How Long Can Formula Be Left Out? Safe Storage Tips for Parents
Making a bottle as fast as possible becomes a crucial skill for many parents. But even when your bub needs a feed, speed should never come at the expense of proper formula storage.
Formula needs to be stored correctly at all times to ensure it remains safe and nutritious for your little one. So, if you’ve been wondering how long formula can be left out, you’ll find the answer to this (plus other key formula storage tips).
How Long Can Baby Formula Be Safely Left Out?
Prepared formula should be used within an hour from the start of feeding and within 2 hours of preparation. If you aren't going to feed your baby within 2 hours, the bottle should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 24 hours. Any leftover formula should be thrown away — the combination of formula and baby saliva can cause bacteria to grow.
What Happens If Formula Is Left Out Too Long?
The top concern when it comes to how long a formula bottle can sit out is bacterial growth. When the time limit is exceeded, harmful strains like salmonella or E. coli can develop, which pose a serious health risk to infants. Additionally, improper formula storage can lead to:
- Reduced nutritional value – Prolonged exposure can degrade the nutrients in formula, making it less effective for feeding and a higher risk of deficiencies and malnutrition.
- Gastrointestinal issues – Spoiled formula can lead to an upset tummy, including uncomfortable gas and diarrhoea.
- Unpleasant taste and odour – Formula that’s made up and left out can develop an ‘off’ odour and taste, which your baby may refuse to drink.
When To Discard Formula
Knowing when to discard formula is essential for your baby's health. Prepared bottles of formula should be used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation. Signs of spoiled formula include a sour smell, clumps, or discolouration. If you're unsure about the formula's freshness, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
How to Tell If Baby Formula Has Gone Bad
Always trust your gut. If you suspect the formula has gone bad, don’t risk using it. Signs formula has gone bad include:
- A sour or ‘off’ smell
- Clumpy texture
- Harder to scoop
- Colour is darker or more yellow
- Stale taste
- Doesn’t dissolve easily
- Past the expiration or use by date on the packaging
- The container has been damaged.
How Long Does Unopened Formula Last?
The shelf life of unopened baby formula depends on the type and brand. Generally, it can last a few months to over a year. To make sure you're using the freshest formula for your baby, always check the expiration date on the packaging. Store unopened formula in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. That's because improper storage can affect the formula's quality and safety. If the expiration date has passed, toss the formula. Using expired formula might not be safe for your baby, as it could have decreased nutritional value or potential bacterial growth.
Safe Practices for Preparing Formula in Advance
You can prepare formula in advance as long as you refrigerate it below 5 degrees within one hour of making it. It’s always best to prepare one bottle at a time and store it in the back of the fridge where it’s coldest.
But how long can you keep formula once made up? If you’re storing it in the fridge, it should be used within 24 hours. If you’re storing at room temperature, within 2 hours.
Alternatively, you can prepare the water and powder separately by pre-measuring the amounts you require in separate containers. Then, once it’s time to feed your baby, simply mix the two together.
Travelling with Baby Formula: Storage Tips
Travelling with baby formula requires careful consideration. Bring along a cooler with ice packs to keep the formula at a safe temperature. Pre-measured powder can be stored in a separate container for easy mixing when needed. Remember to follow the same guidelines for storage and feeding when you're on the go.
Can You Freeze Baby Formula?
Freezing baby formula is not recommended, as it can cause the texture to change and separate, impacting its quality. Instead, prepare and store smaller batches of formula to minimise waste and ensure freshness.
Tips for Formula Storage and Handling
Proper storage and handling of baby formula can help keep your baby safe and healthy. Here are some tips to follow:
- Wash hands: It is important to always wash your hands well with soap and water before handling bottles, containers, and formula.
- Label containers and bottles: To avoid confusion, clearly label the containers and bottles with the date and time of preparation.
- Prepare formula in advance: If you need to prepare formula ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator immediately. Remember to use it within 24 hours.
- Clean bottles and equipment: Regularly clean and sterilise bottles, nipples, and other feeding equipment to prevent bacterial growth.
- Store formula containers properly: Keep unopened formula containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, tightly seal and store powdered formula in a cool, dry area for up to one month.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Use a separate, clean scoop for each formula type, and do not touch the formula powder with your hands. Keep the formula container's lid and rim clean to prevent bacteria from entering.
Be cautious with prepared formula: If you have doubts about the prepared formula's freshness or storage conditions, it is better to discard it and make a fresh batch to ensure your baby's safety.
Why is Baby Formula Safe for Only an Hour?
Studies have monitored the growth of microbes when formula is made up and stored at room temperature, finding that substantial changes occur from the 1.5 to the 3-hour mark. This includes the growth of harmful bacteria such as E.coli.
When a baby begins feeding, the introduction of saliva also contributes to this bacterial growth. This is why any prepared formula must be used within one hour of feeding and within 2 hours of preparation.
It’s important to note that the one-hour formula storage guideline only refers to formula that’s left out at room temperature. Refrigeration reduces the risk of bacterial growth, which allows prepared bottles to be used within 24 hours if stored below 5 degrees.
Tips for Safely Cleaning, Sanitising, and Storing Formula Feeding Items
To ensure the health and safety of your baby, it's essential to properly clean, sanitise, and store all formula feeding items. Here are guidelines based on recommendations from the Department of Health.
Why Choose Bubs Australia for Your Baby’s Formula Needs?
At Bubs, we help parents provide the very best nutrition for a happy, healthy start to life. Whether that’s our goat milk formula for sensitive tummies or our organic toddler milk, we only use the highest quality ingredients with no hidden nasties to support your growing baby.
No matter which type of formula you choose, following proper formula storage guidelines will help ensure your baby’s health. The most important thing to keep an eye on is how long formula is left out once made up and — if it’s not being used to feed your baby — to put it in the fridge for use within 24 hours. If you ever have any concerns about feeding your baby, speak to a healthcare professional, who can provide expert guidance.
