Why Can’t I Use Formula after 48 hours?
Are you thinking about using baby formula after 48 hours? It would be best if you read this article first. Ready-to-feed formula is the most accessible formula because it doesn’t need to be mixed with water or warmed. But if you’ve got a lot of bottles to makeup, it can be hard to keep track of how long you’ve had the powder sitting around.
When making ready-to-feed formula, you should use it within 48 hours. This is because they have no preservatives and can spoil quickly if not refrigerated properly. If you’re having trouble getting through all your powder before it spoils, try using smaller amounts at a time—don’t leave any out at room temperature for longer than two hours!
How long can you keep the formula once made up?
You should store prepared bottles of ready-to-feed formula in the refrigerator until used, but they should not be kept past 24 hours without being fed to your baby. If your baby does not finish their bottle in that time frame, throw it away and prepare a new one!
Why Can’t I Use Formula after 48 hours – reasons
The formula should be used within 24 hours of being mixed up, but that doesn’t mean you need to drink all of it within that period—it just means that if the bottle isn’t finished off by then, you should throw out the rest of it and start fresh with another batch.
Why? Because keeping food around for too long can allow bacteria to grow in it, which could make your baby sick. And while there are ways to store formula safely (and even keep some of it longer than 48 hours), they’re not very convenient or reliable – so we recommend using fresh batches of formula every day.
Cold formula won’t hurt your baby’s stomach – in fact, research says babies tolerate cold formula better than warm formula! However, cold formula may not taste as good as warm formula, so if your baby prefers warm bottles over cold ones (or vice versa), go with their preference – we promise they’ll still get all the nutrients they need from either formula.
If you’re breastfeeding and want to give your baby formula, make sure the bottle is warmed up first—you don’t have to heat it in the microwave (that could cause hot spots that could burn your baby’s mouth); warm it up by running warm water over it for a few seconds before feeding.
- Read Also: Baby formula safety tips.
Why Can’t I Use Formula after 48 hours – users responses:
It’s All About Germs. Formula is a nutrient-rich liquid for your baby’s growth and development. Unfortunately, it’s also great for bacterial growth. An opened can of ready-to-feed formula will be exposed to the surrounding air, which has invisible-to-the-eye microbes. It is almost sure that some bacteria will get into the can even if you are super careful. The big question is: Is there enough bacteria in the formula to make your baby sick? Or is there so little bacteria that the formula is still OK?
Formula manufacturers err on the safe side and recommend discarding formula that has been opened for more than 48 hours. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Babies are small and delicate – their immune systems are not 100% functional yet, and their bellies have not been exposed to everyday germs. Would you not be worried if your baby got food poisoning, vomited, and had diarrhea? Would you rush him to the hospital if he’s seriously ill? Was the leftover formula “worth it” compared to the anxiety and the trip to the hospital?
Some parents feel that a 48-hour time limit is over-cautious. Other parents want to be safe and use the formula as instructed by the manufacturer. The final answer is up to you.
Another option for you is to buy powdered formula. You can prepare 2 ounces at a time and therefore not have to waste any. Powdered formula is also cheaper than ready-to-serve formula.
I hope you find a good balance and enjoy this precious time with your new baby.
Please be aware that this information is NOT medical advice and is NOT from a professional. Please consult a doctor or pediatrician for professional advice.
