6: Formula Handling and Storage Guidelines
Hey mama, this week I’m going to share to current guidelines for formula handling and storage. We’ll talk about how to keep things clean, how long formula is good for, and some other safe handing considerations. If you offer your baby formula, this is a good to know episode.
First and foremost, you’ve got to keep things hygienic. Especially with formula- which has additional preparation steps that leave it more susceptible to picking up unwanted microbes. I know this sounds straight forward, but you’d be surprised how people make a bottle without washing their hands first. So please wash your hands thoroughly and dry them thoroughly when you are handling formula and that little scooper that is put back into the bin and before handling bottle parts.
When you purchase formula, always be sure to check the expiration date and store in a cool dry place (not the car on a hot summer day and hopefully it didn’t sit on a hot truck at some point either). After it’s opened, it’s a good idea to write the opened date on the top somewhere visible since they often need to be used or tossed within a month. Then keep the sealed container in a cool dry place, but according to the CDC, not the refrigerator.
Next, make sure you are properly cleaning your bottle parts. Most manufacturers recommend initial sterilization (either with boiling water or a sanitization kit)- I hear mixed recommendations on how necessary this is if you are using safe clean water, but I don’t think initial sterilization is a bad idea since you wouldn’t let your baby lick the factory they’re made in anyway. After the initial cleaning, most directions say you can wash with warm soapy water and the right size bottle or straw brush (but of course always check the directions). The second half to proper washing is proper drying- this is so so important since things grow in small damp places. Things you don’t want your baby to eat. So make sure you have a clean surface that is well aired for all the little parts to fully dry, because again, things grow in small damp places.
It goes without saying that a safe and clean water source should be used in preparation of powdered based formula. If you have any water concerns, a very young, premature, or compromised baby, check out the CDC’s website on how to use boiled water to prevent the ingestion of unwanted bacteria from the water or can of formula. (The link is in the episode description.) Alternatively, if it is in your budget you can use ready to feed formula.
When you make a bottle (ideally before your baby is mouthing their hand or crying), you’ll need to follow the directions for how much water and how many even scoops of formula the can precisely directs. Too watery or too concentrated impacts nutritional content and either of these off mixtures can have adverse consequences. Now this part is important- FIRST measure the water; THEN add the formula. Again, water first for the correct ratio. Of course if you are using ready to feed this doesn’t apply to you since you’ll mix, open, and pour.
When warming a bottle, never ever-ever put it in a microwave. It can literally burn your baby’s mouth. Even if you test the temp and it feels fine, microwaves can create hot spots so you won’t know until that hot milk in inside your crying baby’s mouth. [Someone out there has a parent or in-law that is going to attempt to use the microwave and when you tell them not to, they’ll have a story about how they did it all the time for their babies were fine and yadda yadda….but no please no microwaves]. Also, please don’t put the bottle in a put of water on the stove while on. Use a bottle warmer, let the bottle bob around- with top out over the waterline- in some warm (not hot) water in a large cup, or just offer room temperature milk. You can also hold it under some warm running water for several minutes if you have the time a patience to do so or find yourself containerless but still wanting to warm the milk.
Once you prepare a bottle of formula, the clock starts ticking and it’s considered safe for 2 hours. If you need to prepare the bottle in advance or you mis-timed the feed you can pop it in the fridge where it will be good for 24 hours.
I’m often asked about unfinished bottles. If the formula leftover is still any good. Well, I am a huge proponent of following your baby’s satiation cues and not having them finish the bottle just because there is milk leftover and if you follow my advice you will likely be tossing a little formula out here and there; because once your baby’s lips and saliva have made contact with the bottle- whatever is not taken that feed will need to be tossed. In an effort to be the least wasteful as possible, make appropriate sized bottle for your baby. And remember that the quality of that feeding experience is more valuable that the small quantity of formula being sacrificed.
If this seemed like a lengthy explanation for formula preparation and storage then here’s a quick recap:
Remember to keep things clean, those who touch the formula scooper much wash hands, the bottle is good for 2 hours out or 24 hours in the fridge- but after you use it-lose it. And please never put the bottle in the microwave. I hope this clears up any questions you may have about best handling and storage for formula and saves you some googling time. I’ve also including the link below if you want to see the source which includes more information regarding safe water considerations.
Check out the CDC website for detailed Formula Preparation and Storage Safety Guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/formula-feeding/infant-formula-preparation-and-storage.html