6 of the best insulated flasks and jars for baby food 2024
WHAT IS AN INSULATED FLASK AND WHY IS IT USEFUL WITH BABIES?
A thermal flask or jar is a double-walled container that can keep food hot or cold. They can be useful for taking warm food out with you like purées, stews or pasta and also for keeping cold food fresher for longer.
As your child gets older they can be used for warm food in their nursery or school lunch box.
What features should you look out for?
How long they can keep food hot or cold?
Some come with utensils like a spork (a spoon/fork hybrid).
Is the top wide enough to be easily eaten out of?
Leakproof flasks.
Dishwasher-safe flasks.
The design. A more neutral design might be used for longer and for adult soups and stews. Whereas a more fun design might make it more appealing to a weaning baby.
How do you use an insulated food jar?
To keep warm food hotter for longer, pre-fill the flask with boiling water, put on the lid and leave for around 5 minutes. Then pour away the water and add the hot food.
WHICH ARE THE BEST BABY FOOD FLASKS TO BUY?
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 6 February 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. SKIP HOP INSULATED FOOD JAR
Keeps food warm for 7 hours and cold for 5 hours.
Capacity of 325ml.
Comes with a spork but the utensil holder can fit most forks or spoons.
Made from stainless steel.
BPA free.
Not suitable for the dishwasher or microwave.
Several animal designs are available.
2. MUMMY COOKS INSULATED CHILDREN’S FOOD FLASK
A food flask by weaning expert ‘Mummy Cooks’ Siobhan Berry.
Keeps food hot or cold for up to six hours.
300ml capacity.
Extra-wide mouth for easy filling, eating from and cleaning.
Made from stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.
Comes with letter and food stickers so the jar can be customised. They stay in place after washing.
Handwash only. Not suitable for a microwave.
3. THERMOS FUNTAINER FOOD FLASK
Keeps food hot for five hours and cold for seven hours.
Capacity of 290ml.
Made from stainless steel with a BPA-free plastic lid.
Not suitable for the dishwasher.
Comes in four designs.
4. Navaris Kids Stainless Steel Food Flask
This has a large capacity of 500ml so could have a longer lifespan.
It can keep food warm for up to five hours and cold for up to ten hours.
Dishwasher safe.
Height of 15.4cm and diameter of 9cm.
Made from food-grade stainless steel.
Wide mouth for easy filling and eating.
Leakproof.
Made by a German company.
5. NUBY THERMOS JAR
Keeps food warm for five hours and cool for seven hours.
Comes with a spork and a holder for it.
BPA free.
6. BÉABA THERMAL MEAL PRESERVATION CONTAINER
Keeps food cold for seven hours and hot for five hours.
Capacity of 300ml but also available in 500ml.
Made from stainless steel and is 100% airtight.
Hand wash only.
Comes in two different colours.
Some baby products are useful for longer than others. If you’re in two minds about whether to buy something, it can be worth considering its lifespan. The longer you use it, the better the cost per use and the more it will justify its place in your home. Here are thirteen baby products that are still in active service with my now five-year-old.