Some background-formula is food. As such, we must follow food safety rules when preparing, using, and storing formula! These rules exist to help prevent bacterial contamination and keep your little one healthy and safe.

The formula can be expensive, but it is super important for your baby’s health to toss a formula that is no longer considered safe according to the CDC guidelines.

• 24 hours

Prepared formula i.e., mixed powder formula that’s unused/has not been offered to your little one, is good in the fridge for up to 24 hours with an ideal fridge temperature of 37 degrees.

• 2 hours

The prepared formula that has not yet been offered to your babe can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours after mixing!

• 1 hour

After the bottle has touched your baby’s lips, it must be tossed within an hour. This is because bacteria have been inducted into the bottle from your baby’s mouth and these bacteria can grow to an unsafe level over time.

The opened ready-to-feed formula that is unused and hasn’t been offered can be stored in the fridge for 48 hours or as indicated on the label.

Worried about wasting formula? I have got 2 tips for you!

• Use a formula mixing pitcher and pour a conservative amount into each bottle. If the baby drains the bottle and is still acting hungry, top-up from the pitcher! Must use within 24 hours of preparation.
• If your baby has formula still remaining in the bottle and you know they didn’t get a full feeding, consider offering the bottle again a few minutes before you hit the hour mark from the start of the feeding.

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