First Things First…can you reheat prepared formula to use at a later feeding!? This is a two-part question and the answer may depend upon the bottle’s preparation! If you have prepared formula and have a bottle that has not yet been fed to your baby, then the answer is YES! It can be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. If, however, you have prepared a bottle that has been partially drank and are wondering if you can save the rest to feed later, then the answer is no. Any bottle of formula that has been fed to your baby must be tossed as the baby's saliva mixed with the formula can cause bacteria to grow.
If you do plan to refrigerate untouched formula to use within the next day, there are some simple procedures to follow to ensure you are reheating it safely. When preparing a bottle to be kept in the fridge, be sure to do so on a clean surface to avoid contaminants from getting mixed in. Be sure that the bottle you are using has been properly sterilized before pouring the formula mixture in as well. After you prepare the mixture, it can sit out for a maximum of one hour at room temperature. Past that, it should be placed into the fridge. Once the prepared bottle has been placed into the refrigerator, be sure to use it within 24 hours as it is not safe to do so past that timeframe. Always be sure to refrigerate untouched formula and never freeze it as freezing can affect the nutrients in the mix. Formula should only be reheated one time and any leftover liquid should be tossed after that!
To safely reheat formula straight from the fridge, we recommend using a bottle warmer. If you do not have a bottle warmer, there is a simple alternative! Just heat a mug of water in the microwave until hot and then place the prepared bottle into the mug so that the water in the mug can warm the bottle with the formula inside. Allow the bottle to sit in the warm mug of water for a few minutes and then test the formula on your wrist to be sure it has reached the desired temperature. Never place a bottle of formula directly into the microwave however because it can overheat quickly and unevenly, posing a danger to your baby while drinking.
If you would like to learn more about refrigerating formula, you can checkout our Formula Storage Guidelines right here: Formula Storage Guidelines | Can I Refrigerate or Freeze Formula? - Organicbabyfood.shop
Do you have any tips you would like to share on storing and reheating baby formula!? Be sure to share them with us below!
Comments (4)
Our recommendations follow guidelines from formula manufacturers like HiPP, who advise against freezing prepared formula due to potential changes in texture and nutrient distribution. Additionally, prepared formula should not sit out for more than one hour to ensure safety.
For specific research or testing, we recommend speaking with a pediatrician to be on the safe side. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our customer support at support@organicbabyfood.shop—we’re always happy to help!
Is there research supporting any of this? Bottles tested after sitting out for more than one hour, after being in fridge for 24 hours, or frozen then heated?
“never freeze it as freezing can affect the nutrients in the mix.” Commonly done with breast milk with no adverse effects.
Hi Kristen,
You can refrigerate untouched formula and use it within 24 hours.
Please reach out to our customer service via email (support@organicbabyfood.shop) if you have further questions. We’re always happy to help!