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Many Filipinos are curious about how long does infant formula milk last. After all, it’s a staple in most households. So, we wanted to answer this question for you.
The best baby formula milk can last up to three days in a refrigerator, depending on the brand.
Formula milk can also be frozen for up to several weeks, but that really depends on the brand and the editors of Medical Trends Now do not recommend this process.
What is Infant Formula Milk?
Formula milk is an infant food that is made from cow’s milk and other ingredients.
It is usually sold in cans or cartons, and it may be microwaved or boiled.
Formula milk is a good source of protein and calcium, but the formula doesn’t contain all the nutrients that a baby needs.
How Long Does Infant Formula Milk Last in the Philippines?
According to CDC, to ensure the best possible nutrition for your infant, it is important to follow these guidelines when preparing and feeding formula:
- Prepare formula within 2 hours of preparation and within one hour from when feeding begins.
- If you do not start to use the prepared infant formula within 2 hours, immediately store the bottle in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.
Here are the answers to infant formula milk storage in the Philippines:
How Long Does Baby Formula Milk Last in Room Temperature?
Baby formula milk can last at room temperature for up to 1-2 hours.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that formula be discarded if it is left out at room temperature for more than 1 hour. Additionally, they say that formula that’s been out for less than 1 hour can be safely stored in the fridge.
How Long Does Baby Formula Last in the Fridge?
Infant formula milk can last in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Parents should always prepare fresh formula for feeding, but if they must prepare the infant formula milk in advance, a pre-mixed and unused baby’s bottle may be stored in the refrigerator safely for up to 24 hours.
How Long Does Powdered Formula Milk Last After Opening the Can?
Once the can is opened, the powdered infant formula must be used up within 1 month (we are referring to the entire can of baby formula milk within one month of opening the can). If the can has been stored in a cool, dry place, it is still usable.
Can I Freeze Unopened Formula Milk?
According to FDA, freezing formula, regardless of the type, is not recommended as it could lead to a separation of the mixture and compromise safety. Instead, mix the infant formula milk carefully and provide small bottles that your baby can finish in the allotted time. If they are still hungry after finishing their bottle, mix up a little more formula.
Tips for Saving and Storing Prepared Formula Milk in the Philippines
Do you ever find yourself wondering how long infant formula milk lasts in the fridge or on the counter? Wondering if you’re wasting any money by buying it on a regular basis? Wondering if you can make it last even longer?
Here are some tips to help you save on your grocery bill and extend the life of your infant formula milk:
1. Refrigerate the infant formula
It’s best to store infant formula in the refrigerator. The milk will stay fresh for about three to four months, depending on the date of manufacture and brand. It is recommended for Filipinos to read the label’s expiration date.
2. Keep the container of formula safe, sit out at room temperature, and in a dry place.
Formula milk generally lasts about 30 days in a cool, dry place. If the milk has been opened, it should be consumed within 3 days. It is best to read the label and check the expiration date to ensure the safety of the formula milk.
3. Make sure your baby is drinking enough formula feeding milk.
There is a lot of debate on how much formula a baby needs to drink each day. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies between approximately 6 and 12 months old drink at least 32 ounces of formula each day. However, the AAP recently revised its stance and now recommends that infants between 1 and 3 months old drink at least 24 ounces of formula each day. This is based on research that suggests that giving infants enough formula will help them to get the most important nutrients they need to grow and develop.
To make sure your baby is getting enough formula milk, it is important to follow the guidelines set by your Pediatrician. If you are breastfeeding, make sure you are also providing your baby with enough breast milk so that they are receiving both nutrients.
4. Don’t overfill the bottle feeding milk.
Formula milk generally lasts around six to eight weeks in a sealed container (depending on the brand, you must ensure to read the label). If the opened formula container milk is exposed to air, it will start to spoil and may not be usable after four or five hours due to contamination (germs, etc.). Overfilling the bottle can cause formula milk to break down and form clumps, which can make it unusable. When you open the container bottle, ensure to dispose of the leftover.
5. Stock up on infant formula milk.
If you know you’ll be using a lot of formula milk in a short period of time, buy a few extra bottles of formula milk. You can keep them in the fridge or the pantry, and they’ll be ready when you need them.
6. Choose the right infant formula milk.
Make sure you’re using the right type of formula for your baby as recommended by your Pediatrician. Some formulas last longer than others in the fridge or the pantry.
7. Storing and preparing infant formula milk properly.
Don’t leave formula milk out in the open. Store it in a cool, dry place where it will stay fresh.
Preparation and Storage of Formula Milk: Tips for Filipino Parents
Parents should be aware of the preparation and storage guidelines for formula milk in order to make it last as long as possible.
Formula milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Some manufacturers claim that you can store it in the freezer for up to two months, but we do not recommend freezing it. Parents should also be aware that formula milk may become stale if left at room temperature for an extended period of time. To ensure that fresh formula milk is available when needed, parents should always store it within reach of their baby’s feeding bottle.
How to Choose the Correct Infant Formula Milk in the Philippines?
There are many different types of infant formula in the Philippines. It can be confusing to choose the right one for your baby. Here are some tips to help you choose the right formula milk:
First, decide what type of infant you have. There are different formula types designed for each type of baby.
Second, consider your baby’s age and weight. Formula milk is designed to meet the nutritional needs of babies from birth to 12 months old and 2 to 3 years old. Still, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional if your baby is younger or heavier than average.
Third, consider your budget. Some formulas are more expensive than others, but all of them provide important nutrients for your baby’s development.
Finally, read the ingredients list on the package carefully. Many times there will be a list of specific ingredients that make up the formula milk. Make sure that all of those ingredients are included in the product you’re buying so that you’re providing your child with quality nutrition.
It is best for Filipino parents to consult a pediatrician before choosing the best baby infant formula milk in the Philippines.
Is Infant Formula Milk Better than Breastfeeding?
Breast milk is still the best milk for babies, according to Filipino Pediatricians.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as other foods and drinks are introduced with the continuation of breastfeeding for one year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.
A report by the CDC has shown that breast milk is more nutritious than formula milk. It contains more antibodies, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than formula milk. These nutrients protect a baby’s developing brain and immune system. Breast-fed babies also have lower rates of ear infections, asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
While there are some benefits to breastfeeding for both mom and baby long term, many Pinoy moms choose to breastfeed for shorter durations because it is convenient or because they are passionate about it. Infant formula milk feeding can be an excellent choice for some families when other family members don’t exclusively nurse or when the mom needs to return to work soon after giving birth.
Is Powdered Formula Better than a Bottle of Formula Milk?
There are two different types of infant formula in the Philippines: powdered and liquid. It really depends on your needs and which one is recommended by your Pediatrician.
Here are some thoughts on each option.
Powder Baby Formula Milk in the Philippines
The formula is the most economical option and the most commonly used. The average tub of formula, which will last you about a week, costs around Php 1,700. That means you’ll be spending around Php 6,800 a month on formula.
The powdered formula cannot be sterilized, so it has a slightly higher risk of contamination in processing. However, it is unlikely that you will purchase a spoiled batch.
Powdered formula is labor-intensive to prepare (boiling / warm water), and you can save time by purchasing water that has already been distilled.
Powdered formula is less reliable in its nutritional value than liquid formula since the task of measuring leaves room for human error. It may result in a more/less nutritiously concentrated bottle at each feeding. However, this error is usually so minor that it probably won’t make a big difference in a baby’s intake.
Ready-to-Feed / Liquid Prepared Formula Milk in the Philippines
The ready-to-feed formula is a liquid sold in a bottle, ready to feed your baby immediately. Just open the bottle and pour the desired amount. That’s it. It will need to be refrigerated after opening, so if you have a picky eater on your hands, you may need to warm it up before feeding again.
Some people prefer ready-to-feed formula bottles because they don’t have to clean any bottles or mix anything. These small, single-serve bottles are good for traveling and can be recycled when you’re done. Although these containers may be convenient, I would not recommend them as the best option for everyday feeding.
The liquid formula is sterilized during processing, so you can be sure the nutrition content is correct at each feeding.
Liquid infant formula requires a more expensive upfront cost, but your baby enjoys the convenience of just being able to drink his or her milk. A monthly cost of not over Php 13,510 gets you a full month’s supply of liquid formula. The powder variety of infant formula, on the other hand, can cost as much as Php 7,400.
So Which is Better?
It will boil down to Filipino parents’ budget and time.
Liquid infant milk formula is considered the “better, safer, and most nutritiously reliable option” if the cost isn’t an issue.
However, you always have the option of powdered formula if you have a safe source of water to prepare it. If you don’t mind the hustle of preparing the powdered milk formula, then powdered is for you. Powder formula milk is cheaper and as healthy as the equivalent of liquid milk formula.
How Long Does Infant Formula Milk Last: Questions Answered!
Formula milk is a type of baby formula that typically contains cow’s milk, soy milk, and other minerals and vitamins.
Unopened containers of formula milk can last for 3 to 4 months, depending on the brand’s manufacturing date and instructions. It is best to read the label and expiration date.
Once opened and prepared, formula milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The best duration for formula milk is up to 2 hours. When you prepare, it must be consumed immediately or within 2 hours.
Knowing how long formula milk lasts in the Philippines will help Filipinos save time and money. Keep these numbers in mind the next time you need to buy formula.
We highly recommend consulting your Pinoy Pediatrician. Please visit a pediatrics doctor near your location by searching on Google “Pediatrics doctor near me” and ask about the shelf life, duration of formula milk, preparation, and storage of the formula.
Finally, read the label of the infant formula milk to know the nutritional value of the formula.
Sources:
- Making sense of the Philippine Milk Code – International Labour Organization / UNICEF / EU
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Don’t feed homemade formula to babies; seek help instead
- Infant Formula Preparation and Storage | Nutrition – CDC
- Formula milk: common questions – NHS
- Infant formula: 7 steps to prepare it safely – Mayo Clinic
- How to Make a Baby Bottle – Formula Feeding – Enfamil
- How to Make a Baby Bottle: Storage and More | Similac®
- Safe preparation and use of infant formula – Healthy WA
- Feeding Your Infant: How to Prepare and Store Baby Formula – Cleveland Clinic
- Feeding Your Baby Infant Formula – HealthEd
- Feeding Your Baby Formula: Safely Making and Storing Formula – Healthlink British Columbia
- What if I need to formula feed my baby away from home? – NCT
- Guide to Bottle Feeding – Unicef UK
- Precautions in preparing your infant’s formula milk – Healthy WA
