Avoiding BPA in Baby Food Containers: Baby Cubes to the Rescue

Sometimes it’s nice to find a simple solution in our quest to remove BPA from our children’s diet.  Baby Cubes by Juvenile Solutions, Inc. make if possible for non-gourmet parents like me to whip up chemical free home-made baby food.

Not only are Baby Cubes made from BPA, PVC and Phthalate free virgin polypropylene, they also offer so many other benefits:

  • Reusable
  • Individual lids are attached
  • Dishwasher and freezer safe
  • Stackable, saving freezer space
  • Each individual cube snaps into place, keeping everything secure
  • Reduce food waste by allowing you to defrost only what you need
  • Keep track of freshness by writing the date of preparation on the tray with a dry erase marker

We asked a fellow mommy blogger to give them a try.  Take a look at what Beth of Petite Planet had to say:

I am no Donna Reed. I’m domestically challenged in several ways. I don’t wear aprons, I only recently caught on to ironing, I’m a bad cook, (I do try!) I can’t remember the last time I wore pearls, and I’ve never worn red lipstick.

But let me just tell you, I made Olivia’s baby food from scratch yesterday, and I couldn’t feel more proud if I was suddenly in black and white offering a plate of freshly baked cookies to a bunch of kids just home from school.

If I could do this, anyone can. I mean, I burn water for goodness sake.

I started with Olivia’s favorite food to date: sweet potatoes, also known as yams. I bought one large organic yam (remember: ONLY buy organic fruits and vegetables, locally grown if possible!) at Whole Foods, washed it, poked holes in it, and baked it at 400 degrees for one hour. After cooled, the skin peeled right off. I then chopped up the yam, tossed it in the blender and pureed it, adding spring water until it reached the desired consistency.

I imagine this will get easier with more practice, but I won’t lie… popping open a jar of Earth’s Best organic baby food is much more simple. However, ahem, drumroll please… one organic yam cost me $1.81 and yielded me NINE servings. A single serving jar of Earth’s Best costs me .79 cents!

And no more need to recycle glass jars. I used Baby Cubes from The Soft Landing. They are non-toxic and quite ingenious. Their lids are attached, and once you fill them, you snap the lid on tight, place them in their stackable tray and put them in the freezer. You may also use a dry erase marker to jot down the contents and date on them if you wish. The only problem is, I want more than 8 cubes! I need more! I think I may go on a pureeing spree. Now, where are those pearls…

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  • Gail

    Are the cubes microwaveable? How do you warm the food from the freezer to serve?

  • Gail

    Are the cubes microwaveable? How do you warm the food from the freezer to serve?

  • http://www.emandthegang.blogspot.com Em

    This is great! I don’t have a baby using babyfood anymore, but if I did, these would be on my list immediately!

  • http://www.emandthegang.blogspot.com Em

    This is great! I don’t have a baby using babyfood anymore, but if I did, these would be on my list immediately!

  • Virginia G

    As the mom of a 7 1/2-mo-old, I’ve been making his purees and mashes for a month or so now – once you get the hang of the steaming/baking, and if you have a food processor handy, it’s pretty darn easy! These things are really cute. But I gotta say…what’s wrong with good old ice-cube trays? I just spoon the stuff right from the food processor to the tray, freeze overnight, and pop them out and seal in quart-size double-sealed freezer bags labeled with type and date. I can mix and match cubes for lunch and dinner, use only what I need, and not take up valuable freezer space (since I already have breast milk storage trays in there and adult food) – the bags seem to take up less room. Granted, you have to transfer the cubes to a BPA/PVC/pthalate-free serving dish, but I pull out his lunch and dinner the night before, dish it up, and pop the dishes in the fridge to slowly (safely) thaw – they’re ready to go by the next day. Of course, I haven’t looked for BPA/pthalates in my ice cube trays….

  • Virginia G

    As the mom of a 7 1/2-mo-old, I’ve been making his purees and mashes for a month or so now – once you get the hang of the steaming/baking, and if you have a food processor handy, it’s pretty darn easy! These things are really cute. But I gotta say…what’s wrong with good old ice-cube trays? I just spoon the stuff right from the food processor to the tray, freeze overnight, and pop them out and seal in quart-size double-sealed freezer bags labeled with type and date. I can mix and match cubes for lunch and dinner, use only what I need, and not take up valuable freezer space (since I already have breast milk storage trays in there and adult food) – the bags seem to take up less room. Granted, you have to transfer the cubes to a BPA/PVC/pthalate-free serving dish, but I pull out his lunch and dinner the night before, dish it up, and pop the dishes in the fridge to slowly (safely) thaw – they’re ready to go by the next day. Of course, I haven’t looked for BPA/pthalates in my ice cube trays….

  • Gail

    Or do you just take the cube from freezer to fridge and let it defrost naturally and then serve it cool/room temp.

  • Gail

    Or do you just take the cube from freezer to fridge and let it defrost naturally and then serve it cool/room temp.

  • Kirstin

    I love these and plan on using them. However, what do you do when you’re on the go and can’t take them because you won’t have a microwave? Does anyone know of baby food in jars that does not contain BPA?

  • Kirstin

    I love these and plan on using them. However, what do you do when you’re on the go and can’t take them because you won’t have a microwave? Does anyone know of baby food in jars that does not contain BPA?

  • megan

    once the food is frozen, just pop the contents out into a freezer bag. label the freezer bag with the date/kind of food. this way you can reuse the cubes for another batch. when it’s time to heat a food cube you can let it thaw in the fridge or warm it up. no need to stick the plastic in the microwave.

  • megan

    once the food is frozen, just pop the contents out into a freezer bag. label the freezer bag with the date/kind of food. this way you can reuse the cubes for another batch. when it’s time to heat a food cube you can let it thaw in the fridge or warm it up. no need to stick the plastic in the microwave.

  • Virginia G

    With the ice cube tray method, I just let them defrost naturally in the fridge and take them out of the fridge a little before the meal to come to room temp. I have, on occasion, forgotten to prep a meal and just microwaved it (being careful about what kind of container it’s in). I would think you could do the same thing with these individual cube containers!

  • Virginia G

    With the ice cube tray method, I just let them defrost naturally in the fridge and take them out of the fridge a little before the meal to come to room temp. I have, on occasion, forgotten to prep a meal and just microwaved it (being careful about what kind of container it’s in). I would think you could do the same thing with these individual cube containers!

  • http://familyofn.wordpress.com Laura

    Anyone ever tried canning jars? They sell 4oz jars for jams and jellies (something like http://www.amazon.com/JARDEN-HOME-BRANDS-80400-Jelly/dp/B000VTSYA8); I’ve been considering using those so I don’t have to worry about the plastic at all. These can be put in the freezer as well.

    My main problem is where to get them without having to pay shipping — maybe craft supply stores?

  • Laura

    Anyone ever tried canning jars? They sell 4oz jars for jams and jellies (something like http://www.amazon.com/JARDEN-HOME-BRANDS-80400-Jelly/dp/B000VTSYA8); I’ve been considering using those so I don’t have to worry about the plastic at all. These can be put in the freezer as well.

    My main problem is where to get them without having to pay shipping — maybe craft supply stores?

  • callmeabookworm

    What a great review! Almost makes me want to try it myself… almost :)

  • callmeabookworm

    What a great review! Almost makes me want to try it myself… almost :)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • http://roxtarchic.blogspot.com/ CJ’s Mommy

    thanks megan… i just started making some food myself (one batch of sweet potatoes and one batch of carrots) AND… i never even thought of popping them out of the cubes to putting em in bags… GENIUS haha
    that also makes the thawing easier, thanks for the tip.

    the sweet potatoes were SOOOO easy, and the carrots weren’t much more difficult (took them a lil longer to puree is all).

    not to mention… i’m ridiculously proud of myself too… (which is kinda funny)

  • Shannon D.

    I have to say I go with Virginia’s method. My son is also 7 1/2 months now and I’ve got it down to a science. Virginia-you can check Rubbermaid’s website and there are actual photos of the BPA free products (including ice cube trays) they have. To Gail- I never microwave anything but glass-there is just too much stuff out there! I also have these cubes and before I started using ice cube trays I would freeze the cubes, then take them out and let them sit a room temperature for about 10 minutes and they usually slide right out into a bag for freezing. To Kirstin-you can buy Earth’s Best organic baby food in glass jars at Babies R Us, Target, Whole foods, even Safeway carries them. If you aren’t near any of those stores then you can always order them online. It’s great quality food for on the go.

  • Shannon D.

    I have to say I go with Virginia’s method. My son is also 7 1/2 months now and I’ve got it down to a science. Virginia-you can check Rubbermaid’s website and there are actual photos of the BPA free products (including ice cube trays) they have. To Gail- I never microwave anything but glass-there is just too much stuff out there! I also have these cubes and before I started using ice cube trays I would freeze the cubes, then take them out and let them sit a room temperature for about 10 minutes and they usually slide right out into a bag for freezing. To Kirstin-you can buy Earth’s Best organic baby food in glass jars at Babies R Us, Target, Whole foods, even Safeway carries them. If you aren’t near any of those stores then you can always order them online. It’s great quality food for on the go.

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  • Natalie

    No need for a blender or food processor folks. I now live in Portugal and everyone here uses a hand blender (you can find them everywhere for $20 or so) and a deep bowl. Hand blenders are so much easier to clean up and store. After blending, use a spatula and smooth over ice cube trays. Once frozen, run water over the bottom of the tray and pop into freezer safe containers or bags. Easy.

  • Natalie

    No need for a blender or food processor folks. I now live in Portugal and everyone here uses a hand blender (you can find them everywhere for $20 or so) and a deep bowl. Hand blenders are so much easier to clean up and store. After blending, use a spatula and smooth over ice cube trays. Once frozen, run water over the bottom of the tray and pop into freezer safe containers or bags. Easy.

  • virginia

    Laura, if you have a decent-sized grocery store nearby, most sell basic canning supplies (jelly jars in various sizes and lids). If you don’t have much experience canning, you might want to get a how-to book. Most fruits ‘can’ well using a boiling method, but veggies are a little trickier as they can encourage bacterial growth unless they have a lot of vinegar (like pickles) – which your child might not like…..

  • virginia

    Laura, if you have a decent-sized grocery store nearby, most sell basic canning supplies (jelly jars in various sizes and lids). If you don’t have much experience canning, you might want to get a how-to book. Most fruits ‘can’ well using a boiling method, but veggies are a little trickier as they can encourage bacterial growth unless they have a lot of vinegar (like pickles) – which your child might not like…..

  • Karissa

    I thought I posted a comment the other day, but I don’t see it or a reply, so I’ll post again!

    I’m prepping to start solids and wanted to order the cubes (among a few other things), but you’re out of stock and it doesn’t look like I can place a backorder. Do you know when you’ll be getting them in?

  • Karissa

    I thought I posted a comment the other day, but I don’t see it or a reply, so I’ll post again!

    I’m prepping to start solids and wanted to order the cubes (among a few other things), but you’re out of stock and it doesn’t look like I can place a backorder. Do you know when you’ll be getting them in?

  • Melissa

    hi, i have the same question as karissa. i would love to order a couple of sets of the baby cubes. can you let us know when you might have more?
    your site is the best. thank you so much.
    melissa

  • Melissa

    hi, i have the same question as karissa. i would love to order a couple of sets of the baby cubes. can you let us know when you might have more?
    your site is the best. thank you so much.
    melissa

  • http://www.thesoftlanding.com softlanding

    Hi Karissa and Melissa,

    We have a nice size shipment on backorder with the company. We’re hoping they’ll arrive by the end of July.

    Alicia

  • http://www.thesoftlanding.com softlanding

    Hi Karissa and Melissa,

    We have a nice size shipment on backorder with the company. We’re hoping they’ll arrive by the end of July.

    Alicia

  • Kirstin

    Shannon D and others,
    My understanding is that ALL baby food in jars containes BPA – even organic Earth’s Best. I’m very disappointed about this.

  • Kirstin

    Shannon D and others,
    My understanding is that ALL baby food in jars containes BPA – even organic Earth’s Best. I’m very disappointed about this.

  • Adi Kaplan

    don’t the plastic freezer bags contain BPA? doesn’t that defeat the whole purpose of buying these BPA free containers?