Similac Ready-to-feed Formula Storage Questions

For more than forty years now, Similac has been producing top-notch formulas that help both the mother and her baby have an enjoyable nutritional experience. Of all the many amazing formulas Similac produces, the Ready-to-Feed version stands out. One particular advantage of Similac Ready-to-feed is the fact that it comes with a formidable blend of DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E; which play central roles in giving your baby a sophisticated brain and eye development.

Now, it is one thing to have a great formula such as Similac ready-to-feed, it is another thing to know how to store it well. You cannot afford to be careless with your baby’s food, and how it is stored. And the reason for this meticulousness is simply that, your baby’s immune system is not yet mature enough to ward off bacterial infections from their food.

How Long Does Similac Ready to Feed Formula Last?

If you have already opened your Similac ready-to-feed formula, then the right thing will be to use it up within 48-72 hours, according to the instructions on label. Ready-to-feed formulas, once opened, are to be stored in the refrigerator till feeding time. If the formula is already prepared, there will be no harm in refrigerating for up to 24 hours and more. The other thing you may want to keep in mind about how long Similac ready-to-feed lasts is, always check the product label – as it comes with the storage modalities and time!

Can You Freeze Similac Ready to Feed Formula?

No. Baby formulas are not to be frozen at all, whether it has been mixed or not. This is so because an extended exposure to temperatures below zero degrees Celsius could weaken the formula’s physical consistency. Invariably, if you freeze your baby formula, it could become grainy or alienate the fat.

Refrigeration of Similac ready-to-feed not only alters the composition, it also results in separation upon thawing.

How to Warm Similac Ready to Feed Formula

Ideally, formulas do not need to be warmed. But if and when you do need to warm your baby’s formula, one mistake you cannot afford to make is, warming it in a microwave. No, do not do that all. Warming your baby’s Similac ready to feed formula in a microwave results in hotspots. And these hotspots could scald your baby’s throat. This is no wonder, as microwaves warm formulas unevenly.

To warm your baby’s Similac ready to feed formula, what you should do is, drop the bottle in a bottle warmer or in a container in which there’s hot water, for nothing more than fifteen minutes. The temperature should be a balance between room and body temperature.

In a case where you have an extra prepared bottle, you can put it in the refrigerator. However, you must ensure that the bottle is tightly sealed, and your refrigerator is four degrees Celsius or less.

You should not get caught up in the habit of reheating formula, though. It should not be a thing. And considering the fact that babies do not actually require warm milk, the need to warm is negligible.

Can You Freeze Formula Mixed With Breast Milk

There is nothing wrong with freezing breast milk, but formula, there is actually no reason to. To begin with, mixing your breast milk with formula is not exactly nutritious for your baby, as this can affect the intake of proteins and retentions of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.

If your baby needs a breast milk supplement with formula, it is advisable not to mix the two in the same container. Reason being that mixing breast milk and formula can result in wastage of breast milk, in a situation where your baby does not get to finish the milk, because, the formula needs to be thrown away at this point.

Hence, if it is not exactly nice to mix your breast milk and formula in one container, then freezing the mixture is definitely not a good idea, too.

Can You Freeze Formula Mixed with Food?

You may freeze foods that have been mixed with formula. You just should not freeze formula either in the form of bottles or cans. So yes, of course, you can freeze formula mixed with food.

Can You Refrigerate Similac Ready to Feed After Opening?

If your baby’s Similac ready to feed formula has been opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. You only want to make sure that the opened can is covered with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil.

As for powder infant formulas, their open cans are not to be stored in the refrigerator. They can, instead, be stored covered in a cool and dry place.

What Happens If Baby Drinks Formula After 2 Hours?

Your baby’s system could be endangered, because a prepared infant formula can go bad if it is left out at room temperature.

A prepared infant formula should be used up within two hours of preparation and within one hour after feeding begins. In a situation where you do not get to use the formula within two hours, do well to store the bottle immediately in the fridge, and use it up before 24 hours end.

Can Babies Drink Cold Formula?

Although, giving your baby a bottle of cold formula will not hurt their health in any way, you may have difficulties trying to get them to drink it. If your baby is already used to drinking warm formulas, then s/he may not want to give cold bottle a try.

Generally, babies can drink cold milk, but may not want to.

Conclusion

Similac ready to feed formula is a great one, and comes with many nutrients that ensure your baby’s growth and development. However, parents have questions about the storage. And we have, in this article, provided answers to these questions.

Asides Similac ready to feed, we have also explained the puzzles about general formulas, what to do, and how you can always get nothing but the best experience out of it.