Storing baby formula is an important aspect that directly affects your baby’s health. Infant formula is an indispensable aid to mothers who, for various reasons, cannot breastfeed their babies. On the other hand, the baby formula always carries a potential threat to the little body, as bacteria can get into it. That is why it is important to know how to store infant formula properly.
The critical points in storing baby formula:
- Opened baby formula boxes must not be stored for more than 21 days, more than three weeks.
- Diluted baby formula can be stored at room temperature for no more than 3 hours.
- Diluted infant formula can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than one day.
How to store dry baby formula
The manufacturer always indicates the shelf life of the infant formula on the package. However, once it has been opened, you can no longer be guided by this information. Usually, powdered formula is sold in tin, opaque jars with tightly closing rubber lids. Less often, but you can also find this product in glass jars. Also, some manufacturers produce baby products in cardboard packaging with a foil bag inside.
And, if in a glass or tin container, the powdered formula may well remain edible for the entire permissible shelf life, then in paper packaging, it can not leave for a minute. Many moms shield the edge of the open packet with a clothespin. In fact, you can not do so because the formula can easily get the bacteria and the larvae of pests. It is best to pour the powder immediately after opening the carton into an opaque, dry glass or tin jar with a tightly closed lid. This is the best way to store opened baby formula.
How to store diluted formula
Every parent should know how long to store diluted baby formula so as not to put her or his baby in danger. In a warm environment, bacteria multiply actively, and a few hours after preparing, it becomes inappropriate for use. For the same reason, you can not store the baby formula if the baby has not finished it or even just touched the nipple. Bacteria have already got into the prepared formula, so you cannot feed it later. Do not feed your baby several times with the same formula from a bottle, it must be poured out.
What to store diluted baby formula in
A good option is a special bag for bottles, it’s made on the principle of a thermos, and in it, bottles with ready-made formula will stay warm for 3 hours. But the more experienced mothers do prefer to take a bottle with water at the right temperature and powder formula in a small container. It is not difficult to pour the powder into the water and shake it at the right time.
Shelf life of formulas from different manufacturers
The most popular baby food manufacturers recommend the following storage times for baby formula:
- For example, HIPP guarantees the quality of its products for 3 weeks after opening the box. The prepared HIPP formula must be used within 1-2 hours;
- Kendamil formula shelf life once opened is up to 1 month, and in prepared form – use within 1 – 2 hours at room temperature.
- Opened Holle and Lebenswert formulas have a storage life of about 2 weeks.
All parents need to know precisely how to store opened formula pouches and prepared formula. This will help to keep your baby healthy and save the family from potential digestive issues. And Organic’s Best will always help you choose only quality baby formulas from the best brands!
