When you’re a new parent, there are so many things to consider. One of the most important questions is how long does the formula last? The answer depends on the type of formula you choose for your baby.
It’s important to understand how long each type of formula lasts and what storage conditions are necessary for optimal freshness and potency. Let's take a look at the three types of formulas available: powdered, concentrated, and ready-to-feed formula.
How Long Does A Can Of Baby Formula Last?
On average, a can of formula should last about one month if stored correctly. However, this timeline is not set in stone; many factors come into play when determining exactly how long your baby’s formula will last. Here are some of the most important ones:
Storage Conditions
The first factor that affects the shelf life of a can of powder formula is where and how you store it. The powdered formula should be stored in cool, dry places away from light and heat sources such as ovens or radiators.
It’s also important to keep your cans away from any moisture (such as humidity) or direct sunlight to prevent spoilage. If you store your cans in less-than-ideal conditions, they may expire sooner than one month.
Type Of Formula
Powdered Baby Formula
Powdered formula is typically the most cost-effective option available to parents for formula feeding. It requires reconstitution before feeding and can be stored in its original container or an airtight container in a dry place at room temperature or below for up to 12 months after opening.
The leftover formula should be used immediately or discarded in 24 hours – do not store reconstituted or unused formula for later use! It should also be refrigerated if not consumed within 1 hour after preparation.
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Concentrated Formula
The concentrated formula comes in liquid form and must be diluted before feeding. It has a longer shelf life than powdered formula but should still be stored in its original container with the lid tightly closed at room temperature or below for up to 12 months after opening.
Refrigerate any unused portion of the prepared formula, use it within 48 hours, and discard any unused portion left over at that time. It should also be refrigerated if not consumed within 1 hour after preparation.
Ready-to-Feed Formula
Ready-to-feed formulas are the most convenient option as they come premeasured and require no additional steps before feeding.
They can be stored in their original containers with lids tightly closed at room temperature or below for up to 24 months after opening; however, once opened they must be used within 48 hours of opening and any unused portion should be discarded within this time frame as well.
As with other formulas, it should also be refrigerated if not consumed within 1 hour after preparation.
Age Of Baby
Finally, the age of your baby is an important factor to consider when thinking about how long a can of formula will last. The older your baby gets, the more likely they are to consume larger amounts of formula per feeding—which means you may need to buy more frequently if their appetite increases significantly over time.
In addition, older babies may need specialty formulas that require faster rotation than traditional formulas intended for younger infants due to their sensitive digestive systems and changing nutritional needs.
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The Ultimate Guide To Baby Formula Pro Tips
Choosing The Right Formula
The most important pro tip when it comes to using baby formula is choosing the right kind for your little one. There are many different types of formulas available, including cow's milk-based formulas, soy-based formulas, hydrolyzed protein formulas, hypoallergenic formulas, lactose-free formulas, and more.
It may take some trial and error to find the best formula for your baby’s needs—but once you do find it, stick with it!
Be sure to talk to your pediatrician about which type of formula will be best for your child’s unique needs.
Measuring Out The Right Amount
It’s important to measure out each feeding accurately so that your little one gets all the proper nutrition they need. To do this properly, use only a dry scoop from a can of formula (never a measuring cup or spoon), as these can lead to inaccurate measurements.
Make sure you check both sides of the scoop before shaking off any excess powder back into the can and discarding it to get an accurate measurement. Also, keep in mind that each scoop should be level—not heaping or pressed down—in order for it to be accurate.
Storing Formula Properly
Proper storage is key when it comes to keeping your baby’s formula fresh and safe from bacteria or spoilage. Always store an opened can of powder at room temperature in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight; if possible store it in its original container with a lid on top.
Additionally, prepared bottles should always be stored in either the refrigerator or freezer immediately after preparation; never leave them unrefrigerated for more than two hours because bacteria can form quickly at room temperature and cause illness in babies if consumed within 24 hours of being left out at room temperature.
When storing prepared bottles in either the refrigerator or freezer always label them with the date they were made so that you know how long they have been refrigerated/frozen before consuming them – typically 8 days maximum when stored correctly in either location – then discard any remaining bottle afterward since bacteria could form due to improper refrigeration/freezing techniques used prior consummation.
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FAQs
Does Baby Formula Has Expiration Dates?
Yes, baby formula has expiration date. In most cases, infant formula must be used within one month of opening the container. Additionally, formula should not be left in a baby's bottle for more than two hours after feeding as this can create a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause illness in babies.
What Are Some Of The Ingredients In Infant Formula?
Infant formula is designed to closely mimic the nutritional content of human breast milk during the first year of life. The main ingredients in most infant formulas are cow's milk, whey protein concentrate, vegetable oil, and sugar.
Specialized formulas also may include additional ingredients such as lactose-free or hydrolyzed proteins for babies with allergies or sensitivities, iron for anemia prevention, vitamins and minerals for nutrition needs, DHA & ARA (omega-3 fatty acids) for brain development and other various components.
How Can You Tell If Formula Has Gone Bad?
It is important to check if formula has gone bad before feeding it to your baby. The simplest way to tell is by smelling it - if the formula smells sour or has a rancid smell, then it has likely gone bad and should be discarded immediately.
Additionally, you can look for changes in color, texture or consistency of the formula; if the powder clumps together or sticks to the sides of the container, this may indicate that bacteria have started to grow in it and should not be used.
Conclusion:
While it is important to always check the expiration date printed on the can of formula, a general rule of thumb is that an unopened can of formula will retain its nutritional value and quality for up to 12 months. Additionally, if the formula has been properly stored in a cool and dry place, it is likely to last even longer.
Once opened, formula should remain fresh for about one month as long as it is kept in an airtight container and refrigerated. Before serving any prepared bottles or bowls of formula to your baby, be sure to smell test it – if it smells sour or rancid, discard immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
To extend the shelf life of your opened cans of formula, consider using smaller containers that you can fill with portions at a time so that you don’t have waste due to spoilage. With a little extra care and attention, you can make sure that all your infant’s feeding needs are met safely, healthily and economically.