Baby feeding supplies are expensive, so you would not want any to go to waste. At the same time, you want to prioritize your baby's health and safety. Finding the balance between these two leads to questions like, "Can you reheat formula?" This article will answer that for you. We have also included answers to related questions and additional tips. Continue reading and start learning what's best for your baby.
Situations Where Parents May Wonder, "Can You Reheat Formula?"
Before answering the question, let's discuss why the thought would occur in the first place. What makes you ask, "Can you reheat baby formula or not?" The situations listed below are the common reasons:
Your Baby Did Not Finish the Bottle
There are feeding sessions when your baby becomes full before finishing the bottle. That leaves you with some leftover baby formula. You would not want it to be wasted, but you should not force your baby to finish it, either. So, you may consider storing it and reheating it for the next feeding session.
You Are Busy
There are days when you are really busy. You have chores and work to do on top of taking care of your baby. In these situations, you would not have enough time to prepare baby formula before each feeding. Thus, you may want to prepare bottles in advance and then reheat them before use.
You Have a Young Baby
Young babies need to be fed often. While breast milk is most recommended for them, some women can't breastfeed. In these cases, baby formula is okay for feeding. Preparing bottles one at a time is a hassle. Thus, you may want to prepare multiple at once.
Delays During Outings
Suppose you went out with your baby. You have heated the formula in advance and packed it in a cooler bag. Then, something unexpected happened. It delayed your feeding time. As a result, the formula is no longer in the desired temperature. You may want to reheat it if you have a portable bottle warmer with you.
Can You Reheat Formula Twice?
No, you can't. You can only heat baby formula once. Baby formula that has been heated and cooled multiple times is a great breeding ground for harmful bacteria. That is not all. Reheating will degrade the nutrients in the baby formula. As such, you want to avoid doing that.
Why Should You Take Caution in Reheating the Formula Twice?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has given warnings about reheating baby formula. Here are the key points that you must know:
Throw the Leftover Formula Away
Let's say you fed your baby, but they did not finish the bottle. You may ask, "Can I put leftover formula in the fridge?" The answer is no. Do not save the leftover for the next feeding session. It is now mixed with your baby's saliva. That promotes bacterial growth. So, throw it away.
The CDC also advises that you sterilize the bottle after the feeding session. You can use the Momcozy Bottle Washer and Sterilizer to do that effortlessly. It can wash, sterilize, and dry your feeding bottles. The product features 26 powerful spray jets that ensure the bottles are thoroughly cleaned.
Do Not Microwave Baby Formula to Heat It
Microwave can quickly heat your baby formula, so you may think it is a convenient option. But no. Microwaving is not an option. It heats food, milk, and baby formula unevenly. Therefore, it causes hotspots, which can burn your baby's throat and mouth.
One of the recommended methods is to put the bottle under running water. Be careful so that no water gets in the bottle or on the nipple. Then, before feeding your baby, drop some on the back of your hand. It will let you know if the baby formula is too hot.
Using a good baby bottle warmer is a great alternative option. Check the Momcozy Baby Bottle Warmer, which offers even heating, preventing hotspots. It is also a convenient tool to use, as it offers fast warming and compatibility with different bottles.
How To Store and Reheat Baby Formula Properly
So, when should you heat baby formula and how should you store what you prepared in advance? That will be discussed in this section.
Storing Baby Formula
Store formula bottles that you prepared in advance at 4°C or 39°F or lower. Remember to use them within 24 hours, or else you will have to throw it. That is if you are using powdered formula. For ready-to-use baby formula, you can store it for up to 48 hours. Remember to seal the container tightly to prevent contamination.
As mentioned earlier, you should also throw away the formula that has been partially consumed.
We also recommend adding labels when preparing baby formula in advance. Write down the date and time so that you would know which has become unsafe for your baby to consume.
Heating Baby Formula
The CDC says you don't need to warm baby formula. However, if you choose to do so, you should heat baby formula only once. Do not reheat it again, as that will cause bacterial growth. Also, you should use running water or bottle warmers to heat the baby formula. Other methods are unsafe, as they can cause hotspots, which can burn your baby's mouth and throat.
After heating the formula, you should also test if it's too hot before giving it to your baby. A great way to do so is by dropping some at the back of your hand. It should be warm and not hot.
Alternatives to Reheating Formula: How to Avoid Waste Baby Formula
Since you can heat baby formula only once, it is wise to find alternative ways to help avoid wasting your supplies. We have some tips for you. Here's what you can do instead:
Be Observant
Observe how much your baby needs. Track their feeding habits. Suppose there is always leftover formula milk after the feeding sessions. Then, reduce the volume when preparing for the next session or day.
Don't Go Overboard When Preparing in Advance
You may want to prepare in advance if you know you will have a tight schedule. Always keep in mind that you should prepare just what you need for 24 hours. Any excess would have to be thrown away. If you need more, you can just prepare a new bottle. That is better than wasting unused formula that sat for too long.
Consider Using Ready-to-Feed Formula
Ready-to-Feed Formula comes pre-mixed in sealed containers. You can pour only the exact amount needed for a feeding session. This eliminates the risk of preparing more than necessary, helping to reduce waste. On top of that, the pre-portioned options are great for days when you are going out. They are easier to carry and ensure there wouldn't be leftovers.
Store Baby Formula Properly
You should immediately refrigerate formula bottles that you have prepared ahead of time. Do not let them sit out, as that can promote microbial growth. If you are using ready-to-feed baby formula, ensure that it is tightly sealed.
FAQs About Reheating Baby Formula
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about heating baby formula.
Can You Put Formula Back in the Fridge After Warming?
No, you cannot. You can heat baby formula only once, and putting it back in the fridge means you would need to heat it again. So, you should not re-refrigerate the formula. Throw it away if it is not consumed.
Can You Warm Up Pre-Made Formula?
Yes, you can warm pre-made infant formula. The process stays the same. You should use running water or a bottle warmer to warm it. Do not microwave or use hot water.
How Many Times Can You Reheat Formula?
You can reheat baby formula only once. After doing so, feed it to your baby. Do not re-refrigerate the leftovers. It is now mixed with your baby's saliva and that can cause bacterial growth. Moreover, reheating it will make it less nutritious for your baby. At that point, it is much better to prepare a fresh bottle. Throw away any leftovers.
Does the Type of Formula Matter When Reheating?
No. Regardless of the formula type, you can only warm it one time only. No reheating. It is a strict rule that you have to follow. Otherwise, you are putting your baby in danger. For first-time heating, there are some differences. Some heat up faster, so you should take note of that.
How Long is Infant Formula Good For Once It’s Been Warmed?
Prepared infant formula is good for up to 2 hours after it has been warmed. Since you can't reheat it, you have to throw it away if it sits unused for longer.
What If My Baby Won't Drink Reheated Formula?
First, you should not feed your baby with reheated formula. But it is okay to feed them with infant formula that has been heated once. If they refuse, try offering infant formula that has not been heated at all. According to the CDC, warming baby formula is not required, so that is okay. It all boils down to your baby's preferences.
What If My Baby Doesn't Finish a Bottle?
If your baby did not finish a bottle, throw away its contents. Do not keep it for later feeding.
Conclusion
Can you reheat baby formula? No, you can't. After you have heated it once, you need to use it, and if your baby did not finish the bottle, you need to throw away the leftovers. Why? Because the reheated formula has fewer nutrients, and the saliva in the leftover formula promotes bacterial growth. Thus, it is neither safe nor healthy for your baby.
