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The best silicone baby food trays are flexible, silicone food trays with individual wells and lids, so you can freeze homemade food, take out single servings in seconds and keep them cool in the fridge. For many Australian families, a tray with 1 to 2 tablespoon wells is the sweet spot for first meals, giving you ready-to-eat portions that melt quickly in one meal.
If you’re cooking for your baby, a good freezer tray is one of the most useful things in your kitchen. It turns Sunday afternoons of steam and cleaning into weeks of simple, healthy meals. Here’s how to choose the right one, and how to safely store baby food.
Why silicone cooling trays beat frozen baby food trays
Many women start freezing in an ice-cube tray, and work slowly. But hard plastic trays are more difficult: you tend to twist them and shake them on the bench to get hard cubes out, and thin plastic can break over time. The food-grade silicone is flexible, so each part comes out smoothly with a little push from the bottom. Check this out:
- Private sector wells – 1 to 2 spoonfuls are good for babies who are just starting solids, so you can dissolve one portion at a time.
- Cover installed – this prevents the smell of the refrigerator, prevents the refrigerator from overheating and allows you to store trays to save space.
- Food grade, BPA free silicone – safe to refreeze and, in most trays, microwave, dishwasher and oven safe.
- A design that doubles as a frosting mold – useful later for babies and toddlers in the Australian summer.
Which cooling tray should you choose?
The right size of well depends on where your baby is. When you first start solids, your baby may only drink a teaspoon or two, so smaller wells mean less. When the appetite grows, you can melt two or three cubes at a time, or go to large wells and mixed foods. A tray with 1 to 2 tablespoon wells covers everything from your favorite to chunkier shapes. To find out when to start, the Raising Children Network is Australia’s trusted resource for starting solids and food security.
How to turn off homemade food safely
Freezing baby food is easy when you have a routine. Follow these steps to stay safe and delicious:
- Cool quickly. Allow the freshly made puree to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or refrigerate for an hour or two. Do not leave cooked food outside.
- Pour into your tray. Fill each well, secure the tip and put the lid on.
- Freeze continuously. Place the tray down in the freezer until the layers are firm, usually several hours.
- Write and circle. Once cooled, you can leave the cubes in a sealed tray, or transfer them to a labeled container or reusable bag. Always note the date and use the oldest first.
- Use within the appropriate time frame. Homemade baby food keeps well in the refrigerator for one to three months. Refrigerate the portion overnight, or slightly warm from the freezer, and do not refreeze the food once it has thawed.
For a more in-depth review, our ultimate guide to freezing baby food covers timing and storage in detail, and our baby food storage tips have smart ways to keep food fresh.
Starting with eggs cube food on the table
Once your cubes are frozen, meal time is surprisingly easy. Take out one or two, heat them up, and you’ll have a delicious and safe meal ready in minutes. Many moms like to put thawed puree in a reusable grocery bag for on-the-go, so making it at home is just as easy as a store-bought squeeze bag.
Try: Cherub Baby Silicone Freezer Trays
Our silicone food trays and freezer molds feature adjustable, easy-to-release wells and a secure lid, so you can freeze homemade treats and turn out single servings in seconds. They double as ice molds for babies and toddlers.
Buy Here → or browse all food storage & bag collections.
Silicone cooling trays are perfect for your baby’s meals
Freezer trays and a baby food processor are the perfect combination. Heat and blend a large batch of veggies or fruit, divide directly into your tray, and refrigerate. One cooking session can fill your freezer with a rainbow of one-of-a-kind meals, saving you time and money in the weeks ahead. If you’re considering whether a food processor is worth it, our canned food guide is a good place to start.
Frequently asked questions
Are silicone cooling mats safe for baby food?
Yes. Food-grade, BPA-free silicone is designed for repeated refrigerating and is a safe way to store baby food at home. Choose trays clearly labeled as food grade silicone, and wash before first use.
How long can you keep baby food in the refrigerator?
As a general guide, homemade foods keep well in the refrigerator for one to three months. Label each group with the date and use the oldest parts first for the best flavor and texture.
Which freezer tray is best for a baby to start solids?
Trays with wells of 1 to 2 spoons are suitable for children who start hard, because you can melt a small portion at a time and reduce waste. When your child eats a lot, melt two or three cubes together.
Can I freeze baby food in a reusable bag?
You can, and many families use both. Cooler trays are great for portioning and quick freezing, while reusable bags are easy to feed on the go. A common practice is to freeze in trays, then transfer the cubes to bags as needed.
Can I put the silicone tray directly in the microwave?
Most silicone food trays are microwave safe, but always check the product’s instructions first. When reheating baby food, shake it well and test the temperature before serving, as microwaves can reach different temperatures.
How do I remove the ice cubes from the tray easily?
Flexible silicone makes this easy. Bend the tray gently and push up from the bottom of each well, and the cube should be released smoothly. If it is dry, let it sit on medium heat for one minute.
This article provides information for Australian parents and is not a substitute for advice from your GP, pediatric nurse or health professional.