How long does formula milk last?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Ngo Thi Oanh - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Breast milk is the best food for babies. However, it is possible that for many different reasons, mothers may use more formula for their babies. Babies can be breastfed and formula-fed at the same time, or exclusively formula-fed. How long does it take for formula milk to last is a question that many mothers care about.

1. How long does formula milk last?

For babies who are exclusively breastfed, when hungry, the baby will be fed directly from the mother's milk, this is hot milk. For babies, after mixing milk according to the standard ratio, it is also necessary to let the baby suckle right away. Only use baby bottles when they need to go out.
When making milk, you should mix 1⁄2 boiling water and 1⁄2 cooled boiled water. After mixing, you should feed your baby immediately, while the milk is still warm. How to make milk is already on the instructions on the box. Finished formula can be kept for up to 2 hours. If you need to store it, keep it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. The remaining amount of milk should be discarded or the mother drank it all, should not let the child continue to drink later because in the milk already contains the child's saliva, the milk is no longer clean.
Therefore, mothers need to monitor their children at each stage to know their baby's needs and avoid overmixing of milk. Do not let children reuse leftover milk after 2 hours to avoid bacterial infections, especially Crono bacteria. This bacteria can cause a baby to develop a blood infection or meningitis. In particular, mothers should note that, to ensure a good milk taste and retain nutritional components, it is necessary to mix milk at the correct temperature on the instruction box.

2. How to store prepared formula

In order for milk to achieve the best nutritional quality, it is necessary to store and use the product according to the instructions on the package.
Here are some ways to help moms preserve prepared formula:
To avoid bacterial contamination, store milk in the refrigerator immediately after making it, as bacteria can grow more slowly when the milk is stored Stored in the refrigerator for a longer period of time, up to 24 hours Leftover breast milk should not be given to the child. Do not give your baby milk that has been left at room temperature for 1 hour or longer. Milk is stored in the refrigerator If the baby is cold more than 24 hours, do not feed the baby Before feeding the baby, check that the milk stored in the refrigerator is still usable, even if the storage time is less than 24 hours If the mother and baby have to go out In a few hours, you can bring a bottle of milk or put it in a cooler bag and let your baby use it in 4 hours. Milk in the refrigerator, no need to heat, just take it out for about 1 hour or Warm it up by placing it in a hot water tank. Do not use the microwave to warm milk.

In addition, mothers should note, to keep the nutrients in formula milk, need to:
Wash hands thoroughly before preparing milk, use a clean spoon to scoop milk Close the lid tightly after using milk, Do not leave opened milk in the refrigerator to avoid moisture inside. Do not change the formula by yourself, by diluting it or making it darker. Do not arbitrarily add other ingredients to the milk unless indicated. Milk is best used within 1 month. Attention should be paid to how to store milk after opening, in a cool, dry place, away from moisture, without direct sunlight or heat sources such as a stove. gas Below 25 degrees Celsius is the appropriate temperature to store milk cartons. Very good formula for children. However, mothers need to pay attention to how to use and store milk to avoid adverse effects, affecting the baby's health. Formula milk after mixing will be kept for a maximum period of 2 hours. If stored in the refrigerator, it is 24 hours.
For children to be healthy and develop well, it is necessary to have a nutritious diet in terms of quantity and quality balance. If children are not provided with adequate and balanced nutrients, it will lead to diseases of excess or lack of nutrients, which adversely affect the comprehensive development of children in terms of physical, mental and motor skills.
The period of baby eating solid foods is an extremely important period to help children develop comprehensively. Children who do not eat properly are at risk of micro-mineral deficiencies, causing anorexia, growth retardation, malabsorption, etc. If they notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with supportive products. The supplement contains lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your child. Take care of the baby and the whole family.