POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy1 Year agoA. Once formula milk is prepared, it should be used within a specific time frame to ensure safety and prevent bacterial growth. Here are some general guidelines:
### Storage Guidelines for Prepared Formula Milk
1. **At Room Temperature**:
- **Use within 2 hours**: If the baby does not start feeding immediately, the formula should be used within 2 hours of preparation.
- **Within 1 hour**: If the baby has started feeding but does not finish the bottle, the leftover formula should be discarded within 1 hour.
2. **Refrigerated**:
- **Use within 24 hours**: If the formula is prepared and immediately stored in the refrigerator, it should be used within 24 hours.
### Best Practices for Formula Feeding
- **Avoid Reusing**: Do not save or reuse any leftover formula that the baby has already fed from, as bacteria from the baby’s mouth can contaminate the formula.
- **Preparation**: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing formula milk, including the correct water-to-formula ratio.
- **Warming Formula**: If you need to warm refrigerated formula, do so by placing the bottle in a container of warm water. Do not use a microwave, as it can heat unevenly and create hot spots that could burn your baby’s mouth.
- **Check Temperature**: Before feeding, test the formula's temperature by placing a few drops on your wrist to ensure it is lukewarm, not hot.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure the formula milk you feed your baby is safe and fresh. If your baby frequently refuses feedings, consider preparing smaller amounts to minimize waste.
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