Infant formula helps many moms who, for certain reasons, have not been able to breastfeed. Unlike breast milk, which is perfect in composition and temperature, sterile, ready-made baby formula can get bacteria. Avoid this and help the rules of storage, breach which is extremely undesirable.
Proper storage of food, whether it’s store-bought or homemade, is the most important aspect which affects the health of the baby. During the introduction of complementary foods, you need to study how much baby food can be stored in the refrigerator and how long ready-made porridge can be stored.
Each manufacturer specifies the storage conditions, the shelf life of the infant formula. And here everything is not so simple. Violation of the norms can lead to various consequences: from mild indigestion to severe poisoning of the child. So you need to study this issue well and strictly follow the instructions provided by the baby food manufacturer. A good option for baby food is HiPP formula and Holle baby formula. The packaging of these manufacturers has detailed instructions on how to use the product, which even a child can understand.
The Rules for Storing Baby Milk Formulas
The rules for storing dry and liquid infant formula are different. When storing dry baby formula before and after opening the jar, two important conditions must be considered – temperature and humidity: the food should not be stored near heating appliances (stove, oven, hoods) and sources of moisture and condensation (sink, refrigerator). Only unopened jars can be stored in the refrigerator, but the packaging can get damp.
If you have an opened packet of baby formula, you could consider freeze drying it, depending on the nature of its ingredients. The shelf life of freeze dried food tend to be much higher than regular, fresh food. But you’d want to note that it might affect the nutrient level when stored for a long time. As this method is commonly used to preserve breast milk, you should consult a doctor before you decide to store the formula through this method.
Also bear in mind that the integrity of the packaging is important. If the jar (packaging) is wrinkled, torn, with flecks of rust, it is better to refuse from such a product. It is undesirable to simply pour the mixture over, especially in jars of other manufacturers. If it is very necessary to pour the food in an emergency, then select a suitable container.
It is also important to avoid unwanted proximity:
- When baby food is placed alongside cereal, there is a risk of food bugs;
- Some products have a very pronounced smell and can saturate the mixture stored nearby with it;
- And of course, the neighborhood with household chemicals, categorically not allowed.
Pay Attention to the Expiration Date Of Any Products
On average, the shelf life of an open mixture is three weeks. This is the optimal period, after which the mixture is considered spoiled. After all, in contact with air, vitamins and useful elements decay, so the mixture is of no value after the expiration date.
It is not necessary to store the diluted formula in a bottle at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Each time a fresh portion is prepared in the amount needed for one feeding at a time: cooked and immediately fed. After all, bacteria are actively multiplying in a warm environment, so such a mixture is simply dangerous if used repeatedly.
An important fact, do not pour the dry mixture with boiling water so as not to destroy the vitamins and live cultures of lactobacilli. Use boiled water that has been cooled to about 40 C. Milk mixtures dissolve better in this water. To reach the desired temperature of 40 C, place the measuring cup with the boiling water in a container of cold water for a few minutes.
There Is Always The Way Out
Many moms who often travel with their babies wonder how to keep baby food warm. You can wrap the bottle in several layers of parchment paper or foil. The second option is to dilute the mixture with hotter water, and wait until it cools to an acceptable temperature. The best option is considered a bottle thermos bag. In this bag you can put a thermos of hot water and dry formula to make fresh food for the baby.
We advise you to adhere to all the rules and conditions for storing the formula, which the manufacturer writes about, and not to use the formula after the expiration date. The effects of expired baby food on children’s health are unpredictable.
It is also better not to buy formula with a short remaining shelf life for discounts and promotions, if you are not sure that your baby will have time to eat it in such quantity.
So the importance of the topic of baby food storage is undeniable. Babies need to be fed only freshly prepared milk formula. This is not an area where you need to save money. The health of the digestive system and other vital systems of the child’s body will depend on compliance with simple rules for storage and use of formulas, as well as basic rules of hygiene. Proper nutrition from birth is the key to health and in adulthood.