Jangan Keliru! Ini 5 Cara Menghangatkan MPASI Paling Aman

Just like breast milk, the way you reheat baby food (MPASI) should not be done carelessly as it can damage the texture, taste, and nutrients. Unfortunately, many parents still do not fully understand this. In fact, complementary foods are an important source of nutrition that affects a baby's growth and development. So, what is the correct way to heat baby food? Check out the full information in the following article.

How to Heat Up Baby Food (MPASI)

Bunda needs to know that there are at least 5 methods that can be applied to heat up baby food, namely by steaming, soaking it in warm water, or using baby food warming tools such as microwave, slow cooker, and food warmer.

Every mother may have different choices or preferences in choosing the right method. Well, Bunda does not need to be confused because the review below will thoroughly examine the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

1. Steaming

Heating baby food by steaming is the method most often chosen by mothers. Besides being easy, this method also ensures that the nutrients in the baby food are maintained so it is healthier for your little one to eat. Not only that, the original taste and texture of the baby food are preserved, making it remain appealing to the baby.

The process of heating food by steaming also minimizes contamination and the heating is more even. However, some mothers find this method less practical because it takes longer and requires monitoring so that the water does not run out.

For those of you who are interested in this method, you can follow the steps as follows.

• Prepare a steamer pot and add enough water.
• Use a steamer basket or a perforated container suitable for holding baby food.
• Ensure the water in the pot does not touch the steamer basket. Too much water can cause the food to become too wet.
• Heat the steamer pot until the water boils and produces steam.
• Place the baby food in a heat-resistant container (e.g., stainless steel or glass container) and place the container on the steamer basket.
• Cover the pot tightly and steam the baby food for 5-10 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• After steaming, stir the baby food and check its temperature before giving it to the baby. Make sure it is not too hot.

2. Soaking in Warm Water

The next method that Bunda can try is by soaking baby food in warm water. It sounds simple, indeed, because Bunda just needs to soak the baby food container in warm water until it reaches the desired temperature.

Although easy and practical, its application is only suitable for single-serve pre-packaged baby food as it is less effective for large amounts of food. In addition, this method is more prone to contamination, especially if the water is not clean. For the steps themselves, Bunda can check them as follows.

• Prepare a container containing warm water (temperature around 40-50°C)
• Place the baby food container into the warm water
• Soak for 5-10 minutes or until the temperature reaches 70°C
• The baby food is ready to be served

3. Using a Microwave

Using a microwave is often used as a shortcut for mothers to heat up baby food. Using this baby food warming tool is indeed fast and practical, but unfortunately, it can destroy nutrients if done incorrectly.

Additionally, not all food containers can go into a microwave, so Bunda must prepare a special container that is heat-resistant up to 180 degrees Celsius, such as Hegen Breastmilk Storage. To avoid destroying the nutrients in the food, Bunda should follow these steps.

• Transfer the baby food to a microwave-safe container
• Heat at a low (defrost) or medium temperature for 30-60 seconds
• Stir well and check the temperature before giving it to the baby

4. Using a Slow Cooker

To heat up baby food in large quantities, using a slow cooker is the right choice. Besides that, this tool can better maintain the nutrients and taste of the food, making it healthier for your little one.

However, the process is longer, so Bunda must pay attention to when the baby will be fed so that preparations can be made beforehand. The following is how to heat up baby food using a slow cooker that needs attention.

• Transfer the baby food into the slow cooker
• Set the temperature to low (low) or warm (warm)
• Heat for 1-2 hours or until the temperature reaches 70°C
• Check the food temperature before giving it to your little one

5. Utilizing a Food Warmer

Compared to a microwave and slow cooker, using a food warmer is considered more ideal for heating baby food. This is because this tool is specifically designed for warming food, including baby food. In addition to being easy and practical, this baby food warmer can be carried anywhere, making it suitable for Bunda who likes to travel.

However, Bunda must prepare a larger budget if you want to buy it because the price is relatively expensive. Let's see how to heat up baby food with a food warmer below.

• Transfer the baby food into the food warmer
• Turn on the food warmer and adjust the temperature as needed
• Keep the baby food warm until it is ready to be served

Read also: Create a Baby Food Schedule With These 9 Ways, The Baby Will Surely Want to Eat!

Tips for Heating Baby Food

In addition to learning various ways to heat up baby food, the following is a summary of various tips so that baby food remains safe, healthy, and nutrient-rich after the heating process.

• Make sure all equipment used, including pots, steamer baskets, and storage containers, are clean and sterile before use.
• Use glass, stainless steel, or PPSU material that is safe for heating. Avoid using plastic containers as they can release harmful chemicals when heated.
• Always check the temperature of the baby food before giving it to the baby (ideally 37°C).
• Stir the baby food well after heating to ensure even temperature.
• Do not reheat baby food more than once to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination.
• Use a microwave only if necessary.
• If using a microwave, use a microwave-safe container and heat for a short time (10-15 seconds).
• If using a slow cooker, do not leave the baby food in it for too long to avoid it becoming overcooked.
• Avoid adding sugar or salt to reheated baby food, as babies do not need extra sugar or salt in their food.
• When steaming or heating with a double boiler, use a lid to keep the steam and temperature consistent.
• Store baby food in a tightly sealed container and keep it in the refrigerator if not used immediately. Baby food stored in the refrigerator should ideally be consumed within 24-48 hours.

Also read: These Are 6 Reasons Why Babies Refuse Solid Food and Their Solutions

Choosing the right container for baby food is very important, considering not all materials are safe for heating. To address your concerns, Hegen is here with its featured product: Hegen Breastmilk Storage.

Hegen Breastmilk Storage ensures that the process of heating baby food menus remains safe, healthy, and consistently preserves nutrients because it is made from the best BPA-free PPSU material, is resistant to temperatures of 180 degrees Celsius, and is environmentally friendly.

Not only that, Hegen baby food containers are also functional and can be used to store breast milk as well as serve as baby bottles. Do not hesitate to purchase products from Hegen because their quality is guaranteed and they truly understand the needs of modern mothers. Click here to get other products right now!

References:

1. Rachel Johnson. The Safest Ways to Warm Up Baby Food. https://cookanyday.com/blogs/news/the-safest-ways-to-warm-up-baby-food
2. Reheated.org. The Ultimate Guide on How to Reheat Baby Food: Quick and Easy Methods. https://reheated.org/how-to-reheat-baby-food/
3. Stephanie Brown. Should I Warm My Baby's Food Before a Feeding? https://www.verywellfamily.com/do-i-have-to-warm-my-babys-food-290123