Older babies and toddlers

Once your baby starts on solids, ensure the jarred and homemade baby food is safe with these tips:

• Check the expiry dates when shopping for baby food and make sure the safety seals are not broken.
• Wash all cooking utensils and surfaces with dish soap and hot water (including the blades of food processor) before each use. Bacteria can survive on kitchen surfaces for hours and spread to other foods, so keep things clean.
• Never use the same cutting board or plate for cooked foods and uncooked foods. Bacteria from raw meat can be transferred to the cooked food, resulting in food poisoning.
• Opened jarred foods that contain chicken or meat should be consumed within 48 hours while fruits and vegetables are safe for three days.
• Homemade pureed baby foods can be refrigerated for one to two days, and can be frozen for three to four months.
• Never dip a spoon into a jar or bowl, feed your baby and then refrigerate the leftovers. Germs from his mouth can contaminate the food and might grow in the refrigerator.