April 2007
Formula storage guidelines
Don't leave breast milk or formula out for more than two hours. If you do, throw it away. And never put an unfinished bottle
of breast milk or formula in the refrigerator for another time. To protect your baby from potentially harmful bacteria, toss
it and start fresh. (See our report on protecting babies from food-borne illness.)
To make sure the formula and breast milk you feed your baby are safe, follow these Food and Drug Administration tips for storing these liquids in the refrigerator and freezer.
To make sure the formula and breast milk you feed your baby are safe, follow these Food and Drug Administration tips for storing these liquids in the refrigerator and freezer.
| Liquid | Refrigerator | Freezer | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expressed breast milk | 24 hours | 3 to 6 months | Label it with the date you put it in the freezer |
| Formula | Don't pre-mix batches and refrigerate; prepare it as your baby needs it | Not recommended | For unopened cans of formula, observe "Use by" dates printed on the container |
