How long is formula good for in the fridge

For parents who choose to formula feed, powdered baby formula has two distinct advantages: It’s the most affordable option and, with considerably less packaging than liquid formula options, it’s more environmentally conscious, too.

However, it’s worth noting that powdered formula can harbor a bacteria called cronobacter. While cronobacter infections are rare, they can be fatal for babies who are very young, premature or those with weakened immune systems. Preparing and storing formula safely can help prevent growth of cronobacter and other germs, like salmonella, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If powdered formula must be used for very young, premature or medically fragile babies, you may want to take extra precautions in preparing your infant’s formula.

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How Long Is a Prepared Bottle Good for if Left Out at Room Temperature?

Once prepared, a bottle of powdered formula is safe at room temperature for up to two hours. Once parents begin feeding their infant, they should plan to use the bottle within one hour, says Corey Fish, M.D., lead pediatrician and chief medical officer at Brave Care in Portland, Oregon.

“Harmful bacteria can multiply in the bottle [when it’s left out to sit after a partial feed] and result in infecting your baby with a foodborne illness,” says Dr. Fish. “Due to their young age and lack of a fully developed immune system, the consequences could be severe to deadly.”

How Long Is a Prepared Bottle Good for if Refrigerated?

The safest way to offer formula—and avoid the potential for bacterial growth—is to prepare a fresh bottle just before feeding time. However, if parents must prep in advance, a pre-mixed and unused bottle may be stored in the refrigerator safely up to 24 hours.

How Long Is a Can of Powdered Baby Formula Good for Once Opened?

Once opened, most cans of powdered baby formula should be used within one month. However, it’s always best to read the product label for specifics. Parents should also adhere to each can’s expiration date.

If you’re formula-feeding your little one, you may be wondering what the best and safest practices are when it comes to formula, especially after you’ve mixed it. And there’s that commonly asked question “How long can a bottle of formula sit out?” Luckily, making a day’s worth of formula in advance involves a lot of the same food safety steps you’d practice when storing leftovers, except that the window of time is shorter. Read on to get more of your questions answered and to learn about safely handling formula.

How Long Can Formula Sit Out for Once It Has Been Prepared?

You may have wondered how long a bottle of formula can stay out or last at room temperature. It actually is not a good idea to have formula sit out at room temperature for an extended period of time once it’s been made. Use prepared formula within two hours of mixing and within one hour of starting your baby’s feeding.

Once you’ve fed your baby their formula, make sure to discard any formula left over in the bottle. It's no longer safe to be consumed since it’s been contaminated with your baby’s saliva and can grow unsafe bacteria. And be sure to sanitize your baby’s bottle before the next use.

How Long Is Formula Good for in the Fridge?

Yes, you can refrigerate formula if you’ve decided to prepare your baby’s daily batch in advance or you’re trying paced bottle feeding, which might require more stopping and starting and, therefore fridge storage. But, how long does formula last in the fridge? After you’ve mixed formula, it should be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible and used within 24 hours (from the moment you prepared it). So, it’s best not to overdo it when it comes to preparing your baby’s formula in advance. Simply mix the amount you’d use up that same day.

How Long Is Open, Unprepared, Unmixed Formula Good For?

Most baby formula should be used within one month of opening the container, but check the label for exact recommendations. Be sure to store the open container of baby formula in a cool, dry place with the lid closed tightly. Do not keep unmixed powdered formula in the refrigerator.

How Long Does Unopened Baby Formula Last?

Just like any food product, baby formula doesn’t last forever. Always check your container of formula for the “use by” date. Don’t use the unopened container of formula if it’s past the expiration date. Make sure that the formula has not been recalled by checking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.

Store unopened containers of baby formula in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing formula in your vehicle, garage, or outdoors.

The Bottom Line

There are a few things to keep in mind when using formula with your baby. Make sure the formula that you buy isn’t expired and that the container hasn’t been damaged. Store the container of formula in a cool, dry place, even after it’s been opened, but don’t keep unmixed powdered formula in the refrigerator. Once you’ve mixed the formula, be sure to use it within two hours of mixing and within one hour of starting your baby’s feeding. If you like, you can store extra bottles of prepared formula in the back of the refrigerator, where it’s the coldest. Be sure to use the prepared bottles within 24 hours (including preparation time);otherwise you’ll need to discard the mixed formula. If you’re wondering how often or how much a baby can eat in a day, read up on planning your baby’s feeding schedule for their first year. Also get some more information on the question ‘when do babies stop drinking formula?’. Formula-feeding isn't complicated, but it’s important to adhere to the guidelines mentioned above to ensure that your baby stays healthy and doesn't consume formula that's unsafe.

How long is formula good for after being mixed?

Can you refrigerate formula after the baby drank from it?