Storing formula, quick question

[emilyeggs]

Evening all, I was just wondering if anyone stores pre made formula in the fridge (I've seen people say they do), and if so, how long do you keep it in there? I've never done it and have never kept a bottle passed the 2hr deadline but ds is weaning and may only dring 1-2 oz of a 7oz bottle. It's such a waist. I know I could make smaller bottles but was just wondering if it can be kept safely :)

this explains why the water needs to be 70 degrees, and also how to refridgerate bottles safely.

Nots, my question was about storing milk, not how to make them up x

Meant to say thanks anyway, but not going to put bottles in the fridge. Hope others find your link helpful x

If he's not doing full bottles, could you afford to buy the big cartons of ready made, they can stay open for 48 hours so you could just have sterilised bottles ready and just pour in a few ounces as and when he needs them.

Yes tweasles, I may do just that x

LOL!!......
Just to say I hear you Miaowthecat..... I have gone from putting the formula in the cooled water in the fridge(when required) to just making up and putting the bottle back in the fridge if she only about 20 ml or so......

Let the preaching begin!!..........

ps she is 8 months and I am tired of wasting food...... I keep asking myself how they do it in poorer countries where they can't afford to waste food!

Dise, do you mean you put back what she hasn't finished? That was what I was asking if I could do..x

Don't put half drunk bottles back in the fridge - just make smaller ones in advance. It's really no more effort to make 2 4oz bottles than one 8oz bottle. But it's a stage and will pass as he settles with solids. If you think he's just thirsty give him water - no need to boil and cool after 6 months.

In rare cases babies have died due to the bacteria in formula not being killed because parents used cold water to make feeds - I guess this is why people 'preach' that the formula should be made properly .

Emily, you have to follow the NHS and manufacturers guidelines and do what you are comfortable with. You cannot take the same risk as someone in the virtual world of mumsnet. what if something happen to your little one?? who will you blame?

I have put milk back in the fridge..(shoot me!).. My Lo is mostly on breastmilk but I use formula for her porridge. I make a bottle, use some for porridge and put the rest in the fridge, an hour later I will try to give her the rest of the milk because she doesn't drink milk during breakfast, she prefers water (another topic). and I don't feel I should chuck the whole bottle away just because it has been out of the fridge for ten mins and she has had a couple of sips...

my point is people do things in different context that may not necessarily apply to you.

Desi you could just use cows milk for the porridge - it doesn't have to be formula or breast milk in 'cooking'. Wouldn't this be even easier?

Formula powder should be made up in water over 70 degrees celsius in order to reduce the risk of cronobacter sakazakii infection which causes meningitis, necrotising enterocolitis and death. Although the risk is highest in younger babies especially those born prematurely or low birth weight. The guidelines were changed after a string of infant deaths in Europe.

The safest way is to make up the formula one bottle at a time but not practical for many so the other option is to make them up safely and then flash cool and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

If a baby drinks from a bottle it introduces bacteria from its saliva into the milk which goes onto multiply. The fridge will slow down but not stop this multiplication process which is why it is safer to discard formula that has been drunk from after 2 hours.

Of course it is entirely up to you what you do and what risks you are prepared to take.