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If you’re choosing reusable food bags for your child, silicone is usually the best all-rounder – it’s durable, holds heat and cold well, and lasts for years, while plastic bags are usually lighter and cheaper up front but wear out quickly. That said, the right choice depends on how you plan to use it. This honest comparison goes through safety, durability, cleaning, price and convenience so that you can choose with confidence, without any deception.
Just looking
| Part | Silicone bags | plastic bags (PEVA/TPU). |
|---|---|---|
| Lasting | Very good – lasts for years | Less often – usually months |
| Heat & freezer protection | Yes, different temperatures | Limited; may come down with heat |
| Cleaning | The larger the opening, the more dishwasher safe it is | Limited; can keep the leftovers |
| Weight | A little heavy | Very bright |
| The price of the front | High quality | On the floor |
| Cost over time | Minor (minor changes) | Advanced (often updated) |
| Affecting the environment | Very few – long life | High – short life |
Security: what is it made of?
For many parents, safety is the number one question, and the good news is that bags of any kind should be empty BPA, PVC and phthalates. The difference is in the content itself.
Food-grade silicone is impermeable, meaning it won’t leach chemicals into your baby’s food even when it’s heated or frozen, and it won’t absorb odors or stains. Plastic bags labeled PEVA or TPU are designed to be a safer, softer alternative to old plastics, and the popular ones are also non-toxic – but the quality varies a lot, so it pays to check the label. Whatever you choose, storing and handling baby food carefully is just as important as the container itself; The Australian Raising Children Network has clear advice on storing and reheating baby food.
Longevity with daily wear
This is where the two tools diverge. Silicone is notoriously tough and flexible – it springs back into shape, resists tearing and repeated moves, so a good silicone bag can last for years. Plastic bags are lightweight and may feel like the squeeze bags parents are used to, but they tend to tear, cloud or split after a few months of daily use, especially at the seams and spout. If you want something you can buy once and keep getting, silicone wins for longevity.
Hot, cold and dishwasher safe
Reusable bags are a staple where they can go from the freezer to the lunch box to the dishwasher without fuss. Silicone holds a lot of heat, so you can freeze the purees, warm them up slowly and run the bag in the dishwasher without getting dirty. Plastic bags are very sensitive to heat – repeated exposure to heat or hot showers can shorten their life – many parents hand wash them to avoid heating the food inside. For more information on what is and isn’t safe, check out our guide on whether a reusable food bag is safe to use in the freezer, dishwasher and microwave.
Cleaning: what is easy to maintain?
Each reusable bag takes a little more effort than throwing the trash in the bin, but the design makes a difference. Silicone bags usually have an opening that turns inward or opens wide, so you can get to every corner and let it dry properly – this way you avoid leftovers and trapped mold. Small plastic bags can be difficult to clean properly and slow to dry. Whatever the product, wash after use, dry thoroughly before storing, and use a brush or a bottle or bag to squeegee.
Cost: cheaper now versus cheaper in the long run
Plastic bags often cost less at the checkout, which is great when you’re shopping for baby gear everywhere. But because they need to be replaced more often, the running cost increases. Silicone becomes much cheaper after a year or two because you’re not buying it anymore. If you want to see how all kinds of uses stack up against store-bought squeeze bags, our honest review of whether reusable grocery bags are worth it goes by the numbers.
Pros and cons
Silicone bags
Advantages: durable, stable and tasteless, cold and hot, often easy to open and clean, and good for the world because of their longevity. Disadvantages: super expensive and a little heavy in a nappy bag.
plastic bags (PEVA/TPU).
Advantages: lightweight, future-proof, and a familiar soft feel. Disadvantages: short life, resistant to heat and cold, can be difficult to clean well, and change a lot over time.
Which one is right for you?
Choose silicone if you want to buy one that works for cold, heat and shower every day, and you are happy to pay a little more upfront for something that lasts. It resonates with families who bake bread, fill lunch boxes for years, and want to reduce waste. Choose plastic if you want the lowest price, choose a very light bag, or you just want something for short term use. Many parents start with a small set to see how the bags fit their routine, then invest in regular silicone when they are pulled. For more information on the market, our complete guide to buying the best reusable bags and a comparison of reusable and disposable baby food bags is a good read.
Our take, it’s a start
For many Australian families who feed a baby every day, food-grade silicone is the best option – it’s gentle on the small intestine, easy to clean, and durable. The Cherub Baby reusable food bag is designed to be filled, cooled, reheated and washed over and over again, so you can make homemade treats and snacks without wasting disposable bags. Browse through our reusable bags, or browse our gift packs for the perfect new baby gift.
Frequently asked questions
Are silicone or plastic reusable bags good?
Silicone is usually tough, heat and freezer safe and long lasting, while plastic bags are lighter and cheaper up front but wear out quickly. For daily, long-term use, many parents find that silicone is the better investment.
Are reusable food bags good for children?
Yes, they are food grade and free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. Food grade silicone is inert and will not release chemicals. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and storing baby food safely.
Can you put silicone bags in the freezer and dishwasher?
Silicone reacts differently to heat, so it is generally freezer safe and generally dishwasher safe. Always check the product’s instructions, and let the bags dry before storing.
How long do reusable food bags last?
Good silicone bags can last for years with proper care, while plastic bags usually last a few months of daily use before the nails wear out.
Are reusable plastic bags BPA free?
High-end plastic bags labeled PEVA or TPU are usually BPA, PVC and phthalate free, but specifications vary, so always check the label before buying.
Which type is easier to clean?
Silicone bags with large openings are often easier to clean and faster to dry, which helps prevent residue and mold build-up. Small plastic bags can be difficult to reach.