Parentpedia

What Experts Say

Whether you use powdered, ready-made, or concentrated formula, be sure to read the manufacturer's label for instructions how to properly store the milk. Storage recommendations can vary among formula-makers and can even differ depending on which size container you use within the same exact brand and type of formula.

Not storing milk properly puts your infant at risk of bacterial contamination, which can involve stomach upset, diarrhea, and/or vomiting.

How to Store Milk Safely

Play it safe and follow these general rules on formula storage:

• Unopened cans of powdered or liquid formula, or an opened can of powdered formula, should be stored it in a cool, dry place (such as a kitchen cabinet that's not right next the fridge or stove). Avoid long-term exposure to temperatures above 95 degrees (such as the trunk of your car on a hot summer day) since the heat can spoil the formula.
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• Don't freeze powdered formula (either opened or unopened) because it causes the fat to separate out, which makes the milk grainy.
• Once powdered formula is prepared, it must used within one to two hours or stored in the refrigerator and used within 24 hours.
• Be wary of those individual bottle totes. "They're cute and easy to carry, but a lot of them don't really keep the bottle chilled enough," says Suzanne Farrell, M.S., a registered dietitian based in Denver. She recommends instead using a mini-insulated cooler bag filled with one or two mini-freezer packs to safely transport prepared formula.
• Once your baby has drunk from a bottle discard any leftover formula if it hasn't been used within one hour. You might think it's OK to refrigerate leftover formula, but according to Farrell, bacteria from your baby's mouth is now inside the nipple and bottle, and refrigerator temperatures aren't cold enough to keep it from multiplying.