When it comes to infant formula, proper storage and handling are key to ensuring your baby’s health and safety. Once made up, formula can go bad quickly if not stored properly. Here we will go over how long you can keep formula refrigerated or at room temperature once prepared.
Quick Summary
- Prepared formula can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Prepared formula should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Any formula not used within these time frames should be discarded.
- Always follow storage guidelines from the formula manufacturer.
- Look for signs of spoilage before feeding prepared formula to your baby.
How Long Can Prepared Formula be Refrigerated?
Prepared infant formula can safely be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Refrigeration is important for keeping bacteria growth to a minimum. Here are some key refrigerator storage guidelines for prepared formula:
- Store prepared formula toward the back of the refrigerator, not on the door.
- Ensure the temperature is 40°F or colder.
- Cover the container tightly.
- Label the container with the date and time it was prepared.
- Discard after 24 hours.
Some parents wonder if prepared formula can be frozen for later use. However, freezing is not recommended as it can cause the formula to separate and lose nutritional value. Refrigeration is the best storage method.
What Temperature is Safe for Refrigerated Formula?
Prepared infant formula should be refrigerated at 40°F or colder as soon as possible after making it. Storing at this cooler temperature helps prevent bacterial growth. The back of the refrigerator tends to be the coldest area.
If possible, keep a refrigerator thermometer inside your unit to monitor that it stays 40°F or under. This ensures your refrigerator is cold enough to safely store prepared formula.
Should Formula be Covered When Refrigerated?
Yes, prepared formula stored in the refrigerator should always be covered tightly with an airtight lid. An example is the lid that comes with bottle sets. Covering the container helps block contaminants and prevents spills.
Make sure the storage container is also clean. Wash containers in hot, soapy water after each use.
Why Label Prepared Formula Containers?
Clearly labeling prepared formula bottles or containers with the date and time is recommended. This allows you to easily track how long it has been refrigerated. Formula that is too old may spoil and make a baby sick if consumed.
Write the date and time prepared on a piece of masking tape and stick it to the container. This prevents giving your baby accidentally spoiled formula.
Room Temperature Storage Time for Prepared Formula
While refrigeration is best, prepared infant formula can also be safely kept at room temperature for a short period. Here are the guidelines:
- Store prepared formula no longer than 2 hours at room temperature.
- The room temperature should be no warmer than 77°F.
- Discard any formula left sitting out longer than 2 hours.
- Do not return formula to the refrigerator after sitting at room temp.
Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature, so storage times must be limited. Leaving prepared formula out too long provides an environment where dangerous bacteria can quickly multiply.
Why Can’t Formula be Returned to the Fridge?
Once prepared formula has been left at room temperature for any length of time, it should not go back into the refrigerator. Returned formula may contain bacteria that has started growing. Refrigerating won’t stop the bacteria from continuing to proliferate.
For this reason, any prepared formula left sitting out should be thrown away after 2 hours. It’s best to only make smaller batches if you want your baby’s formula readily available at room temp.
Does Room Temperature Formula Need to be Covered?
Yes, any prepared formula left out at room temperature should still be kept covered, just like when refrigerated. Keeping the container covered helps prevent contamination from particles in the air or other environmental contaminants.
Watch for Signs of Spoiled Formula
When storing prepared infant formula, always inspect it carefully before feeding to your baby. Look for these signs that may mean the formula is spoiled and should be discarded:
- Formula is past the safe storage timeframe
- Change in color or consistency
- Separation or curdling
- Smells sour, rancid, or strange
- Has fizzing or foam
Prepared formula can go bad quickly if mishandled. When in doubt, it’s best to play it safe and throw away formula past the recommended storage times. Making a fresh bottle is better than taking risks with your baby’s health.
Following the Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Along with the general refrigeration and room temperature guidelines, always follow the specific storage instructions provided by your formula manufacturer.
Storage directions can vary slightly between different formula brands and types. The manufacturer has tested their product extensively and provides use instructions for safety.
You should find storage guidelines printed on the formula label or can. Be sure to read and adhere to them closely.
Example Formula Storage Guidelines
Here are some examples of typical formula storage guidelines from manufacturers:
| Formula Type | Refrigerated | Room Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Similac Advance Powder | 24 hours | 2 hours |
| Enfamil NeuroPro Infant | 24 hours | 1 hour |
| Gerber Good Start GentlePro | 24 hours | 2 hours |
As shown, most standard formulas follow the general guidelines of 24 hours refrigerated and up to 2 hours at room temperature. But always verify with your specific brand.
Does Prepared Formula Go Bad Faster in Summer?
You may wonder if prepared formula spoils faster in the summer months when temperatures are hotter. Higher air temperatures can shorten the safe storage times.
Here are some tips for keeping formula safe in summer:
- Refrigerate prepared formula as soon as possible.
- Don’t let formula sit at room temperature longer than 1 hour if over 90°F.
- Keep formula stored in cooler bag when on-the-go.
- Throw away any formula left in hot car.
The warmer weather means you need to be extra diligent about proper refrigeration and limited time at room temp. This prevents bacterial growth during summer.
Can You Freeze Prepared Formula?
Freezing prepared infant formula is generally not recommended. The freezing process can cause the formula to separate, and important nutrients may breakdown.
However, some parents do freeze prepared formula in ice cube trays for later use. There are a few precautions to take if you wish to try this method:
- Only freeze formula in sterile ice cube trays.
- Transfer to an airtight container once frozen.
- Thaw slowly in refrigerator before using.
- Use within 24 hours once thawed.
- Never refreeze thawed formula.
Again, freezing prepared formula is not considered an ideal storage method. It’s best to stick to refrigeration whenever possible.
Does Light Exposure Affect Prepared Formula?
Direct sunlight and UV light can degrade the nutrients in infant formula over time. To prevent nutrient loss, prepared formula should not be stored in direct sunlight or under artificial UV light.
Here are some tips to limit light exposure when storing prepared formula:
- Store in an interior refrigerator shelf, not on the door.
- If refrigerating in a clear container, wrap with a light blocking cover.
- Avoid letting prepared bottles sit in direct sunlight.
- Use opaque formula bottles that don’t allow light through.
Limiting light exposure helps formula retain its nutritional integrity and quality.
Does Prepared Formula Need to be Warmed Before Serving?
Prepared infant formula does not necessarily need to be warmed before feeding to your baby. It can safely be fed at cool refrigerator temperature.
However, some babies may prefer the formula to be warmed as it may be more palatable. Here are warming guidelines:
- Warm refrigerated formula by placing bottle in warm water.
- Do not microwave formula as it creates hot spots.
- Use cooled boiled water to mix powder formula.
- Test temperature before feeding.
Warming prepared formula can stimulate the flow of breastmilk for nursing mothers. But always check temperature first to avoid scalding.
Does Prepared Formula Need to be Used Immediately?
It’s fine to prepare infant formula in advance and refrigerate or store at room temp per guidelines. Prepared formula does not need to be used right away.
But once baby has started drinking a bottle, leftover formula should be discarded within 1-2 hours. Backwash from baby’s mouth introduces bacteria.
Never save leftovers after baby has drunk from the bottle. And always prepare fresh bottles as needed.
Conclusion
Following proper storage times and temperatures is essential for keeping prepared infant formula safe. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, store at room temperature no longer than 2 hours, and watch for signs of spoilage.
Always read the label and follow manufacturer’s instructions for the specific formula brand you are using. Properly handled prepared formula will retain nutrients and help keep baby healthy.
