Formula Milk: How Long It Stays Safe, Correct Water Temperature and Bottle Sterilising

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video answers how many hours within which formula milk must be given to a baby after preparing it, along with two other formula-feeding rules. How long it stays safe: If the baby has already drunk from the formula milk (jhoota), you must feed it within 1 hour, and whatever is left after that can be thrown away. If you have prepared the formula using a clean bottle and clean water, and the baby has not drunk from it, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Water temperature: Use hot water or normal temperature water for making formula milk — the water in which you prepare formula should always be at a minimum temperature of 70°C. After that, check it on your hand to make sure it has come down to completely normal room temperature, and only then feed the formula milk to the baby. Sterilising the bottle: Always sterilise the formula milk bottle after each feed, before using it the next time. Use a bottle steriliser for this, or sterilise it properly using the boiling technique. Relevant for: parents feeding formula milk and asking how long prepared formula can be kept; parents wondering whether leftover formula the baby has already drunk from can be reused; parents asking what water temperature to use for mixing formula; parents unsure how to check if the milk is safe to feed; and parents asking how and how often to sterilise feeding bottles. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every baby is different — please consult your pediatrician about formula feeding for your child, and seek medical attention if your baby has vomiting, loose motions, poor feeding, or is not gaining weight.