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by Joanne Lewsley |
Once you’ve made your baby’s feed, it's best to use it as soon as possible. Leaving the milk out of the fridge for too long means that there’s a risk of harmful bacteria growing in it. However, if you make a feed and your baby leaves it untouched, you can keep the milk at room temperature for a short time – no more than two hours. Beyond this time, you will need to throw the milk away and prepare a fresh feed. When your baby has finished a feed, throw any remaining milk away. More advice and information on formula feeding:
Joanne Lewsley is a freelance copywriter and editor, and specialises in creating evidence-based parenting, health and lifestyle web content. When you’re formula feeding your baby, it may seem like you’re making formula all the time. Babies eat often, and their tiny stomachs can only hold so much at once. When your little one constantly wants another bottle, it can be tempting to make your baby formula in batches and have a few days’ worth ready to go. However, you’ve likely also heard that unused prepared formula should be thrown out after 1 hour. There are a lot of safety rules when it comes to making formula. So how long is formula good for? Table of Contents
After preparation, how long can baby formula sit out at room temperature?If you’re switching from breastfeeding to infant formula, it’s important to know that storage recommendations will be different. So how long can formula sit out? Here are the basics: When in doubt, toss unused formula after 1 hour at room tempThere are different recommendations for how long prepared formula (that your baby hasn’t drank from) can be left out at room temperature before it should be discarded. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that formula out for longer than 1 hour at room temperature should be thrown away. They also state that formula that has been out for 1 hour or less can be safely stored in the refrigerator.3 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that formula does not need to be thrown away until it’s been out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. According to them, if it’s been out for less than 2 hours at room temperature, it can safely be moved to the refrigerator for storage.2 Be sure to check the instructions on your specific formula container and when in doubt, be cautious and stick to the 1 hour rule. If your baby drank from the bottle, throw away leftover formula After you prepare formula, any leftovers in the bottle your baby drank from needs to be thrown away. This is because baby’s bottle now contains bacteria from your baby’s mouth, which means it might be contaminated with germs that are likely to multiply.2 How long does prepared formula last in the fridge?How long does formula last in the fridge? That may depend on the type of formula you are using. Powdered FormulaBoth the AAP and the CDC agree that formula made from powder can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. After that, it should be thrown away.2,3 If the formula has been heated, it must be used within an hour of preparation and cannot be refrigerated regardless of whether your baby drank from it.5 Liquid concentrate and ready-to-feed formulaLiquid concentrate formula needs water added to make a bottle and ready-to-feed formula can be given as is.3 Room Temperature: Like powdered formula, concentrate and ready-to-feed formulas last 1 hour at room temperature and bottles should be thrown away instead of stored in the fridge if your baby drinks from them.2 Refrigerated: Bottles prepared from liquid concentrate and open containers of ready-to-feed formula can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours if your baby hasn’t drank from them.2 Do not refrigerate and throw out your formula if:
How long does unopened baby formula last?There are a few important things to know about storing infant formula to keep it fresh and safe. Follow your package directions. It should never be kept somewhere outdoors, like in a car, where the container can get too hot. Powdered Formula
Liquid Concentrate and Ready-to-Feed Formula
How long does baby formula last once the container is open?It’s important to follow the instructions on your formula package. Storage varies by formula type. Powdered Formula
Liquid Concentrate and Ready-to-Feed Formula
Tips for Safely Preparing Infant FormulaIt’s important to review how to mix and store infant formula safely — even if you’re a parenting pro. Remember, measuring infant formula wrong can cause health problems for babies, so it’s always better to double-check yourself in order to safely feed your baby.
What you should know about formula safetyWhile quality infant formula is highly regulated and monitored, you must still follow proper preparation routines to ensure your baby’s health. Here are a few essential takeaways to keep in mind when feeding your baby formula:
Sources: 1- Formula feeding FAQs: preparation and storage | KidsHealth 2- Infant formula preparation and storage | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 3- Are you preparing your baby’s bottles correctly? | American Academy of Pediatrics 4- Feeding your infant: how to prepare and store baby formula | Cleveland Clinic 5- How long is formula good once mixed? And other questions about formula | Healthline 6- Preparation and handling of powdered infant formula: a commentary by the ESPGHAN committee on nutrition | Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition The content on this site is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Discuss any health or feeding concerns with your infant's pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay it based on the content on this page. How long will a bottle of formula last at room temp?How Long Can a Bottle Keep at Room Temperature? Throw out any prepared or ready-to-feed formula that's been sitting out for 2 hours or more, or within 1 hour from start of feeding.
What happens if baby drinks formula after 2 hours?If your baby starts a bottle but doesn't finish it within an hour, throw the leftover formula away. Bacteria from your baby's mouth can seep into the bottle, contaminate the formula, and make your baby sick if they drink it later.
How long can room temperature formula be left out?So, how long can bottles sit out safely? Once you finish feeding your baby, any prepared infant formula left in the bottle should be thrown out within 1 hour. Pre-mixed formula or breast milk stored in clean bottles can be kept longer, depending on the temperature and location.
How long is Similac formula good for after mixed?How long is formula safe to use after being mixed or prepared? Formula made from powder must be used within 24 hours. Ready-to-Feed formulas must be used within 48 to 72 hours after opening according to label directions.
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