How to Store Infant Formula Safely
By Kendamil Ghana · Updated · 5 min read
Store unopened and opened tins of formula in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, with the lid tightly closed. Use an opened tin within 4 weeks. Make each bottle fresh and use it within 2 hours. In Ghana's heat and humidity, where you keep the tin matters as much as how.
Storing formula powder
Pick the right spot
Kendamil recommends keeping tins between 13°C and 24°C, and never above 35°C. Indoor temperatures across Ghana are often warmer than that, so pick the coolest place you have:
- an indoor cupboard or drawer in the coolest room, not the kitchen if it gets hot
- away from the stove, oven, gas cylinder, water heater and sunny windows
- off the floor and away from damp walls
- never in a car, on a veranda or in direct sun
Keep moisture out
Humidity makes powder clump and can let bacteria grow. Close the lid tightly after every use, keep the scoop in its holder in the lid, and never put a wet scoop into the tin. Do not store powder in the fridge, because the moisture inside causes clumping.
If you move powder into another container, use a clean, dry, airtight one (glass works well) and write the date you opened the tin on the lid.
Use opened tins within 4 weeks
Once opened, use your Kendamil within 4 weeks, even if there is powder left. Check the best-before date on unopened tins too. Kendamil formula leaves the factory with more than 18 months of shelf life. If you are buying several tins, see how long a tin of Kendamil lasts to plan how many you need.
Storing prepared formula
| Situation | How long |
|---|---|
| Freshly made bottle at room temperature | Use within 2 hours |
| Leftover formula after a feed | Throw away straight away |
| Made-up bottle in a fridge at 5°C or below | Up to 24 hours (fresh is better) |
| Made-up bottle in a cool bag with an ice pack | Up to 4 hours |
| Rewarmed bottle | Use within 2 hours, never rewarm twice |
Bacteria grow quickly in warm milk, so a bottle that has been out for more than 2 hours, or that your baby has drunk from, should be thrown away.
What about power cuts?
A fridge without power warms up fast, so do not count on stored bottles during a power cut. The safest approach is to make feeds fresh. Keep freshly boiled water in a vacuum flask so you can make a bottle without the kettle, and keep pre-measured powder in a clean, dry dispenser.
Travelling with formula
- Carry powder in the tin or a clean, dry dispenser with the right amount for each feed.
- Carry freshly boiled water in a vacuum flask and make bottles when needed.
- Ready to Feed bottles are an alternative for journeys. Once opened, treat them like a made-up feed.
- Keep formula out of hot car boots and direct sun.
For the full preparation method, read how to prepare Kendamil formula.
Frequently asked questions
Important Notice: Breastfeeding is best for babies. A decision not to breastfeed may be difficult to reverse and the introduction of partial bottle feeding will reduce the supply of breast milk. If you decide to use infant formula, follow preparation instructions carefully as incorrect preparation may cause ill health. This product should only be used on the advice of a healthcare professional regarding the need for its use and the proper method of use. The social and financial implications should be considered before choosing to use infant formula.
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