Discard formula 4 weeks after opening - is this true?

[FlingonTheValiant]

Or is it overzealous?

I have a tin of Neutramigen for DS, but he's EBF. I was given it to use for his weaning food. I've barely used any of it, but I opened it about 5 weeks ago.

DS is now 6.5 months, but I've been told that if we ever want him to drink it we have to get him used to it before he is 9 months, so as I'm going out today I was going to get DH to give him a bottle.

Is it really bad to use it? It seems such a waste :(

If it is true it makes me think that when I open the new one I should give DS a bottle of it a day just so I don't waste it.

DD2 is formula fed, so never keep it that long, but have had a nosy at back of SMA tin and it says discard after 4 weeks of opening.

If he's breastfed do you really need it for food?

I can't use cows milk on anything for him, and I can't express anything, so yes really.

We don't know how long his intolerance will last, so I might not be able to give him cow's milk at 1 either.

Thanks wigglesrock. I just can't think what would suddenly happen to it after 4 weeks.

Oh well...

How about just giving him food without milk it in?

It's a bit limiting to do that. And I'm worried that he won't get enough calcium and nutrients. Given that weaning advice is to keep giving milk feeds but also to give stuff like yoghurt and cheese it just seems to me that they're expecting babies to need a lot of milk based meals.

But my main problem is that I need to give him something if/when I stop breastfeeding him. And I was told to get him used to the taste of it by 9 months. If I wait 'til he's 1 he might not take it (apparently).

Honestly, I'm waiting for a paediatric review and then a dietician referral, but in the meantime I'm just trying to do what the GP advised. I'm fairly certain the GP wasn't that knowledgable about it, but I don't want to mess up by ignoring her.

Ah, ok. I don't think dairy products are really necessary if you breastfeed on demand - after all lots of cultures don't drink animal milks.

I know, and when I'm being rational I agree with you. If it was me I'd just ignore the GP, but when it's DS I just can't bring myself to ignore HCPs.

Well, actually I can about some things, but for some reason this has me really worried.

I'm not sure about the 4 week thing, but to be honest, I agree that you need to get him used to the taste sooner rather than later, its vile :/. I think probably the best way to do this is to include a bottle of it at least once a day. Is this still free on prescription? In which case I'd dump the current tin and start fresh.

Well done you for managing to breastfed, it must be so limiting for you cutting out all dairy. I'd hate it, I mean life without chocolate cheese .

It will most likely be that the vitamins and nutrients begin to denature after this time. And possibly also that because the tin isn't airtight, once you have opened it you risk exposure to bacteria which can multiply as well. But if you are making it up with hot enough water, this shouldn't be an issue? But then I'm not a microbiologist.

I probably wouldn't use it as a main drink, but if I was still breastfeeding as well, I'd risk it. That's just what I would do though. You need to trust your own judgement. I am probably a bit too laid back.

But actually TBH in your situation I'd just keep breastfeeding until he naturally stops, don't try to curtail feeds at all - they don't need milk or dairy apart from yours. But I can see that it must be hard if you have to cut out dairy for yourself.

could he not have any other milk at a year? goat's milk or oat milk or soy milk or something?