Are you a working mother with no family nearby to help you out? Or perhaps, you’re an exhausted mom who doesn’t have the energy to run to the store for more supplies. Whatever your reason for doing so, keeping your baby formula longer than recommended is not advisable.
It can be risky. However, in some situations, storing it for a few days might be unavoidable. If this has happened to you as well, read on to know how long is formula good for.
What Is The Shelf Life Of Baby Formula?
The shelf life of baby formula refers to the amount of time during which the formula can retain its quality. It is measured in days and is usually printed on the label of the can or bottle. The shelf life of baby formula varies depending on the type of formula.
Powder formula – The shelf life of powdered formula is around one year after you open the can.
Liquid formula – The shelf life of liquid formula is six months after you open the can. Remember how long is prepared formula good for. The formula may retain its quality for a few days longer or a few days less than the given shelf life. It all depends on various factors such as how you store it and the conditions in your home.
How Long Can You Keep Powdered Baby Formula?
The shelf life of powdered formula is one year after you open the can. After the one-year mark, it loses its nutritional and health benefits. It can even harm your baby if consumed. Below are a few ways to help you figure out whether your powdered baby formula has gone bad or not.
When you open your can of powdered baby formula, check for signs of damage. Make sure the seal on the can is intact. If not, throw it away immediately. This is to avoid the growth of bacteria in the can. Powdered baby formula has a yellow color.
If it has turned another color, it has gone bad. If it has also developed a bad smell, throw it away immediately. The baby formula usually has a creamy or thick consistency.
How Long Can You Keep Liquid Baby Formula?
The shelf life of liquid formula is six months after you open the can. After the six-month mark, it loses its nutritional and health benefits. It can even harm your baby if consumed. Below are a few ways to help you figure out whether your liquid baby formula has gone bad or not.
When you open your can of liquid formula, check for signs of damage. Make sure the seal on the can is intact. If not, throw it away immediately. This is to avoid the growth of bacteria in the can. Liquid baby formula has a yellowish color. If it has turned another color, it has gone bad.
When Should You Throw Out Your Baby Formula?
You must throw away your baby formula immediately if you notice any of the following. Once it’s been opened, the liquid or powdered baby formula must be consumed within 24 hours. After that, it starts losing nutritional value. The powdered formula becomes stale after one year. The liquid formula becomes stale after six months.
