Babies' immune systems are less developed than adults. That puts them at greater risk of illness from harmful bacteria in foods.So it is more important to:

• Be a clean cook
• Control food temperatures
• Keep bacteria at bay
• Store food safely

Keep the kitchen extra clean - including the floor where babies love to crawl. Remember, bacteria and babies can travel fast!

Store any extra food prepared (but not served) in a clean, covered container, in the fridge, at between 0-5 degrees centigrade and use within 48 hours.

Always follow instructions on cooking times and temperatures.

For ready-made foods:

• Check datemarks.
• Check that safety seals are intact when first opening food packaging.
• Read labels carefully and follow all instructions on storage, preparation and cooking times and temperatures.

For foods prepared at home:

• Defrost frozen ingredients thoroughly (in the fridge or microwave), unless the label states otherwise.
• Cook foods thoroughly, until piping hot, then allow to cool until comfortable to eat.
• Cook eggs until the white and yolk are solid.

For all foods:

• After heating foods or drinks in a microwave oven, stir them thoroughly and allow to stand for a couple of minutes to avoid hot or cold spots. Check temperatures before serving.
• For young babies, sterilise bottles and eating utensils by boiling in water, soaking in a sterilising solution or using a steam steriliser.
• When adding water to baby foods, milks and other drinks always use cooled, boiled water.
• Wipe high chairs, bibs and eating areas with an anti-bacterial cleaner before and after every meal.
• Keep the kitchen extra clean - including the floor where babies love to crawl.
• Teach young children to wash their hands before touching food and after using the toilet - make sure you do so too.
• Keep dirty nappies away from food and food preparation areas and always wash hands after handling dirty nappies.
• Store any extra food prepared (but not served) in a clean, covered container, in the coldest part of the fridge, at between 0-5 deg C and use within 48 hours. Never leave food in open cans.
• Eat food as soon as it's ready.
• Throw away unfinished drinks and food scraps left on the plate.
• Change towels and kitchen cloths daily.

For more information on Food Safety for Childminders click  Childminders