How strict is the 2 hrs rule for formula?

[Boo2400]

I use a prep machine and currently the bottles made are too much for what my baby is drinking so I split into two bottles. Generally he feeds every 2 hours but sometimes it is a little over this, two and a half ish.
At night I dont really want to be going downstairs, getting a bottle from the fridge and heating it up as this takes time for a hungry baby.
So would it be bad to make the two bottles, feed one at the time and leave the other out in the room to use next time? Untouched. As its potentially over the 2 hour mark a little.

I wouldn't risk it and i used a prep machine. I just wasted the bit that was left when they were tiny. You don't want to risk upsetting a newborns tummy for the sake of a bit of formula.

This is not the time to take food safety risks.
Buy some ready made bottles for night time.

Formula isn’t sterile. The risk of infection is so, so small but if it does occur is can be lethal.

Have a read up on Cronobacter which can be found in some formulas and also Necrotising Enterocolitis.

Like I said both are rare but can happen so it’s best to be aware of the risks before deciding what risks to take

Get a cool bag with an ice pack, put second bottle in there, you can then use it up to four hours later.

NHS website says:

If the formula that you made up at home is stored:

• in a fridge – use within 24 hours
• in a cool bag with an ice pack – use within 4 hours
• at room temperature – use within 2 hours

Most likely to be fine but you can never be fully sure.

Or just unplug the perfect prep and take it upstairs with you each night.

Maybe get some formula containers or little tupperwear pots to premeasure the formula into in advance so you don't lose count while knackered.