Powdered baby formula on a spoon poring into a baby bottle

January 08, 2021

Can You Freeze Baby Formula?

Updated February 2023

 

Whether you are using European baby formula entirely or as a supplement to breast milk, knowing the basics of formula storage will make bottle feeding easier.

 

Storing baby formula correctly is essential to avoid contamination, spoilage, or waste.

Table of Contents

1. Perfect Temperature For Powdered Baby Formula

2. Baby Formula Temperature

3. Can You Freeze Baby Formula Powder?

4. Can You Store Baby Formula Powder in Fridge?

5. Traveling with baby Formula Powder

6. Baby Formula Storage

7. Does Baby Formula Expire

8. Safe Baby Formula

9. Frequently Asked Question

Perfect Temperature For Baby Formula

Keep unopened formula containers at room temperature. Temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb, making sure to avoid storing the boxes of powdered baby formula in direct sunlight.

 

Once the powdered baby formula is opened, it immediately becomes exposed to the environment around it. The quality is affected by factors such as the humidity in the air and indirect sunlight. To ensure short-term freshness, when not in use, keep the powdered formula in a cool dark place and close the top of the storage bag included or place it in an air-tight container.  

Baby Formula Temperature

Storing formula might seem simple enough. Still, when you’re functioning on little to no sleep, leaving the powdered baby formula container in the open air or a prepared bottle of European baby formula out on your countertop can be easy.

 

Powder

Please don't worry; limited exposure to room temperature and the surrounding environment will not result in loss of nutrients or damage to powdered formula. Make sure to check for evident moisture or contamination, reseal and put the container back in a cool dark space until the next time you may need it.  

 

Prepared

Infant formula can spoil if left out at room temperature for too long. Once you mix the powder and water, baby formula is best given to your little one within 2 hours of preparation and one hour from when feeding begins.

Can You Freeze Baby Formula Powder?

European baby formula powder comes vacuum-sealed to ensure that it stays contamination free and all ingredients remain fresh. As long as you use the container by expiration, all nutrients will remain at the highest quality.

 

For most babies, using a box by the expiration date will be easy however, if you find yourself with baby formula nearing the expiration date - freezing the powder or prepared baby formula is not the answer. The freezer can negatively affect all European baby formula’s components and overall nutritive value.

 

Powder

High humidity, like what is found in a freezer, can cause the powdered baby formula to clump. This alters the scoopable amount that goes into your baby's bottle.

 

Babies' bodies and digestive systems are developing very fast. An imbalance of minerals, proteins, or fats will lead to nutritional problems that can have lasting effects. Too much or not enough of the necessary vitamins and minerals over an extended period of time can damage your baby's kidneys or stunt your infant’s growth and development cycles.

 

Prepared

Freezing prepared European baby formula causes the fat to separate from the proteins. When separated, the temperatures in the freezer are so low that it can cause the loss of some important nutrients.

 

As the frozen baby formula thaws, these nutrients will not mix to a consistent state. The texture and taste of the European baby formula will be undesirable to infants, and the quality will be compromised.

Can You Store Baby Formula Powder in Fridge?

If you are looking for the best way to keep your little ones’ nutrition fresh, you may rethink keeping powdered formula in the refrigerator.

 

Powder

It is not recommended to store baby formula powder inside a refrigerator. Condensation will lead to mold and bacteria growth that is extremely harmful to your baby. As with most dry powders, it also has the opportunity to pick up smells and tastes from the surrounding foods making it unpalatable.

 

Prepared

Many families find it convenient, especially at night, to make bottles ahead of time and have them ready to go.

 

If your baby starts a bottle of formula but does not finish it within one hour, please pour out the remaining contents. After mixing with the baby's saliva, it can grow bacteria that reheating or refrigeration will not kill.

Traveling with Formula

Is your baby ready to explore the world around them? Being prepared for feedings is likely to be top of mind. Let’s answer some of the most pressing questions.

 

Powdered

The safest option when you’re out and about is to carry an airtight pre-measured amount of European powdered baby formula and a clean, empty bottle. Use a thermos to bring boiling water, which will keep it hot for about four hours. After mixing the water and formula, check the temperature by sprinkling a few drops onto your wrist to ensure it's comfortably warm, not hot, and then serve right away. 

 

Prepared

If you need to mix formula and place it in bottles before you go out with your baby, chill it for at least an hour in the back of the refrigerator, where it's coldest. You can then store these bottles in a cooler with ice packs for up to two hours.

Baby Formula Storage

Each box of European baby formula is clearly marked with an expiration date. Please check each brand and stage to ensure your baby gets the best organic nutrition.

 

The expiration date indicates when your baby's formula will be at its peak quality. Each European baby formula is carefully manufactured with a process that includes all the organic nutrients a baby needs.

 

Like all nutrition, these organic ingredients will begin to deteriorate and break down after a certain length of time. In order to best support your infant’s growth and development, you need all the nutrients working in perfect balance.

Does Baby Formula Expire?

If you are unsure whether your baby’s formula has expired or perhaps it has been exposed to moisture or a harsh environment, it’s best to err on the side of caution. If you believe the powdered formula is old or spoiled, avoid feeding it to your baby and open a new box.

Safe Baby Formula

My Organic Company knows that every part of your baby's nutrition is important to you. From choosing the purest organic European baby formulas to preparing the perfect bottle.

 

Each step of the way, we are here for you. Please join us in the HiPP Holle Kendamil & European Baby Formula Parent Community as we support each other, share laughs and learn more about the formulas that give your little one the best start in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should the powdered formula be stored at?

Heat and cold can degrade the nutrients in the formula, so keep unopened liquid and powdered formula in a cool place. The optimum storage temperature is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but make certain that it stays below 95 degrees and above freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

How do you store baby formula powder?

Once a container of infant formula is opened, store it in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed. Please don't store it in the refrigerator. Most infant formulas must be used within one month of opening the container (check the label). When you first open the container, write the date on the lid to help you remember.

How do you read European experation dates?

In European countries, the day comes first, then the month, and then the year. So you may see something similar to 4 January 2025.

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