What to do with expired baby formula

In this post we are going to talk about the various suggestions on what to do with baby formula that has expired

Does baby formula expire?

Yes baby formula expires if you cross the “formula expiration date” or “use by date” mentioned on the formula by the manufacturer on the container or box.

Expired baby formula happens to the best of parents.

Maybe the can got shoved to the back of the cupboard or your baby didn’t eat as much this month as you expected.

Whatever the case, nearly all of us have pulled out a package of baby formula only to realize that it’s expired.

When that happens, it can be hard to know what to do.

On one hand, baby formula is so expensive, and you really don’t want to throw it in the trash.

But on the other hand, you’d never want to feed your child a product that could be bad for them or cause food poisoning.

Putting the baby at risk would be your biggest concern.

Let us now dive into what you can do with formula that has passed the expiration date.

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Types of Formula

There are 3 basic forms of baby formula, each one with a different make-up and use.

Powdered formula ( Check out the top ones available )

Liquid concentrate form ( Check out the top ones available )

Ready-to-feed form ( Check out the top ones available )

Depending on the type of formula you use, the shelf-life will be different.

The powder form is generally the least expensive and longest-lasting option.

The liquid concentrate and ready-to-feed forms usually last only 48 hours after being prepared or opened.

Check out this link from the American Academy of Pediatrics for more information about these forms of baby formula to help you choose which one is best for your baby and your lifestyle.

When does infant formula expire?

All baby formulas will come with a printed expiration date on the packaging.

It is important that you check this date before buying formula as vendors will sometimes sell expired or close to the date products that you may not be able to use before they lose quality and can no longer be used.

How long is baby formula good for after expiration date? Can you use expired formula?

Babies have delicate digestive systems and can easily become sick if their food is not at its best quality.

Read here to understand the risks of foodborne illnesses for babies and young children.

Check out this guide from the USDA to understand the expiration date regulations applied to baby formula (and other foods).

What happens if you give baby expired formula

What are the signs of contamination?

The most common thing is mold growing in the expired powder formula, or the powder itself looking frosted up.

How long is powdered baby formula good for?

Powdered baby formula also carries the extra risk of causing a bacterial infection called Cronobacter, if used beyond its expiration date or if not stored properly.

Read here for the CDC’s advice for best-practice formula use to avoid Cronobacter infections.

How long is baby formula good for once opened?

Once you open a can of powdered baby formula, most varieties should be used within a month.

That being said, you should always read the label on the formula you’re using to be sure, as some kinds of powdered formula may be good for less time.

Also, if the expiration date passes before the month is over, you should not continue to use the formula, as the formula powder will begin to lose important nutrients.

Opened liquid formula, whether concentrate or ready to feed, generally must be used within 48 hours after opening, but also must be stored in the refrigerator during that time.

How long is mixed baby formula good for once prepared?

Once prepared for eating, all forms of baby formula should be used within 2 hours.

How long is refrigerated baby formula good for?

If you prefer to prepare your baby’s formula in advance, for example for overnight feedings, you should refrigerate the formula immediately and use it within 24 hours.

Be careful to prepare any formula that you are going to store with cold water to help prevent bacterial growth.

Make sure to throwaway any leftovers in the baby bottle once you have finished the feed, as this can attract bacteria and cause food poisoning.

How many times can you reheat prepared formula?

You should never reheat prepared formula due to the presence and growth of bacteria in an already warmed bottle.

If your baby does not finish their formula within 2 hours after you have prepared it, it’s better to just throw away the leftovers.

Check this link for the FDA’s recommendations to avoid foodborne illnesses in your baby:

Can you freeze baby formula?

This causes break-down of both the consistency and the nutritional quality of the formula.

Thankfully, due to the convenient and quick preparation that formula offers, you really never need to freeze it.

Concluding thoughts

With all the things you have to think and worry about as a parent, it’s almost certain that at some point you may have a can (or several cans) of baby formula to expire before you can use it.

As frustrating as that is, the most important thing to remember is to not be tempted to feed the expired formula to your baby.

Rather than think too much about the waste, check to see if one of the alternative uses for expired formula listed above could be an option for you.

And, even if nothing works out and your only choice is to toss your expired formula, remember that it really is just spilled milk after all, a very minor cost that comes with the blessing of being a parent.