Baby formula has been the most satisfying solution to the many burning mom problems such as the lack of breastmilk supply, having to leave the baby for work, and difficulties related to breastfeeding or pumping. It is the best alternative for breastmilk which will help the baby to stay healthy while mom gets to choose what feels good for her and get support from the partner or a caregiver. Although the baby formula is easy to prepare, the storage process comes with a load of questions to the new parents. In this article, I will address all the common problems you will encounter in your “baby formula” mission.
CONTENT
1. How long does baby formula last?
2. Does unopened baby formula expire?
2.1 What is the shelf life of baby formula powder?
2.2 Where is the expiration date of the formula?
2.3 Can I return the expired unopened formula?
3. Does opened baby formula expire?
3.1 Does the formula really expire after 30 days?
3.2 How to know if the formula has expired?
3.3 Can expired formula make my baby sick?
4. How long already mixed formula will last?
4.1 Does mixed formula expire after an hour?
4.2 How to store mixed formula for night feeds?
5. What to do with expired formula?
1. How long does baby formula last?
Like all the other food and beverages, baby formula also expires. All the baby formula packages come with a date of expiry or a use-by date. The rule of thumb for the expiry of baby formula is as follows.
- Refer to the expiry date for the unopened shelf life.
- An opened baby formula is considered expired after 30 days
- A prepared bottle of baby formula should be used within an hour if left out at room temperature
- A prepared bottle of baby formula can be used within 48 hours if refrigerated within two hours after mixing.
2. Does unopened baby formula expire?
Unopened baby formula has a shelf life like other products and so they can expire. There are different forms of baby formula available in the market such as powder and the ready-to-use liquid. Each of these forms has different storage procedures and shelf lives.
2.1 What is the shelf life of baby formula powder?
The shelf life of a baby formula powder is stated in the package as the expiration date or use-by date. The usual shelf life of baby formula is about one year. The baby formula powder is manufactured by concentrating the essential nutrients for a baby. When they are left unused for long periods, these nutrients start to deteriorate even though packages are unopened. With time, ingredients of baby formula can naturally separate and create compositions that are not good for your baby.
Have a good look at the following dates on the label before buying the formula.
- USE BY date indicated that the product will be good to use until up to this date. It is better to finish the product before this.
- BEST BY date means that the product is at its best quality up to this date. It is not unsafe to use it after the best by date but it will not be of the expected quality.
- SELL BY date is for the retailer to know when to take the product off the shelf.
Consider the manufacturing date and expiry date carefully to buy the newly produced baby formula to avoid expiration before even opening it. Why buy the almost expired products with deteriorated nutrients when your bub deserves the best?
2.2 Where is the expiration date of baby formula?
The expiration date of baby formula is printed on one of these places as required by the legislation.
- Printed on the top of the lid
- Printed on the paper label
- Written on the seal inside the lid of the formula
- Embossed on the bottom of a tin can
Always check the label before purchasing to make sure you have enough time to use it. It is more likely that you will use it before the expiry date as a baby formula has a shelf life of about a year.
But in case you stored in bulk and have passed the expiry date of your baby formula or accidentally bought an expired one, never give it to your baby. The expiry date is there for a reason!
2.3 Can I return the expired unopened formula?
Most of the stores will allow you to return an expired baby formula package and buy a new one if you can prove to them that it was expired before you purchased it and still unopened.
3. Does opened baby formula expire?
Yes. An opened baby formula package will expire before the printed expiry date of the label which is meant for the unopened product. Many brands of baby formula expire after 30 days from opening according to the manufacturers. You can store them at room temperature with no exposure to heat and moisture to ensure that they do not expire even before 30 days.
Some parents and doctors have mentioned that baby formula is good to use as long as they are not clumped. But it is the food that your baby will eat so you have to be very safe with your choice.
“An opened baby formula package will expire before the printed expiry date of the label which is meant for the unopened product. Many brands of baby formula expire after 30 days after opening”
3.1 Does baby formula really expire after 30 days?
It is the best practice to finish an opened baby formula within a month. It will assure that your baby gets all the nutrients that he needs in this stage of life and does not get tummy problems which can be a result of composition changes in milk powder caused by exposure to air, heat or moisture.
3.2 How to know if baby formula has expired?
If you ever start to doubt the expiry date of baby formula and wonder if it is expired, the best option is to throw it out. Your baby still does not have an immune system strong enough to fight food poisoning and why take a risk? Followings can be a sign of expired baby formula powder.
- Clumps
- Changed smell
- Baby refusing to take the bottle (Indicates a change of taste)
Make it a practice to clean your hands, containers you use, and the surrounding before preparing baby formula. Have a separate set of bottles and containers to prepare and store baby formula as it will be easier and safer.
3.3 Can expired formula make my baby sick?
Yes. Spoiled baby formula can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and fever in babies as same as in the cases of usual food poisoning. Normally, these symptoms will be gone once the spoilage is removed from the body. If the symptoms prevail or get severe, immediately contact your baby’s doctor.
4. How long already mixed formula will last?
Would you drink a glass of fresh milk that was left on your table for half a day? Obviously, you will not and why should a baby consume a bottle left out for hours given that he has a weaker digestive and immune system compared to you. Baby formula is also milk that can spoil faster.
The rule of thumb is you should not give the baby a bottle that was left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If it accidentally sits out for more than 2 hours, into the trash, it will go.
You can refrigerate mixed formula if you want to make them at once or before leaving home. Make sure you refrigerate the mixed formula as soon as they are mixed. They will last well in the refrigerator for 48 hours but use them before that if you can. The same applies to pre-made liquid baby formula. Refrigerate it as soon as it is opened and it will be good to use until 48 hours.
4.1 Does mixed formula expire after an hour?
Baby formula is also a milk-based product that can go bad in a few hours. When left in the room temperature exposed to the temperature danger zone for food (40F – 140F), it spoils fast making it unsuitable for consumption. So it is better not to use mixed formula after an hour of sitting outside at room temperature.
Throw away the leftover formula and clean the bottles as soon as possible as bacteria that will get from the baby’s mouth to the bottle will make the spoiling fast. Never offer a used bottle again to the baby without cleaning it well with soap and warm water.
4.2 How to store mixed formula for night feeds?
I know how it feels like to get off the bed and make a bottle when the night is the only time you can close your eyes for a rest. You can choose to prepare a bottle before bedtime and it will do no bad to your baby if you store it properly. Make a bottle or two and refrigerate them.
When it is time for the feed, heat the bottle by using boiling water or a bottle warmer. The key is that the bottle should never be left at room temperature for more than one hour.
5. What to do with expired formula?
If the baby formula is extremely clumped and far beyond the expiry date, the best option is to throw them away. If there is no sign of spoilage but it is after the expiry date, you can donate them to an animal shelter. They will accept the brands of baby formula which can be fed to puppies, kittens, and other baby animals. If you are a plant mom, you can use baby formula as a fertilizer for your plant babies.
