Keeping your little one healthy and happy is no small feat. From constant feedings to changing diapers, it’s a non-stop job. And when you’re caring for your infant on top of everything else, keeping track of their formula can be another challenging task. When you’ll need to see the expiration date and storage instructions again? What are the correct storage temperatures? These questions may seem like trivial things that are easy to remember, but as any parent knows, even the smallest details can have big implications. If you’re currently bottle feeding or know someone that is, check out our helpful guide on how long is formula good for and other great advice.
When Can You Use Formula?
There are numerous reasons a newborn may need to be bottle fed, and not all of them are medical. Some mothers have a hard time breastfeeding, whether it’s due to a physical barrier (such as a thyroid disorder) or a psychological barrier (such as a bad experience). Other reasons that a baby may need to be bottle fed include prematurity, jaundice, a cleft lip or palate, and more. All of these situations are completely normal and don’t indicate that the parents are doing anything wrong. Formula is the next best thing to breastmilk, and it’s used frequently throughout the world.
How Long is Formula Safe After Opening?
In general, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommended use by date. This applies whether you’ve opened the container or not. Even if you’ve only taken two scoops out of the can and put the rest back, the clock is still ticking. This is because once the air is introduced to the opened can, the formula is exposed to bacteria that can grow inside the can. The bacteria can actually multiply very quickly unless it’s refrigerated, so the less you take out of the can and the more you leave in the can, the better. The general rule of thumb is that if you’re not going to use the whole can in a couple of days, you should throw out the extra.
When Should You Throw Out Opened Formula?
While you should follow the recommended use by date on the container, it’s also a good idea to throw out any opened formula that’s been sitting out for less than two hours. This is because bacteria have started to grow in the can due to the introduction of air. You should have an idea about how long is prepared formula good for. Once the bacteria enters the can, it can multiply quickly, putting your little one at risk of food poisoning. While the risk of this happening is very low, it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry. If you’re unsure whether the formula is still good, throw it out and start over.
Keeping your little one healthy and happy is no small feat. From constant feedings to changing diapers, it’s a non-stop job. And when you’re caring for your infant on top of everything else, keeping track of their formula can be another challenging task. If you’re currently bottle feeding or know someone that is, this guide can be very helpful.
