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 so that you can avoid contamination, spoilage or waste.

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 placed in an air-tight container.  

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

Powder

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

Prepared

Prepared infant formula can spoil if it is 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 within one hour from when feeding begins.

If you have not started to use the prepared infant formula within 2 hours, immediately store the bottle in the fridge and use it within 24 hours. If the prepared formula is left out more than 2 hours or has been partially fed to your little one, immediately discard the unused portion.

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 the expiration date all nutrients will remain at the highest quality.

For most babies using a box by the expiration date will not be a challenge however, if you do find yourself with baby formula nearing the expiration date - freezing the powder or prepared baby formula is not the answer. The freezer can have a negative effect on the individual components and over all nutritive value of all European baby formula.

Powder

High humidity, like what is found in a freezer, can cause powdered baby formula to clump. Clumpy formula can alter the scoop-able amount that goes into your baby's bottle.

Babies' bodies and digestive systems are developing very fast. If there is an imbalance of minerals, proteins, or fats, it will lead to nutritional problems that can have lasting effects.

Too much or not enough of the necessary vitamins, minerals over an extended period of time can damage your baby's kidneys or stunt the growth and development cycles of your infant.

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 and the texture and taste of the European baby formula will be undesirable to infants and the quality will be compromised.

Powder

It is not recommended to ever store baby formula powder inside of 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.

Prepared European baby formula may be stored in a below 40 degree Fahrenheit refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Placing the premade European formula in the fridge within 1 hour of making it and away from the door will help ensure bacteria will not form.

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

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 you mix the water and formula, check the temperature by sprinkling a few drops onto your wrist to make sure 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.

After two hours, replace in a refrigerator or discard any unused bottles.

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

The expiration date indicates when your baby 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.

If you are not sure whether or not 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.

When the ingredients are expire or spoiled you may notice:

• The smell of the baby formula will have an off aroma
• Clumping that never mixes
• Separation of ingredients in the baby formula
• Your baby might refuse to take the bottle or get sick after feeding
• Baby may be unusually fussy or gassy after a bottle

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 very best start in life.