Greedy Formula Companies?

Switch to powdered formula - it last longer. And buy the smaller cans, because even though it's powder it does still expire. This is one of those things where it's worth ponying up the dough ;)

No... it's not so that you buy more... it's because formula breaks down and goes rotten VERY quickly. The proteins, fats, and sugars in their pure states are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and molds. The ones which are already partially broken down are even worse.

Good Start, & Similac "easy" or "gentle" proteins are the worse. Going sour within about 30 minutes, and actually rotten in about 1-2 hours. Vile, disgusting stuff (I always smelled and tasted any formula before giving it to my son).

There is bacteria in the air, but also the proteins (and other compnents, but mostly proteins), start to break down quite quickly in any kind of warm environment. The microbes feast off of the sugars and proteins, multiplying at an amazing rate... but even the process of breaking down creates acids and byproducts that make the stuff inedible.

The formula that had the best "longevity" that I found was Enfamil Lipil. I could keep an open can for 12 -24 hours *as long as* it stayed in the fridge the entire time. I'd transfer a new can to the fridge before opening it, which also helped. (aka apx 12 hours if it was room temp then fridge, and nearly twice as long if it was cold before opening it). Doing the same with similac only kept the formula fresh for for about an hour. Gross, disgusting, awful yucky stuff. Warmed bottles of enfamil also lasted for a couple of hours easy warmed.

Milk has natural antimicrobial properties in it, but it still goes bad quite quickly when left out... and formula about 10x faster. Once it's been warmed up... it's T-minus time.

I would follow the guidelines the formula company sets, I don't know if they are being greedy, but why take the chance. Have you thought about buying the packages with 6-8 ounce size? I know they had those when my daughter was younger, very convienent for traveling, but would work well if you only need 4 ounces a day. Or have you considered powder?

Hi A. - we liked the single serving tubes of powder formula. Each one made 4 oz. and they were easy to carry and we always knew it was going to be fresh. A little more expensive because of the packaging but I knew I was paying for the convenience factor. We never had great luck with the liquid because it was only supposed to be stored open for 24-48 and then it was cold cold and I had to worry about hotspots from heating in the microwave. Too much hassle for me.

The bottles say to use it within 48 hours of opening, if I remember right. When my son was taking formula, we bought ready to feed in 6 oz bottles.

As with any food items, they will put an expiration date in a safe range to be on the safe side. You'll want to go by that date to be safe.

With that said, it would last much longer and be more cost efficient to buy a can of powdered formula. It last much longer after being opened than the liquid. They do make smaller cans too rather than the jumbo. Just store the can in the fridge to keep it even longer, or in a big zip lock bag. Parents Choice is less expensive and proven to be an extra formula like the more expensive brands. It's sold through Walmart. I wish I would have known about that formula when my triplets were babies!

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets

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I just want to add this. My niece was in the NICU for 3 months and my sister said the dr's and nurses would leave the formula out for 2-3 hours at a time and still use it and it was fine.

I suggest that the companies say to keep open formula for a limited amount of time to protect themselves from liability. They cannot control the conditions under which formula is kept.

I suggest that if you keep the formula at a low temperature and use all precautions to keep the formula sanitary that you can keep it for longer than suggested. If by chance you keep it too long, if the formula hasn't been exposed to salmonella pathogens in your refrigerator the worst that would happen is your little one would have an upset stomach.

You don't say how old your baby is. I do suggest if she's less than 4 months old that you not keep it past the time recommended because an upset stomach is difficult for a very young baby.

I wouldn't keep the formula longer than a few days. Milk is good for a week or slightly more if kept at a low temperature. I'd use the same guideline for formula as for milk.

Yes you would end up wasting a lot of it.

Here's the thing-is it really worth taking the chance that the formula might not get cooties while sitting in the fridge. Once something like that is opened the clock starts ticking. And it's not worth taking a chance on my little one getting sick. I think the shelf life once opened is only maybe 2 or 3 days. I'm no formula expert though. We rarely used it.

If you have to give her formula stick to the powder. The opened can will last what 30 days? Far less waste and it is more cost effective than the ready to feed types.

We used the powder so you could make just a little at a time, and the Target generic brand is SUPER affordable. Formula really does go bad quickly-not sure if the ready to feed is the same way, but you can tell by the smell.

I used the powdered formula that you mix as needed to avoid that issue. It worked great for me. Good luck.
G.

I would follow the directions in reference to how long the formula is good for after it is is opened. If she does not drink that much formula,why not do powder. It would be cheaper and you can store it for longer and you would not have to worry about throwing it away. with the powder you make as much as you want at one time.

Yes, you would waste a lot. I would get powdered if I was you.