Is it Safe to Use Microwave for Baby Food?

Food is probably much more important for babies than it is for adults, because unlike adults who have attained a somewhat permanent physique, babies are at the formative phase of their lives. And if they must grow into a vibrant, energetic, and lively adult, it is necessary that their food is taken care of at this stage.

There are actually many questions and conditions surrounding the food babies eat. Mothers have to be careful with a whole lot; not just what they eat, but how what they eat is prepared and maintained too.

No doubt, there will be times when you may make a food that your baby won’t be able to finish, and in a time like this, you will want to save the food for later, because wastage just is not financially wise, right? Heating the food in a microwave looks like the most viable option, but here’s the question:

Is it Safe to Use Microwave for Baby Food?

Microwaves heat baby’s food unevenly. And while one may think that heating it in a jar could bring about a different result, it is often far from the truth. When you hear that microwaving your baby’s food often leaves hot spots on the food, which can burn your baby’s mouth and throat, this is what is meant: the hottest places concentrate in the center of the food, while the coolest places are found in the periphery just beside the glass.

This can mislead you into thinking the food is not too hot. If you must microwave baby foods, here are basic guidelines that could be of help:

• Rather than put the food you want to microwave in a jar, transfer the food into a plate or dish before going ahead to microwave it. This gives you the allowance to stir and taste-test the food’s temperature.
• Put 4 to 5 ounces of baby food in a dish for 15 seconds thereabouts, and then microwave it on high power. Do not forget to stir, leave it to stand for about 30 seconds, and test for the taste before feeding your baby.
• Do not microwave baby food meats, meat sticks, or eggs. Rather than heat these foods in a microwave, subscribe to a stovetop. The reason for the preference of a stovetop to microwave is that, the aforementioned foods are rich in fat contents, and considering the fact that microwaves heat fasts quite faster than other foods, these foods can result in messiness and overheating.

Note: Always stir baby’s food when heating, keep it standing for about 30 seconds, and test for the taste before feeding. A lukewarm taste or feeling is the index of a food that is ideal for baby.

Can You Save Uneaten Baby Food?

It is not news that double dipping can transfer bacteria through a very comprehensive mechanism that we have explained here: When a food is partially eaten, there are always bacteria in the saliva on it, and when such food is dipped again, bacteria spread.

This is the same thing that happens when you feed your baby from a particular jar of food – especially a big one which they cannot finish once, at two different intervals. This manner of feeding transfers bacteria from your baby’s mouth to the spoon and to the food’s jar, where it can fester.

Nothing other than this causes food poisoning in infants and young children, who happen to be at an increased risk; given that their immune system is not mature enough counter these infections.

So, the best thing to do is either find a way to ensure you prepare the quantity of food your baby will be able to finish at once, or in a case of unforeseen excess, throw uneaten food away. The only situation where uneaten food can be retained is, if it hasn’t come in contact with your baby’ saliva.

Can You Microwave Gerber Baby Food?

All baby foods, including Gerber’s, do not need to be heated. It is okay to serve them cold, warm, or at room temperature. Not all babies have a thing for warmed foods, and we are not sure if yours is an exception. But it is not needed to warm food, to start with. Refrigerated foods, however, can be warmed to room temperature.

You should not microwave Gerber baby food, as doing so can result in hot spots. Hotspots can scald your baby’s mouth and kill vital nutrients.

Is Microwave Safe for Baby Milk?

The direct fact is this – it is not recommended to heat your baby’s milk in a microwave, and this is not without a reason. Studies have established it that microwaves do not heat baby’s milk in an even way. This means that while one part may be moderately heated, the other may be acutely heated. The main thing about the danger of microwaving your baby milk, however, is that, it results in hot spots. And these hotspots can leave a scalding effect on your baby’s mouth and throat.

Can You Microwave Cow’s Milk for Baby?

It is not advisable to microwave cow’s milk for baby, as microwaves do not heat evenly. The temperatures at which microwaves heat cow’s milk are dangerously high, and unhealthy for your baby’s system.

Can You Microwave Breast milk for Ten Seconds?

Yes, you can. However, this idea is dependent on the quantity of milk. Ideally, we should not be talking about anything less than 4 oz. of breast milk. A violation of this recommendation is a risk to scald your baby’s throat or mouth.

How Should Breast Milk or Formula be Heated?

The right way for breast milk/formula to be heated is as follows:

• Heat water and when it is very warm (not hot), pour it in a mug or bowl.
• Place the bottle or tightened bag of breast milk in the bowl.
• Leave the milk until it reaches a temperature you like.

Conclusion

Microwaving food is one of the conveniences that come with the modern era in which we live. It is just that the story is a tad different when it comes to baby food. In this article, we have provided answers to all the questions you may have about heating your baby’s food, or breast milk in the microwave.