If you're storing homemade baby food, both glass and silicone containers are safe, non-toxic choices — the better one for you comes down to how you cook, store and travel. Glass is rigid, see-through and feels premium, while food-grade silicone is lightweight, unbreakable and brilliant for the freezer and the nappy bag. Neither is a wrong answer. This guide compares them honestly on safety, freezing, durability, cleaning and value so you can pick what actually suits your routine.

At a glance

Are both materials safe for baby food?

Yes. Glass is naturally inert, meaning it won't leach anything into your baby's food, and it's free of BPA and other plasticisers by nature. Good-quality food-grade silicone is also stable and non-toxic, and doesn't contain BPA, PVC or phthalates. Whichever you choose, the most important safety factor is actually how you store and reheat the food. The Raising Children Network recommends refrigerating homemade baby food promptly, using it within a couple of days, freezing in small portions, and reheating until piping hot before cooling to serve. Both glass and silicone support that routine well.

Glass baby food storage containers

Glass is the choice many parents reach for when they want something that feels clean, premium and completely inert.

Pros of glass

• Completely non-reactive — no staining, no lingering curry or pumpkin smells.
• See-through, so you can tell flavours apart at a glance.
• Oven and microwave friendly (always check the lid is removed or rated).
• Feels sturdy and easy to clean to a truly fresh finish.

Cons of glass

• Heavier to carry, which adds up in a packed nappy bag.
• Can chip or shatter if dropped on tiles — and babies drop things.
• Needs headroom when freezing liquids, as contents expand.

Silicone baby food storage containers

Food-grade silicone has become a favourite for freezing and life on the go, thanks to how light and forgiving it is.

Pros of silicone

• Virtually unbreakable — ideal once your baby is grabbing and dropping.
• Flexible, so frozen portions and cubes pop out easily.
• Feather-light and squeezable, perfect for the freezer, the nappy bag and travel.
• Handles a wide temperature range from freezer to microwave.

Cons of silicone

• Can pick up stains from strongly coloured foods like beetroot or tomato.
• May hold onto odours over time if not cleaned thoroughly.
• Quality varies, so look for genuine food-grade silicone.

Which is right for you?

Think about where your baby food actually spends its time. If you batch-cook on a Sunday and want portions that look beautiful in the fridge, resist stains and go straight from freezer to oven, glass is a lovely fit at home. If you freeze lots of small portions, pack meals for daycare and outings, and want something your baby can drop without a heart-stopping smash, silicone wins on practicality. Many Australian families simply use both — glass for the fridge and oven at home, silicone and reusable food pouches for freezing and feeding on the go. For a broader look at your options, our comparison of reusable food pouches vs glass storage is a useful next read, and our ultimate guide to freezing baby food covers safe portioning.

Tips for storing homemade baby food in either material

• Cool food quickly and refrigerate within an hour or two of cooking.
• Freeze in small, single-serve portions so you only thaw what you need.
• Label and date everything — use the oldest first.
• Thaw in the fridge, not on the bench, and reheat until piping hot, then cool to serve.
• Never refreeze food that's already been thawed.

Store baby food the easy way

However you like to store it, the goal is the same: safe, fresh, fuss-free meals ready when your baby is hungry. Our reusable food pouch and storage range includes lightweight, freezer-friendly options that make batch-cooking and feeding on the go simple, and if you're making your purees from scratch, the Cherub Baby food maker steams and blends fresh produce in one go. Shop baby food storage →

Frequently asked questions

Is glass or silicone better for storing baby food?

Both are safe and non-toxic. Glass is best for the fridge and oven and resists stains, while silicone is lighter, unbreakable and better for freezing and travel. Many families use both.

Is silicone safe for baby food?

Yes, good-quality food-grade silicone is stable and non-toxic, and free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. Choose genuine food-grade silicone from a trusted brand.

Can you freeze baby food in glass containers?

Yes, as long as you leave headroom at the top for the food to expand, use freezer-safe glass, and avoid sudden temperature changes that can crack it.

Does silicone stain when storing baby food?

It can pick up colour from foods like beetroot, tomato and carrot. Rinsing soon after use, a thorough wash and occasional sunlight help keep it fresh.

How long can you store homemade baby food?

Refrigerated homemade baby food is generally used within one to two days, and frozen portions within a month or so. Always reheat until piping hot and never refreeze thawed food.

Are glass and silicone containers microwave safe?

Most are, but always check the manufacturer's guidance and remove or vent lids. Stir reheated food and test the temperature before serving to avoid hot spots.

This article is general information for Australian parents. For tailored advice on introducing and storing solids, your child health nurse or GP is the best place to start.