How long can whole milk sit out?

dmathis10

How long is it OK to let a sippy cup of whole milk sit out and still allow DD to drink it? Formula was an hour, but I wasn't sure about milk. Also, if she doesn't finish it all, is it OK to put the sippy in the fridge for later? I know when you feed them, you're not supposed to put food back in the fridge if you put the spoon in it that's been in LO's mouth (or is this even still a rule? it was for when they start purees). She uses the Munchkin straw sippy cup, so it almost seems like bacteria could build up in the straw?? Any advice is appreciated. I'm a first time, clueless mommy.

vernab

If his cup has been out for an hour or so, I just stick it back in the fridge, until he's ready for it again.  We never followed the spoon rule either.  Never had a problem. 

vmm0016

We just keep putting the sippy cup in the fridge and refill it with milk when it needs refilling.  We use the same cup and switch the next day.  We don't leave her cup out longer than an hour.

teeah22

I think now that they're not itty bitty babies anymore the food "rules" are a little more lax.  I go by the rule that if I would still eat/drink it then it's ok for him.

lifesadance

At work we have a certified kitchen.  I was told that milk can sit at room temp for 6 hours before you would throw it out.  I usually toss the cup back in the fridge after a while and I rarely followed that spoon rule so maybe I'm a careless mama. )