According to the USDA and the National Network for Child Care, there are several things to consider when feeding your baby.
• Wash hands with soap and water first.
• Check "use by" dates on baby foods. If the date has passed, throw it out.
• Check to see that the safety button in the lid is down. If the jar lid doesn't "pop" when opened, or is not sealed completely, don't use it.
• Don't heat baby foods in jars in the microwave. The heat is uneven and can produce "hot spots" that can scald the baby's mouth and throat. Babies accept cold or room temperature foods, making warming unnecessary. If you do need to warm food for babies, do so carefully, and stir the food to even the temperature.
• Don’t feed an infant directly from a baby food jar, as saliva from the spoon will contaminate the remainder of the food in the jar. Pour out a small portion of strained food, or mix a small portion of cereal in a serving dish. Also, don’t stick your finger into the jar of baby food or test it with the tip of your tongue. Test by the temperature of the container or of a sample dripped onto your wrist or inner elbow.
• Store strained fruits and vegetables for 2-3 days in the refrigerator or for 6-8 months in the freezer.
• Store strained meats and eggs for 1 day in the refrigerator or for 1-2 months in the freezer.
• Store meat and vegetable combinations for 1-2 days in the refrigerator or for 1-2 months in the freezer.
For more information visit The National Network for Childcare site.
