Is it safe to heat baby food in plastic containers?
Avoid heating baby food in plastic. Heat can increase food contact with the container, and one study found chemicals transferred from plastic food packaging after cooking. Warm food in glass or ceramic, then serve it in an age-appropriate dish.
Baby food should not be heated in plastic. Heat, oil, and time can raise contact between food and the container. Babies also eat from the same feeding setup many times, so a better routine is worth it.
Warm baby food in glass or ceramic. Then serve it in stainless steel, ceramic, glass, bamboo, or wood when that makes sense for the child's age and breakage risk.
What the evidence says
A 2026 Food Safety study explains that migration testing is needed because chemicals can move from plastic utensils, containers, and packaging into food-like liquids. A 2026 Food Chemistry study found several chemicals transferred from plastic food-contact materials after cooking. A 2026 Journal of Hazardous Materials study also found migrating substances from plastic and paper-based food-contact materials in lab tests. These sources support avoiding heat in plastic without claiming every baby container releases the same thing.
Better baby-food routine
- Warm mashed foods, soups, and sauces in glass or ceramic.
- Do not microwave baby food in plastic pouches, tubs, or trays.
- Stir well and test the temperature before serving.
- Retire scratched, cloudy, or worn plastic containers.
Glass storage jars are useful for parent-handled warming and storing. For serving, choose the dish that fits your child's age and breakage risk.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
Use glass storage jars for parent-handled warming and storing baby food.
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