If you’re prepping formula bottles for your infant, you need to know how long does a formula bottle last at room temperature. For the safest bottle-feeding experience, continue reading for crucial formula feeding advice.
A steep learning curve comes with being a new parent, particularly when it comes to feeding your child. We consulted experts in pediatric nutrition to get their advice on how to properly prepare, store, and serve baby formula so that you could get up to speed quickly.
Table of Contents
How Long Does Formula Last?
When you’re prepared to open, serve, and store larger cans and bottles of formula, it’s crucial to carefully read the labels. Here’s more about how long formula lasts:
Does Formula Go Bad?
Check that the powder, concentrate, or ready-to-serve formula isn’t past its expiration date, hasn’t been recalled, or isn’t otherwise damaged (dented, leaking, or rusty) before opening it.
Expiration dates are typically stamped on the can’s top, bottom, or side, or on the label of ready-to-serve products. Any type of infant formula that has not been opened should be kept inside the home in a cool, dry location and used before the expiration date.
Once Opened, How Long Does Baby Formula Last?
A powdered formula container should generally be consumed within 30 days of being opened. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), write the date on the lid when you first open the container so you’ll remember it.
Powder should be kept in a cool, dry location in the house, tightly sealed at room temperature. Concentrate or ready-to-serve formulas in opened cans or bottles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
Can You Freeze Formula?
No matter the type, freezing formula is not advised because it might cause the mixture to separate and jeopardize its safety.
It’s best to mix up small bottles of formula that your baby can finish within the allotted time in order to prevent formula waste. If she still needs more, mix up a little more.
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Tips for Using Baby Formula
Like anything else baby-related, formula preparation, storage, and serving call for special consideration. For your baby to receive formula safely, keep in mind these suggestions.
Read the Label
Examine the label of your particular formula product for the most recent instructions on how to prepare baby formula. Detailed instructions for preparing, storing, and diluting your formula are provided, along with handling advice. Use the CDC’s preparation instructions if you intend to give powdered formula to a baby who is very young, premature, or has a compromised immune system.
Store All Containers in a Cool, Dry Place
All unopened baby formula should be stored in a dry, cool area with the lid on. The CDC advises against storing unopened formula in:
- Vehicles
- Garages
- Outdoors
Practice Safe Handling
When preparing baby formula, be sure to follow these safety guidelines:
- Before making bottles, wash your hands and the area where you work.
- After cleaning the bottles in hot, soapy water, sterilize them at a rolling boil. Although 5 minutes of boiling is frequently advised, always follow the instructions on the package. A plug-in steamer or a microwave can also be used to sterilize bottles. Before using the bottles, cool them.
- Never microwave formula because doing so can cause uneven heating and put your baby at risk for burns.
Plan Your Formula Prep Based on How Often Your Baby Feeds
While some parents decide to mix the bottles all day, Dr. The risk of bacterial contamination, Fish cautions, may not be worth it. Instead, parents might decide to settle for a secure compromise.
For instance, Chaparro advises pre-measuring powder and water and delaying mixing them until right before serving. If your infant feeds every three to four hours, you will require six to eight bottles per day.
What You Should Know About Formula Safety?
Despite the rigorous regulation and oversight that go into producing high-quality infant formula, you must still follow the right preparation procedures to guarantee the health of your child. Here are a few essential takeaways to keep in mind when feeding your baby formula:
- Be sure to use prepared, refrigerated formula within 24 hours
- Always read the label for specific instructions
- Store unused formula in the fridge within 1 hour of mixing
- Discard any leftover formula from a bottle your baby drank from
- Heat bottles safely and never in the microwave
- Never use formula past its expiration date
FAQs
How Long is a Warmed Formula Bottle Good For?
If you do not start to use the prepared infant formula within 2 hours, immediately store the bottle in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.
How Long Does Baby Formula Powder Last?
Most infant formulas need to be used within 1 month of opening the container (check the label). Write the date on the lid of the container before you open it to help you remember.
