Baby Food
How long does prepared baby formula last in the fridge?
Prepared formula keeps 1 day in the fridge and 1 hour once it’s out at room temperature — mix what the feeding needs and pour the rest away.
How long does it keep?
| Pantry, opened | 1 hour |
|---|---|
| Fridge, opened | 1 day |
Can it sit out?
Prepared formula is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if prepared formula has gone bad
- A sour or off smell when the bottle is uncapped
- Curds or specks that won’t shake back together
- A gritty feel on the tongue that fresh formula doesn’t have
When in doubt, throw it out.
Chill made-up bottles at the back of a shelf, not in the door — and never top an old bottle up with fresh formula.
Quick answers
How long does prepared baby formula last in the fridge?
Prepared formula keeps 1 day in the fridge and 1 hour once it’s out at room temperature — mix what the feeding needs and pour the rest away.
How long can prepared formula sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to prepared formula. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).