Why is similac only good for an hour: How Long Is Formula Good For? After Mixing, at Room Temp, More

How Long Is Formula Good For? After Mixing, at Room Temp, More

There comes a time in all new parents’ lives when you’re so tired that you’re operating on automatic. You feed your newborn a bottle and they fall asleep in their bedside bassinet mid-meal. You groggily put the bottle down and fall asleep yourself — for what feels like 5 minutes.

Now baby’s woken up hungry again and you’re wondering if you can just pick up where you left off. But you look at the clock — and instead of 5 minutes, it’s been 65. Is that half-eaten bottle of formula a foot away still good?

This is just one scenario where a formula question might come to mind, but there are lots of others — so if formula rules have you scratching your head, you’re not alone. Let’s get you some answers, STAT.

Check the package instructions

We’ll give you some general guidelines, but always check your specific formula’s packaging for mixing, storing, and use instructions. There can be slight variations among brands — and even within brands!

Once you mix water and formula powder to create that magical elixir that nourishes your sweet babe, the countdown clock starts ticking. As a general rule, the bottle will last for 2 hours at room temperature, untouched and unheated.

But check the label instructions — for some brands, manufacturer instructions say a bottle is only considered safe for 1 hour at room temperature once mixed. It may depend on whether the brand is following American Academy of Pediatrics or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Related: 13 of the best baby formulas

Yes, as long as your baby doesn’t drink from the bottle.

An unused bottle of formula mixed from powder can last up to 24 hours in the fridge. That’s why many parents opt to make a larger batch of formula in the morning and portion out into bottles — or pour into bottles as needed — for use throughout the day.

These parents know that a crying baby is often a hungry-right-now baby who doesn’t want to wait for you to mix a bottle.

Your fridge temp should be 40°F (4.4°C) or lower.

As an aside, it’s not recommended that you freeze formula. It can change the texture and doesn’t extend the period of time during which the formula is still good. If you’re new to formula after breastfeeding, it’s important to know the guidelines are different in this and other regards.

Related: How long can breast milk sit out?

No. In fact, if your little one has had some of a bottle but doesn’t want the rest, you should dump it within an hour. Don’t put it in the fridge for later use.

Milk-based products are notorious for growing bacteria. Once your baby has drunk from a bottle, bacteria is introduced and the formula shouldn’t be saved. (Incidentally, this is also why you shouldn’t drink directly from the milk carton, even if it’s just a swig after that chocolate chip cookie.)

Nope. Again, bacteria is the issue here — and bacteria thrive even more once given a nice warm environment to grow in.

Something else to know: If you’ve warmed up a bottle, our previous 2-hour guideline for untouched formula doesn’t apply. 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. We found this to be the guideline on labels for popular brands like Similac and Enfamil as well as organic alternatives from Happy Baby Organics and Earth’s Best. This shouldn’t be a problem, given your little one’s voracious appetite!

Related: 10 organic formula options worth trying (and where to buy them)

Fortunately, you don’t have to guess at this one or remember the day you bought the formula. A sealed container of formula, whether powder, concentrate, or ready-to-drink, will always have an expiration date on it. In most cases, you’ll find this printed on the bottom.

The powdered formulas we looked at in our local store had dates more than a year away. So if you find yourself with unopened containers after your baby transitions off formula, at least you’ll be prepared for any upcoming zombie apocalypse.

Store sealed containers in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.

All the rules surrounding formula can seem a little nitpicky, but remember it’s your baby’s delicate tummy you’re dealing with and the guidelines suddenly become incredibly doable. And you’ll get the hang of how much your baby eats pretty quickly, decreasing or even eliminating the amount of formula that ends up down the drain.

“When in doubt, dump it out” is a good rule of thumb here. But like all things baby, you’ve got this and will soon be running on automatic — though we can’t promise you’ll never doze off after preparing a bottle!

How to Make a Baby Bottle: Storage and More

Guidelines on how to mix and store baby formula for your little one

Whether you’re feeding your baby with formula only or are breastfeeding and supplementing with formula, it’s important to know the basics of formula preparation and storage. This not only saves time, but also helps keep your baby happy and healthy.

With all the mixing, storing, and warming dos and don’ts, there’s a lot to remember. We get it. And we’re here to help. If you have more questions, you can also talk to your doctor.

Choosing the right formula: 3 basic steps

To start with, here are 3 easy steps that will help you choose the right formula, plus a few things to keep in mind before you prepare it.

Step 1: Choose the right formula for your baby. If you’re not sure what formula is best, talk with your pediatrician for advice. Use our Formula Finder to get tailored suggestions.

Step 2: Choose the type of formula that works best for you: powder, ready to feed, or concentrated liquid.

Tip: Use powder or concentrated liquid for everyday use and ready to feed for convenience when traveling.

Step 3: Read all the information below before making your first bottle. We hope this will answer any questions that may come up along the way.

How to mix and prepare Similac

^® powder baby formula

Preparing Similac powdered formula is simple, but it’s still important to carefully follow the directions. Your baby’s health depends on it. Proper formula preparation is important in order for your child to receive the necessary nutrition.

Formula-to-water ratio: 1 level scoop of formula (not packed down) per 2 fl oz of water. Be careful not to add too much water. Watered-down formula is not recommended, as it dilutes essential nutrients and can affect your child’s nutrition.

Reminder: Powdered infant formula is not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants with immune problems unless directed and supervised by your doctor.

Preparing formula with boiled water

Ask your baby’s doctor if you need to use cooled, boiled water for mixing and if you need to boil (sterilize) bottles, nipples, and rings before use. If you choose to boil, follow these steps:

1. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute, then turn off the heat. Overboiling can increase the concentration of impurities.

2. Let the water cool to room temperature before adding formula. Making formula with boiling water can cause clumping and decrease the nutritional value.

3. Before feeding, sprinkle a few drops on the inside of your wrist to make sure it is not too hot.

4. Feed or refrigerate the prepared formula.

Note: If you are concerned about lead or other harmful substances in your water, talk to your healthcare professional before making formula with tap water. Bottled or filtered water can contain bacteria and should still be boiled.

Mixing Tips for Similac Powdered Formula

Single bottle instructions

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

2. Measure and pour desired amount of water into the baby bottle.

3. Add unpacked, level scoop(s) of powder formula to the bottle as directed. Return dry scoop to can. (1 scoop of formula per 2 fl oz of water.)

4. Put the cap on the bottle and shake.

Tip: Moving your wrist in a twisting motion helps powder formula mix more quickly and more thoroughly.

5. Feed or store immediately in refrigerator.

Multiple bottle instructions^*

1. Measure 23 fl oz of water using a liquid measuring cup.

(NOTE: If using Similac NeoSure powder, use 21 fl oz of water instead of 23 fl oz of water for standard caloric density.)

(NOTE: If using Pure Bliss™ by Similac^® powder, use 24 fl oz of water instead of 23 fl oz of water for standard caloric density.)

2. Add 1 cup (100 g^†) of powder, unpacked and level, using a household measuring cup for dry ingredients.

3. Add powder to water and mix well.

4. Pour prepared formula into individual feeding bottles.

5. Put the cap on and store immediately in the refrigerator. Feed within 24 hours.

What temperature should baby formula be?

Formula does not need to be warmed. But, if you do want to feed warmed formula, do not microwave it. This can cause “hot spots” that could burn your baby. Instead, set the filled bottle in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water. You can also hold the bottle under warm tap water. Sprinkle a few drops of formula on the inside of your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot.

How to prepare Similac Ready-to-Feed formula (or how to make formula bottles in advance)

Preparing Similac Ready-to-Feed formula is easy. You don’t need to mix or measure anything. Just shake the bottle well before opening, twist off the cap, and pour into a baby bottle. Or, if you’re using a 2-fl-oz Ready-to-Feed bottle, just twist on a nipple and ring. This way, there’s no need to make anything in advance when you’re going out.

Baby formula storage guidelines for Similac products

Similac powder formula storage

• Once opened, store powder formula in a sealed container in a cool, dry place
• Once mixed, feed immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container; use within 24 hours
• Do not freeze mixed formula—this can cause the protein and fat to separate
• Do not store unmixed powder in the refrigerator
• Avoid extreme temperatures
• Use the product within 1 month                            

Similac Ready-to-Feed formula storage

• Store unopened bottles at room temperature; avoid extreme temperatures
• Store in carton until ready to use
• 32-fl-oz bottles: Once opened, store immediately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (72 hours) or 2 days (48 hours) when opening Alimentum. If poured into individual baby bottles, store immediately in the refrigerator and feed within 48 hours
• 2-fl-oz and 8-fl-oz nipple-ready bottles: Once opened, use or store immediately in the refrigerator and feed within 48 hours
•  Do not reuse bottles
•  Protect bottles from light

See the product labels for more instructions.

How long is formula safe to use after being mixed or prepared?

Formula made from powder must be used within 24 hours. Ready-to-Feed formulas must be used within 48 to 72 hours after opening according to label directions. Once powder has been mixed with water or Ready-to-Feed bottles have been opened, they must be stored in the refrigerator until feeding.

Check the date

Never feed expired formula to your baby or use formula from a dented container.

Now that you know how to make the perfect bottle for your little one, visit Formula Feeding Basics for helpful feeding tips.

^* Makes approximately 26 fl oz of prepared formula.
^† For most accurate results, powder should be weighed on a scale that reads in grams.
^‡ Avoid vigorous shaking right before feeding, which can cause air bubbles that can lead to gas in your baby.

Join Similac^® Rewards for up to $400^* in benefits and support throughout your journey.

* Offers may vary.

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Similac Comfort Powdered Milk Formula 1, 400g

20% reduction in symptoms of colic after 1 day of feeding was found only in breast milk. The new 2-FL Human Milk Oligosaccharide is another ingredient in the research-proven Similac Complex for digestion comfort and immune support.

• Similac Comfort contains 2-FL oligosaccharides, which stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, protect the child’s body from infections and help strengthen the immune system.
• Partially hydrolysed whey protein is easy to digest and helps reduce colic and constipation.
• Bifidobacterium B.lactis is a powerful and well-researched probiotic that helps promote healthy gut microbiota and support a healthy digestive system.
• FOS prebiotics are food for beneficial intestinal microflora, promote soft stools.
• Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA in all body cells.
• Free from palm oil helps reduce constipation and increase calcium absorption.

Ingredients: maltodextrin, vegetable oils (high oleic sunflower oil, soybean oil, coconut oil), partially hydrolyzed whey protein, MINERALS (potassium phosphoric acid, calcium citrate, calcium phosphoric acid, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride , calcium hydroxide, sodium citrate, zinc sulfate, iron (II) sulfate, potassium citrate, potassium hydroxide, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), arachidonic acid (ARA) from M. alpina oil , citric acid, VITAMINS (vitamin C, choline, vitamin E, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, folic acid, biotin, vitamin K, vitamin D3, vitamin B12), oligosaccharide 2′- FL, soy lecithin emulsifier, Bifidobacterium lactis (minimum 106 cfu/g), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from C. cohnii oil, taurine, inositol, NUCLEOTIDES (cytidine 5′-monophosphate, disodiumuridine 5′-monophosphate, adenosine 5′-monof osphate, disodium guanosine 5′-monophosphate), carnitine, antioxidant mixture of tocopherols, CAROTENOIDS (lutein, beta-carotene).

Similac has been clinically proven to be effective.

Now even closer to breast milk.

Combined index including the severity of anxiety, gas formation, the number of hours of crying. Based on Abbott’s prospective, multicentre, non-comparative clinical study in infants in their first two months of life switched to partially hydrolysed protein formula with 2′-FL from formula without 2′-FL, 2017.