Baby Formula Preparation and Storage Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing Baby Essentials baby formulas is easy. Directions for preparation and formula feeding are on each label or carton. Be sure to follow instructions when preparing infant formula.

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about baby formula preparation and storage.

When mixing baby formula, do I have to boil the water?

Using cooled, boiled water is recommended when mixing baby formula; your baby’s health care professional will decide when it is no longer necessary. If you're concerned about lead or other harmful substances in your water supply, check with your local government authority or health department. If you live in an old building, have the water tested. In any case, let the cold water run a couple of minutes to flush the system before preparing baby formula.

If it is recommended that I boil my water, what temperature of water should I use to mix the baby formula?

Bring cold water just to a rolling boil, then let it cool to room temperature before mixing it with the baby formula. Don't boil the water too long or more than once because excessive boiling can actually increase the concentration of minerals. And always check the temperature of the baby formula by testing a few drops on the inside of your wrist before feeding your baby.

What does the date on the underside of the can mean?

This is the expiration date. To assure the highest quality, use the formula by the date shown on the product. The vitamin content and the physical stability of the product cannot be guaranteed beyond the expiration date because both may degrade with time.

Can I microwave baby formula?

No. Microwaving can cause uneven heating of the formula. This can result in “hot spots” that could burn your baby.

Can infant formula be frozen?

No. Infant formula should not be frozen either before or after mixing. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 0°C could affect the physical consistency of the product. In other words, freezing formula may cause it to become grainy or cause the fat to separate.

Once the baby has started drinking from the bottle, can I refrigerate any remaining formula for later use?

We don’t recommend that formula be fed again once a baby has nursed from the bottle. During a feeding, the baby's saliva can come in contact with the formula in the bottle. Saliva, combined with enriched nutrients found in infant formula, can create an excellent breeding ground for microorganisms to grow. Unfortunately, neither refrigeration nor reheating will prevent this growth, so we recommend that any unused baby formula be discarded within 1 hour from the time baby's mouth first came into contact with the nipple.

How long can I store prepared baby formula?

As a general rule, it is safe to refrigerate prepared baby formula in a sealed container for up to 24 hours.2 Some prepared baby formulas can be refrigerated for longer than 24 hours if stated on the product label. Always check the specific product label to determine storage conditions and time. Do not exceed the recommended storage times.

How should I reheat formula that was stored in the fridge?

To warm up formula that has been stored in the fridge, place the bottle in a bottle warmer or a container of warm water for no more than 15 minutes. The longer you warm it, the greater the chances that harmful bacteria might grow. Do not use the microwave to reheat formula. Always check feeding temperature in order to avoid scalding the infant's mouth. Lastly, discard any re-warmed formula that has not been consumed within two hours.

What are the storage temperatures for Baby Essentials infant formula?

For unopened cans of Baby Essentials infant formula, most desirable storage temperatures are between 13°C and 24°C, but between 0°C and 35°C is also acceptable. Storage at extreme temperatures compromises the quality of the product. For that reason, you should not use infant formulas stored for long periods at extreme temperatures.

Can I store opened cans of baby formula in the refrigerator?

You can store opened cans of Ready To Feed or Concentrated Liquid formula for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover the opened can with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil.

Do not store cans of Powder infant formula in the refrigerator. Instead, store them covered, in a cool, dry place.