How to Prepare and Store Infant Formula

Infant formula must be safely prepared and stored to minimize the risk of foodborne illness for baby. This article explain what to do for the three main types of formula:

Read on for everything you need to know.

The following information pertains to babies born at term without any significant medical needs. For guidance on babies who are premature or have medical needs, talk to your baby’s pediatric healthcare provider.

Safety tips for mixing and storing infant formula

It is important to practice excellent hygiene and cleanliness to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Follow these steps: 

How to prepare powdered infant formula?

Most powdered formulas follow the general preparation method below, however it is important to follow the individual instructions on your formula container or from your doctor or pediatric dietitian. Before preparing, make sure that the formula container looks clean and intact, and that the formula has not expired.  

Be sure to follow the instructions for the ratio of water to formula. Adding too much or too little water can impact baby’s nutrition, hydration, and overall health. 

How to store powdered infant formula once it is prepared?

Once prepared with water, powdered infant formula lasts for:

If your doctor or pediatric dietitian recommends fortified breast milk (breast milk with powder formula mixed in), know that, once mixed, it lasts about 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

It is generally recommended to discard any leftovers not consumed within an hour from the start of the feeding. Why? Bacteria in baby’s saliva can cause the formula to spoil rapidly and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

What are different methods to mix powdered infant formula?

There are a couple of ways to prepare and store powdered infant formula to help save time and reduce leftover formula waste. 

How to store ready-to-feed infant formulas?

Ready-to-feed (RTF) liquid formulas do not require preparation before feeding baby. Once the container is opened, RTF formula lasts:

RTF formula should be used within one hour of the start of the feeding session and any remaining formula should be discarded. Why? Bacteria in baby’s saliva can cause formula to spoil rapidly and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

How to prepare and store liquid concentrate formulas?

Liquid formula concentrates require the addition of water to dilute the concentrate by the appropriate amount for baby. Be sure to follow the directions on the container and the instructions of your doctor. 

Once opened, most prepared liquid concentrates last:

Prepared liquid concentrate formula should be used within one hour of the start of the feeding session and any remaining formula should be discarded. Why? Bacteria in baby’s saliva can cause formula to spoil rapidly and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much formula does baby need? 

It varies. Generally babies require between 24 to 32 fl oz (720 to 960 ml) of formula per day, and some babies may drink more while others may drink less. Both scenarios are normal. Expect more frequent bottle feedings when baby is younger, and fewer bottle feedings as baby becomes more efficient at drinking formula. Formula intake also gradually decreases as baby builds the skills to consume solid food, which can happen as early as 9 months of age. See Baby Feeding Schedules for more information. 

What type of formula should I offer to my baby? 

Every baby has their own unique needs, so it is important to connect with your baby’s healthcare provider for guidance. Most babies do well on a standard, iron-fortified, dairy-based formula, however some babies may need more specialized formulas that are tailored to their unique medical needs, such as in the cases of cow’s milk protein allergy, digestive concerns, and other medical conditions.

What do I do if I can’t access the formula my baby needs? 

Connect immediately with your pediatric healthcare provider, who usually can help get you a bridge supply of formula and connect you to community resources that can offer formula. Also read our page on Infant Formula Shortage & FAQs and Guide for more information. Do not make homemade formula. 

I’m not sure if our water quality is safe for baby. What do I do?

If you are unsure if the tap water is safe for baby’s formula preparation, talk to your baby’s pediatric healthcare professional for tailored guidance. In many parts of the United States, tap water can be used to mix formula. However, access to safe tap water isn’t always available. In some cases, it may be suggested to boil water and let it cool before mixing formula for baby.

Do I need to use distilled or sterilized water to prepare formula for baby?

It depends. In younger, premature, and more medically complex babies, your pediatric healthcare team may recommend using sterilized or distilled water to prepare formula. Other babies, such as those born at term and without medical complexities may not require this. For more individualized guidance on your baby’s needs, connect with your pediatric healthcare professional.

Is a sanitizer necessary to clean baby bottles? 

No, a specific sanitizer product isn’t required to clean baby bottles or bottle parts. Wash baby bottles and any associated parts with hot water and dishwasher detergent between each use. It is generally recommended to sanitize baby bottles once daily, particularly for younger babies or babies with medical complexities. Babies who are older and healthy may not need to have their bottles sanitized. Baby bottles may be sanitized either by boiling, steam microwaving, or using the sanitizing setting on the dishwasher, according to bottle manufacturer recommendations. 

Does prepared infant formula need to be warmed for baby?

No. Baby can drink prepared infant formula that has been chilled. This also helps baby begin to get comfortable with the idea that food can have different temperatures.

Can I freeze and thaw prepared infant formula?

In general, it is not recommended to freeze formula. Freezing can negatively impact its nutritional value. If desired, it is fine to use prepared infant formula in frozen recipes (such as a baby popsicle) but is not required.

Can I cook with infant formula? Can I refrigerate food with formula to baby? How long does food with formula last in the refrigerator? 

Technically you can cook with prepared formula, but it is generally not recommended. Formula is expensive and if it is prepared improperly, there is a risk of providing too much formula and overfeeding baby. Heating also decreases the nutrition in the formula. If you do choose to cook with infant formula, make sure to prepare the formula according to the manufacturer’s instructions and keep in mind that food cooked with formula lasts about 24 hours in the refrigerator and a couple of months in the freezer.

Know that it is completely fine to cook food with pasteurized cow’s milk or milk alternatives common allergens have been safely introduced and food allergy ruled out. It is a common misconception that baby can’t have food with cow’s milk before age one. 

Can I cook with infant formula leftover from a feeding?

Unfortunately no. If formula is leftover for more than an hour after the start of a feeding, it should be discarded to help minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

Should I use infant formula in recipes that include cow’s milk? 

No. It is completely fine to use pasteurized cow’s milk or a milk alternative when cooking food for baby. It is a common misconception that baby can't eat food containing cow’s milk or milk alternatives before age one. Just make sure to first safely introduce cow’s milk or any common allergens in the milk alternative.

My baby is on a special infant formula (e.g. non-dairy, higher calories, etc.) - can I still cook with this? 

It depends–in most cases, these formulas can be used in cooking, but it is not necessary to do so. Formula is often expensive and difficult to obtain. However, check in with your pediatric healthcare professional for guidance. In many cases, milk alternatives or pasteurized cow’s milk may be used - barring food allergies and intolerances - which offer more affordable options for cooking.

I have leftover cans of unopened infant formula. Can I donate them?

Yes. Unopened, unexpired, undamaged, and properly stored packages of infant formula can often be donated. Reach out to your local clinic or food pantry for guidance. The nonprofit organization the Oley Foundation is a national organization who accepts formula donations.