Using infant formula past its use-by date can raise concerns about its safety and efficacy. The use-by date is a crucial indicator of when the formula should be consumed, and using it past this date can lead to potential health risks for your baby.
This article will address whether it is safe to use baby formula after the use-by date. Even more, this will also serve as a guide for parents in making informed decisions about using infant formula.
Does Powdered Baby Formula Expire?
Yes, most powdered formula products expire a month after opening the container. So, using the baby formula within the 30-day time frame is essential. To ensure that you won’t go beyond the used-by date, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) advises writing the date you opened formula products on the lid to help you remember [1].
It’s also highly advisable to read the baby formula packaging to ensure that you’re preparing it accordingly. Parents with babies born prematurely or with fragile immune systems should take extra precautions when preparing baby formula.
How to Tell If a Baby Formula Has Gone Bad?
It can be challenging to determine if a formula has gone wrong at times, as it may not show any obvious signs of spoilage. Let’s discuss some of the key indicators that a baby’s formula has gone bad and what steps parents can take to ensure the safety of their baby’s formula.
Beyond the Expiration Date
One of the easiest ways to know if a baby formula has expired is by checking the stamp printed on the label. If you notice that the formula container has a stamp stating that the baby formula has gone beyond the use-by date, it’s highly advisable to discard it, even if it appears fine. That’s because the nutritional quality breaks over time, even if the formula may not necessarily be toxic for your baby’s health.
It’s Been Opened for More Than A Month
A typical baby formula only has a maximum opened shelf life of 30 days from which the formula needs to be consumed. That’s why it’s essential to determine when it’s been opened so that you can track its expiry. Since many brands and formulations have varying shelf lives, it’s essential to read the packaging to know the details. In most cases, organic formula products expire earlier than typical infant formulas. So, it’s best to be mindful of what type you’re using by reading the package.
The Powdered Formula Has Discoloration
Typical baby formula has a milky color that’s slightly off-white. If you notice that the baby formula has a different color, this could signify that the infant formula container has been contaminated by mold and moisture.
Baby Formula Has a Sour Smell
Another way to tell if you have an expired baby formula on your shelf is by smelling it. Although some people may find a particular baby formula to have a strong, off-putting smell because of the ingredients, you’ll often notice an expired baby formula to have a sour or rancid smell. There are particular products with fishy smells because of the DHA sourced from fatty fish. Meanwhile, others have a metallic hint to their odor because of additional minerals such as zinc and iron.
Clumping in the Powdered Baby Formula
When a formula container gets contaminated with moisture, it can cause powdered formulas to clump up. When this happens, mold will grow inside the container, causing it to have a distinct odor and appearance.
Using Opened Baby Formula After a Month
Yes, you may use an expired baby formula for other purposes instead of throwing them away. Here are a few alternative uses for expired baby formula products:
Animal Feeding And Pet Care
Like human babies, baby animals also need sufficient nutrients for their growth. If you have an expired formula container in your home, consider donating them to a local animal shelter. They’ll use the formula to give to baby animals as baby food. The expiration date shows the shelf life. Animal shelters can use expired formula as animal food if it isn’t spoiled.
Swap it for a New Baby Formula
Most stores often let customers exchange unopened baby formula for a new one if the packaging is defective or it is past its expiration date. However, this policy does not apply in every situation. You can check the store from which you purchased the exact formula and tell them you need to return it.
Use it as Fertilizer
Another way to use your expired formula is by turning it into fertilizer for your garden or potted plants. The expired baby formula’s nutrients are still more than enough to let your garden flourish. That’s because expired baby formula products have a higher calcium level which is almost unavailable in most commercial fertilizer products.
Turn It Into Milk Soap
You can also use an expired baby formula to pamper your skin. Turning expired milk into an ingredient in your milk soap bar is an excellent way to keep your skin smooth all day. That’s because the fat and proteins in the formula will penetrate your skin, leaving it feeling more hydrated. Most commercial milk soap products also contain dry milk powder as an active ingredient in their soaps.
Formulate a Non-toxic Paint
Painting is an excellent activity for toddlers. So, if you have other kids at home, turning a powdered or liquid formula that has gone beyond its expiration date into paint is a creative option. As long as it’s not moldy or contaminated, you can mix expired formula and add food coloring to it to turn it into non-toxic paints that your kids will love.
What Happens if You Give a Baby Expired Formula?
Although the chances of contracting a foodborne disease are not set in stone, giving a baby expired formula is not recommended. The main concern with expired formula is that it may contain bacteria or other harmful substances that can make the baby sick. As the formula is a perishable product, it can become contaminated over time and increase the risk of foodborne illness.
A baby formula that has gone beyond its expiration date may also lose its nutritional value, as essential vitamins and minerals start to break down over time. This can lead to a lack of proper nutrition for the baby. Thus, potentially affecting their growth and development.
In addition, expired baby formulas may cause digestive discomfort for the baby, such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea. These symptoms can be particularly concerning in infants and young children, as they can lead to dehydration.
Tips for Safely Preparing Infant Formula
Read the Label
Reading all the information on the packaging is crucial, especially when preparing your baby’s bottle. So, even before opening the canister, check the use-by date printed on the formula container. The use-by date indicates the baby formula expiration date. So, if you bought one at the store, it means that you have an outdated baby formula product that you can return immediately.
Sanitize the Area
Before preparing infant formula, ensure that the area is completely sanitized. Start by cleaning the area with a sanitizer before washing your hands. Then, you may proceed by drying your hands afterward. To prevent any potential contamination.
Sterilize the Bottle
It’s essential to sterilize all the items used to prepare your baby’s formula, especially the bottles, caps, rings, and nipples. You can boil the bottle and the accessories for five minutes or use a microwave steam sterilizer bag. You may also use a stand-alone steam sterilizer to sanitize each baby bottle.
Use Clean Water
Another way to ensure that your baby’s formula is safe from contaminants is by using only clean water for your prepared formula. So, always check if the water is safe enough for your prepared infant formula before mixing them. Meanwhile, always check the temperature of the water if you’re planning to boil it to prevent scalding your baby’s mouth and throat.
Measure the Formula
Besides the expiration date, you must also read how to prepare the formula when reading the package. Carefully measure the water and formula ratio to ensure that your baby gets the right nutritional supplement from the formula.
Know When to Dispose of Prepared Formula
You must also use the powdered formula immediately within an hour after feeding your baby. Then, Although the expiration date is far from that time frame, there’s a considerable chance that the bacteria from your baby’s saliva may soon grow in the baby’s formula. Dispose of any leftover formula products that have been in the refrigerator for more than 2 days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not recommended to use infant formula after the “Use By” date on the package. The date is a safety measure to ensure that the formula remains fresh and nutritious for the baby, and using it after the expiration date may pose health risks.
If you have unused formula after the “Use By” date, it is best to discard it and purchase a new one. Always check the date before using infant formula and follow the storage instructions on the package to ensure maximum freshness and safety for your baby.
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