Can Babies Drink Cold Formula Milk? Experts Answer Your Questions
As a new parent, there are countless things to manage, and one question that often arises is whether it’s safe to feed your baby cold formula milk. The convenience of skipping bottle warmers and skipping the need to heat formula can be appealing, but is it okay for your baby? Here’s what you need to know about giving your baby cold formula milk.
Can Babies Drink Cold Formula Milk?
Yes, according to Mallory Whitmore, M.Ed. and certified infant feeding technician, founder of The Formula Mom and education lead at Bobbie, most babies can drink cold formula milk without issue. However, she recommends consulting your pediatrician if your baby has special needs or concerns.
“Cold formula milk is generally not recommended for preterm babies, as they often require sterilized formula milk that’s heated to a sufficiently high temperature to kill bacteria, then cooled to body temperature before consumption,” she says. “Cold formula also isn’t recommended for babies with slow weight gain, as heating the formula to body temperature burns a few extra calories that can be beneficial for growth.”
Will Cold Formula Milk Upset My Baby’s Stomach?
If your baby has a sensitive tummy, you might worry that cold formula could cause discomfort. Dr. Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, assures that most babies do not experience issues with cold formula milk. “Some babies may prefer warm milk, but in general, formula milk won’t upset your baby’s stomach,” she explains.
However, if your baby is struggling with feeding, she suggests trying warm formula instead of completely changing the type of formula.
What Happens If I Accidentally Give My Baby Cold Formula?
If you accidentally give your baby cold formula, don’t panic. In most cases, there won’t be any negative effects. Just make sure to switch back to warm formula next time. However, if the formula has been heated before, it should be discarded.
“Formula can only be heated once,” Whitmore advises. “So if you plan to heat cold formula, it should be mixed at room temperature and stored in the fridge. You should not heat the formula, then refrigerate it, and heat it again.”
Dr. Casares emphasizes that all bottles should be used within two hours after the formula has been mixed. “If you don’t use the formula within two hours, you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it should be used immediately once taken out. Once feeding starts, the formula should be discarded after one hour to prevent bacteria growth from the baby’s saliva.”
To minimize issues, Whitmore suggests mixing formula powder and water (whether filtered, spring, or tap water) in a formula mixing container, like the Brown’s Bottle Mixing Container, and storing it in the fridge until needed. This not only saves time but also helps avoid excess bubbles or foam before feeding.
“Mixing ahead of time reduces the hunger signals-to-feeding time for your baby and allows bubbles to break before use,” she adds.
Remember, any leftover formula should be disposed of after 24 hours.
Is Cold Formula Better for Teething?
Teething can be a challenging time for both parents and babies. If your baby can tolerate or enjoys cold formula milk, it may offer some relief during teething. “Many parents use cold (or even frozen) formula milk to soothe teething gums,” Dr. Casares explains. “Cold liquids can be comforting and offer some relief for sore gums. It’s also a great way to avoid medicating your baby for teething pain.”
In recent years, freezing breast milk in popsicle molds has become a popular trend, and formula can be frozen in the same way. If your baby is teething, it’s definitely worth trying.
However, cold formula milk may not always work. Whitmore notes that no studies show that cold formula directly benefits teething. “While it might help some babies, it might not be effective for yours,” she says.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can Cold Formula Milk Be Left Out?
Once mixed, formula should be consumed within two hours if taken out of the fridge. “If you start feeding your baby formula, throw it away after one hour to avoid bacterial contamination,” Dr. Casares advises.
Does Cold Formula Last Longer Than Warm Formula?
Like any fresh milk, the longer formula is left out, the more likely it is to spoil. Whitmore tells us, “Ideally, parents should feed their baby the formula as soon as possible after removing it from the fridge.”
How Long Can Warm Formula Be Left Out?
Warm formula can sit out for up to an hour. On the other hand, room temperature or cold formula can stay out for up to two hours. “Once the formula has touched your baby’s lips, it should be used or discarded within an hour,” Whitmore explains.
Conclusion
While most babies can drink cold formula milk without issue, it’s important to follow safe feeding practices. Always ensure that the formula is fresh, never reheat it multiple times, and pay attention to the time limits on feeding. If your baby prefers warm formula, it’s best to stick with that, especially if you’re transitioning or if they’re struggling with feeding. Consult your pediatrician if you’re ever unsure about any feeding concerns or whether cold formula is right for your baby. With the right precautions, cold formula can be a convenient and safe option for busy parents.