Storing and traveling with formula

Storing formula
Traveling with formula

Storing formula

Bacteria needs 3 things to flourish: moisture, food and warmth. Your baby's formula provides all these things. To restrict the growth of bacteria you can remove the warmth by...

Storing any formula, you prepare in advance, in the body of your refrigerator, not in the door.

Safety Tips!

Bottles of formula you prepare should NOT be left on benches until used. Room temperature provides the warmth necessary for bacteria to grow and multiply.
Don't keep formula you prepare for more than 24 hours, even though it's been refrigerated.

Traveling with formula

If you do not have access to a refrigerator while you are out, the safest way to transport formula is to take your baby's bottle with only the measured amount of boiled water. Carry the correct number of scoops of powdered formula separately in a small container. (Remember bacteria need all three - food, warmth and moisture to flourish. By carrying the formula powder separately and adding it at the last minute, you reduce the risk of bacterial growth.)

Do not carry warm formula when you go out, as bacteria can quickly grow in the warm milk. If formula is already prepared in the bottle, ensure that it is icy cold before being transported in an insulated container and only heat it just before feeding.

Written by Rowena Bennett
RN, RM, RPN, CHN, Grad Dip Health Promotion.

Added Nov 2003.

Back to Bottle Feeding Top