How to Store Baby Formula

Co-authored by Monica Moreno, MS, RD, LD/N

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

When breastfeeding your baby is not an option, nutrition is generally provided by the use of a baby formula. Unlike fresh milk from the breast, formula requires some preparation before offering it to your baby. Whether you opt for liquid formula or the powder form, the proper storage of formula is an important step in feeding your baby. The immaturity of your baby’s immune system leaves her vulnerable to germs and food borne illnesses. Discover the simple steps that you can take to protect your baby from illness due to improperly stored formula.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Focus on Cleanliness

1
Clean your hands. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything related to the preparation of your baby’s formula. Allow your hands to air dry or dry them with paper towels. Do not reuse dish towels to dry your hands, as they can harbor bacteria and other kitchen germs.^{[1]
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2
Clean the lids of formula cans or covers. You want to remove any dust or other surface germs that may have accumulated. A clean cloth will suffice here. Avoid using your kitchen sponge, as sponges tend to harbor lots of germs.^{[2]
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3
Wash your can openers. Make sure that you clean any can openers with hot, soapy water to strip away any harmful residue, bacteria, or other debris. Generally, electric can openers are made in a way that allows the blade device to be removed for cleansing purposes.^{[3]
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4
Sterilize any new bottles or nipples. Submerge them in boiling water for 5 minutes before putting any baby formula in them. After the initial sterilization process, bottles and nipples can be cleaned with hot soapy water and a clean rinse. Most bottles are dishwasher safe and can be run through the dishwasher to be cleaned properly.^{[4]
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Mayo Clinic
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- If you wash by hand, clean nipples, bottles, and accessories with a brush that is specifically designed for doing so. Allow all bottles, nipples, etc to air dry.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Focus on Proper Storage

1
Keep unopened formula containers at room temperature. Be sure to avoid exposure to heat or extreme cold. Temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are a good rule of thumb. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight.^{[5]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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2
Store powder. Store opened powder formula in a cool, dry place with the lid securely in place. Powdered formula should never be stored in the refrigerator, as the humidity can cause the powder to clump.^{[6]
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3
Store liquid ready-to-eat formula. Place any opened ready-to-feed liquid formula in a sealed container and discard any unused portions after 48 hours.^{[7]
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4
Store liquid concentrate formula. Store opened liquid concentrate formula in a covered container and refrigerator immediately after opening. Throw any unused mixed portions with in 24 hours of preparation.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Prepare

1
Avoid expired formula. Check the expiration dates on any formula containers before purchasing or preparing them for your baby.^{[9]
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2
Avoid ingredient separation. Remember to always shake the ready-to-feed liquid formulas before opening the can, as the ingredients will separate as they settle.^{[10]
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Mayo Clinic
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3
Use accurate measuring utensils. Follow all of the directions carefully. The proper measurement of water and formula is vital. Too little water can lead to dehydration whereas too much water can cause an insufficient supply of nutrients.^{[11]
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4
Pay attention to the water you use. Use water that has been labeled safe for water consumption by the state or local health department or sterilize it yourself by boiling water for 2 minutes to kill any germs. Always allow water to cool for approximately 45 minutes before adding formula to it.^{[12]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Keep in mind that bottled water or filtered water does not necessarily indicate that the water is free from bacteria. Filters need to be changed within a required amount of time to avoid possible bacteria growth.
5
Test the temperature of the formula before offering it to your baby. Shake the bottle vigorously for a few seconds to distribute the temperature evenly. Shake a few drops of the formula from the bottle onto your wrist. If it feels a bit too warm allow more cooling time.^{[13]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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6
Prepare your baby’s bottles on a need-to-have basis. If you are going to make a batch of formula, make only as much as you will need for the next 24 hours. This can help you cut down on waste and save a little bit of money in the long run.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Use Good Disposal Methods

1
Toss any unused dry formula after 1 month of being opened.^{[14]
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2
Discard ready-to-feed liquid 24 hours after being opened.^{[15]
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3
Discard any unfinished formula after one hour. Do not feed your baby a formula bottle that has been unfinished after one hour.^{[16]
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Expert Source

Monica Moreno, MS, RD, LD/N
Registered Dietitian
Expert Interview. 4 August 2021.} Your baby’s saliva can lead to contamination. Refrigerating or reheating the formula will not destroy any bacteria that may be growing.^{[17]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Exercise Caution

1
Do not purchase or use formula in containers that have been dented. The contents may have come in contact with the steel if the tin layer inside the container has been cracked. Rusting or spoilage is always a possibility when damage to the container is evident.^{[18]
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2
Avoid feeding your baby expired formula. Toss all expired formula out to prevent anyone from accidentally feeding it to your baby. If it is an unopened canister, try returning it to the store you purchased it from and ask to replace it with an up-to-date canister.^{[19]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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3
Refrain from freezing prepared formula. The process can lead to the separation of the fat and protein content.^{[20]
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FoodSafety.gov
Online portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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4
Don't leave formula out. Avoid leaving prepared formula to sit at room temperature for more than one hour.^{[21]
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Expert Source

Monica Moreno, MS, RD, LD/N
Registered Dietitian
Expert Interview. 4 August 2021.} Room temperature is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.^{[22]
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FoodSafety.gov
Online portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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5
Heat the formula properly. Avoid microwaving a bottle of formula to warm it up, because to do so may leave hot spots that can cause serious burns to your baby’s mouth or throat.^{[23]
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FoodSafety.gov
Online portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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- Refrain from placing a bottle of formula in a pan that is heating on the stove. Always remove the pan from the stove before placing the bottle in the pan.
6
Dry properly. Avoid using a dish towel to dry any of the items that are used for feeding, as bacteria may be harboring in the towel. Use clean paper towels or air dry instead.^{[24]
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Trustworthy Source
FoodSafety.gov
Online portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Go to source}
7
Keep formula cool until feeding time to avoid breeding germs. Remember to store formula bottles in an insulated bag or a cooler full of ice to prevent bacteria growth when out and about.^{[25]
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FoodSafety.gov
Online portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Go to source}
8
Watch for product recalls on formula. Potential contamination does occasionally occur and awareness is vital to prevent offering it your baby. If you did feed your baby any recalled formula, be sure to arrange for her to be seen by her health care provider promptly.

Expert Q&A

Question

Why can't you use formula after an hour?

Monica Moreno, MS, RD, LD/N
Registered Dietitian
Monica Moreno is a Registered Dietitian and the Founder, Owner, and Lead Dietitian at Essence Nutrition in Miami, Florida. Monica specializes in nutrition consulting and school and corporate wellness programs. She holds a BA from The University of Florida and an MS in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University. Monica was the dietitian for the Miami Marlins for close to 5 years, and she is currently visiting dietitian specialist at Ocean Reef Resort and Club. Monica is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetics Practice Group, Integrative Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group, Collegiate and Professionals Sports Dietitians Association, and Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group. She was awarded the 2020 Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Business Woman in Healthcare of the Year award.

Monica Moreno, MS, RD, LD/N

Registered Dietitian

Expert Answer

Formula can go bad if you leave it out for too long, especially if you live in a hot area.

Warnings

Know the signs of food-borne illness in order to prevent serious complications from arising. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration and if left untreated, can lead to kidney failure or death. Get your baby seen by your health care provider promptly.

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