, which can be more prone to stress and cracking.
Use freezer-safe materials
Not all glass is made the same. Containers made from tempered or borosilicate glass are generally better suited to temperature changes than thinner, more fragile glass.
Freeze in small portions
This makes it easier to defrost only what you need and helps reduce waste. It is especially useful in the early stages when babies are only eating small amounts.
Label and rotate
A simple date label helps you keep track of what is freshest and use older portions first.
What is the safest way to defrost baby food?
The safest way to defrost baby food is in the fridge, rather than on the bench — especially in warmer climates like Australia.
Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, or gently reheat from chilled.
Defrosting at room temperature can allow bacteria to grow more quickly, particularly in warmer conditions.
Once thawed, use within 24 hours and avoid refreezing.
How long can baby food stay in the freezer?
As a general guide, homemade baby food is best used within 1 to 3 months.
Vegetable purees may last a little longer, while meals with meat, fish, or dairy are usually best used sooner for quality.
What should you avoid when freezing baby food?
Soft plastics and disposable containers
Not designed for repeated freezing and reheating.
Hot food straight into storage
Can affect both safety and texture. Cool first, then freeze.
Refreezing thawed food
Once defrosted, baby food is best used within 24 hours and not refrozen.
Microwaving in plastic
Transfer to glass or ceramic first.
Thin repurposed jars without extra care
Some recycled food jars can work, but they are often made from thinner glass and may be more prone to cracking in the freezer.
A simple, low-tox way to freeze baby food
Keep it simple: use good-quality containers, freeze in small portions, and defrost safely. That’s often all you need to make baby food prep easier, more practical, and lower-tox.
Explore our baby feeding collection and food storage containers , or read the Ultimate Non-Toxic Baby Essentials Checklist.
Freezing baby food: common questions
Can you freeze baby food in glass?
Yes, as long as the glass is freezer-safe and you leave room at the top for expansion. Wider containers tend to work best. Explore options here.
Is it better to freeze baby food in glass or plastic?
Glass is often the preferred option for families wanting a more stable, plastic-free way to store food. It does not absorb odours, stain easily, or degrade in the same way plastic can.
Can you freeze puree in mason jars?
You can, but it is best to use wide-mouth jars and leave enough space at the top. Narrower jars can be more prone to stress in the freezer.
What is the safest way to defrost baby food?
The safest way is to thaw it in the fridge overnight, or gently reheat it in a glass or ceramic container until warmed through.
Related reads
The Ultimate Non-Toxic Baby Essentials Guide
4 Hidden Toxins in Baby Products
Best Baby Wash for Sensitive Skin
From Bump To Baby: Brisbane's Number One Natural Baby Shop
