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Homemade puree stored in a resealable bag for a long time up to two days in the refrigerator and up to one month (30 days) in the refrigeratorin accordance with Australian food safety guidelines. But there is one thing that is very important: as soon as your child eats directly bag, you should use it within an hour or two and then throw away any leftovers, because saliva gets into the food and causes bacteria to grow faster.
Reusable containers are one of the easiest ways to store and serve homemade baby food, but knowing this time will save any food. Here is a complete guide for Australian parents.
How long does puree last in a reusable bag? (quick answer)
- In the fridge: up to two days in a sealed, clean bag.
- In the fridge: up to 30 days (about a month).
- When your baby is breastfeeding: use within 1-2 hours, then discard leftovers.
- Left at room temperature (unopened): no more than two hours, or an hour on a hot Aussie day.
These times follow the Raising Children Network’s guidelines for storing baby food: keep it for up to two days in the refrigerator and no longer than 30 days in the refrigerator.
Why the “open once” rule is so important
This is the first thing that parents miss. When the baby eats from the pouch, a small amount of saliva is returned to the food. Enzymes and bacteria from the mouth begin to break down the puree, even if you open the lid and return it to the fridge. This is why the bag that your child has already eaten should not be stored for a long time – even if it looks and smells good.
If you want to save some food, spoon out a small serving in the first dish and let your child eat from it, keeping the whole bag out of the freezer. The untouched part still follows the rule of 2 days in the refrigerator.
Refrigeration: rule of 2 days
Freshly made puree should be cooled quickly and sealed in a clean bag, then refrigerated within an hour of cooking. Use within two days. Always store the bags flat or upright in the coldest part of the fridge (not the door), and label everything with the contents and the date you made them – it’s really hard to tell when an apple is in the bag!
Storage in the refrigerator: up to 30 days
For longer storage, reusable bags go straight into the freezer. Fill them no more than three-thirds full (puree expands as it freezes), set aside to freeze, and write the date. Use frozen purees within 30 days for best and safest results.
Not sure which purees freeze well? Our ultimate guide to freezing baby food covers the best (and most difficult) foods to freeze, and can reusable food bags go in the freezer, dishwasher and microwave? answers useful questions.
How to thaw and serve safely
- Pour into the fridge overnight, or place the sealed bag in a bowl of warm water to slowly thaw.
- Do not dry it again puree after melting.
- If it’s hot, it’s a gentle heat stir well to remove hot spotsthen try to warm it with a clean spoon in your mouth before eating.
- Avoid heating the puree in the microwave inside the bag unless it’s labeled microwave-safe – uneven heat can burn your mouth a little.
Once thawed and refrigerated, use the puree within 24 hours. For more information on proper storage and temperature, our guide to storing baby food with reusable bags has you covered.
Keeping bags clean between jobs
Because reusable bags are used again and again, thorough cleaning after each meal is essential – puree stuck in the corners or spout is where bacteria like to hide. Wash in hot, soapy water (or in the dishwasher if the bag is a dishwasher-safe), be careful with the spout and zip seal, and let it dry completely before refilling. Reusable grocery bags are designed to be opened for easy cleaning.
If you’re making your own purees from scratch, a baby food maker that bakes and blends in one step makes cooking a week’s worth of bags quick and fuss-free. Our reusable silicone bags are freezer-, fridge- and dishwasher-safe, so they fit right into this process.
The symptoms are gone
When in doubt, throw it out. Discard any puree that smells sour or “off”, has changed color, looks watery or separated in an unusual way, or has been stored beyond the above time. Children’s pregnancies are difficult, so they should not be at risk.
Frequently asked questions
How long does homemade puree last in a reusable bag in the fridge?
Up to two days in a sealed, clean bag stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Cool the puree immediately after cooking and refrigerate within an hour of making it.
How long can puree last in a reusable bag in the freezer?
Up to 30 days (about a month). Fill plastic bags no more than three-quarters full to freeze, place in freezer bags, and label with the date.
Can I keep a bag that my child has already eaten in?
No. When your child eats from a bag, saliva spoils the food and bacteria grows quickly. Use within 1-2 hours and discard any leftovers. To save some, scoop out a small portion into a bowl and keep the rest of the bag.
Can you freeze puree from a reusable bag?
No. Do not use puree that has already been diluted, as this increases the risk of bacteria. Pour what you want, and use the thawed puree within 24 hours.
How long can a full bag stay outside?
No more than 2 hours, and only 1 hour on a hot day. If you are outside, store the filled bags in an insulated bag with an ice cube until serving.
How do I know if the puree in the bag is spoiled?
Throw it away if it smells sour or has gone stale, changed color, looks watery or different, or has been stored longer than the recommended refrigerator or freezer time. When in doubt, throw it out.
This article contains information about food safety for Australian families and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns about your child’s diet or health, talk to your doctor or child health nurse.