Discarding or keeping formula

alexis95

I have a question for all the formula feeding moms! I've read on all the formula cans and premixed bottles that you're not supposed to keep formula an hour after you've started feeding. But sometimes I'll make 5 oz (because my LO usually eats 5 every 3 hrs) and he'll only eat an ounce or two. It would be such a waste to dump all that formula and the stuff's not cheap! So I've been putting it back in the fridge and using it again when he gets hungry later on and I've had no problems with it. So I'm just wondering why there's the one hour rule. Thanks in advance!

blairdavis99

I believe it's a bacteria issue from sitting out and/or contact with baby's saliva. I do not know the specifics of how quickly it grows and how harmful it can be to your LO, however. I have a friend who does what you are doing as well. I absolutely hate wasting formula, too - I scrape every single particle out of each can - but I throw away after an hour because I feel the guideline is likely there for an important reason.

alexis95

Thank you! Maybe I should start making a little less and then if he's still hungry make some more so I don't give him bad formula.

blairdavis99

Yes I generally underestimate just in case. It's a pain to stop in the middle of a feeding to heat up more formula but at least there is less waste. DH keeps trying to bully me into putting extra back in the fridge lol but I haven't budged! And he gets upset sometimes when we have to heat up more "didn't you know he was going to be really hungry?" Ummm no I am not a baby mind reader! Try my best but they are complicated little beings!

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