While the debate over feeding your baby store-bought baby food vs. making your own is ongoing, there are some things that are not in dispute and that includes the safety basics of baby food. Whether you buy it or make your own, you must take special care with your baby’s food because babies’ immune systems are not as developed as adults and thus they are more susceptible to illness if exposed to germs.

So, before feeding your baby wash your hands. Also, if you are preparing raw food in your kitchen at the same time as you are preparing your baby’s meal, make sure to use separate utensils from those used for cooking to avoid cross-contamination. Finally, be sure to refrigerate or freeze baby food as soon as you are done using it. If you accidentally leave baby food out for two hours, toss it, as harmful bacteria may have grown in it by them.