Why discard unused formula

Once a formula container is opened, make sure to store it in a cool dry place, but not in the refrigerator. It should never be kept somewhere outdoors, like in a car where the container can get hot. Most formula containers need to be used within one month of opening, so write the date you open it on the lid to keep track of this.

This includes babies who are less than 3 months old, have a problem with their immune system, or were born prematurely. While infant formula is highly regulated and monitored, just like other food products, it is not sterile. This means there is a risk that bacteria may be in the container, which can cause health problems if the container is not stored, prepared, and handled the right way. American Academy of Pediatrics. And other questions about formula Healthline. Morgan Leafe, MD, MHA , is a medical writer and editor who is double board certified in Pediatrics and Clinical Informatics with 14 years of clinical experience caring for pediatric patients and their families.

She specializes in writing both patient-facing and clinician-facing material. Milk-based products are notorious for growing bacteria. Again, bacteria is the issue here — and bacteria thrive even more once given a nice warm environment to grow in. A heated bottle should be used within 1 hour, and any remaining should be poured down the sink after that time.

This applies to formulas prepared from powder as well as concentrates and ready-to-drink options. Generally, you should use up powdered formula within a month of opening the container. Related: 10 organic formula options worth trying and where to buy them. A sealed container of formula, whether powder, concentrate, or ready-to-drink, will always have an expiration date on it.

The powdered formulas we looked at in our local store had dates more than a year away. You may have questions about feeding your baby. How much should they eat? How often should they eat? Will they ever be on a schedule?

Here is what you…. Always throw away any formula left in a bottle after feeding your baby. Do not refrigerate the leftover formula to feed it to your baby later. Drinking from a bottle means bacteria from the baby's mouth gets into the formula in the bottle, where the bacteria can start growing.

Never leave the formula sitting out at room temperature or allow a feeding to last for more than one hour because of spoilage. A satisfied baby might turn her head away from the bottle or stop sucking. Forcing your baby to eat could lead to overfeeding, which could make her uncomfortably full, according to the Vermont Department of Health. Dispose of any remaining formula. To avoid formula waste because your baby ended a feeding before finishing the bottle, pour only as much formula into the bottle as you expect your little one to finish.