Storing made-up feeds safely
As a general rule of thumb, bottles should be prepared as needed.
Why might feeds need to be stored in advance?
- For a trip out
- Travel to holiday destination
- For convenience
What are the risks?
Storing made-up bottles of formula milk for any length of time increases the risk of bacterial growth. The longer milk is stored (even in the fridge), the more any bacteria will multiply. In fact, storing made-up bottles in the fridge may expose them to bacteria Salmonella and Cronobacter sakazakii (formerly called Enterobacter sakazakii), which can multiply even at low temperatures.
That’s why it is recommended that parents make up feeds as and when they need them, rather than in advance.
How?
- Make up the formula feed according to the instructions on the pack
- Store the made-up bottle below 5oC (i.e. in the main compartment of fridge, not the fridge door which doesn’t stay as cool)
- Use the bottle as soon as possible but always within 24 hours
Warming stored feed
- Remove the made-up bottle from the fridge only when needed
- Warm using a bottle warmer, or a container of warm water, never a microwave
- Shake to avoid hot spots
- Use immediately and discard unfinished feed after one hour
- Parents should remember to always test the milk temperature by shaking a few drops onto the inside of their wrist
Making up feeds ‘on the go’
Directions for parents
- Put freshly boiled water in a clean, sealed vacuum flask kept for this purpose only
- Measure the appropriate number of scoops of formula into a sterile container
- Remember to pack sterilised bottles
- Use the flask water to make up a fresh feed when needed
- Check the water is still hot and be careful not to scald yourself
- Cool the feed down before giving it to your baby by running it under cold water
- Test the milk temperature by shaking a few drops onto the inside of your wrist before offering it to your baby
Cartons of ready-to-feed baby milks are convenient when parents want to get out and about with their babies. They will also need to pack sterilised bottles and a pair of clean scissors to open the carton.