Freezing made up formula

[Angie Dee]

Hi all. My bub is still breastfeeding but occasionally we use formula to top him up or put in his food. We only use 40 ml at a time so it is not worth us buying the big tubs however even the small packets make up 125ml. It seems such a waste to pour out what we don't need. I have done a bit of research and it looks as though freezing of formula is not recommended because of separation, however no-one explains why separation is a problem. "This separation negatively affects the texture and quality of the formula." But does that just mean it is distasteful? Is it harmful in anyway? It is costing us a lot of money in wasted formula.

[Jaycee]

Hi there, I'm not exactly sure on the answer as to why but I would probably stick with the recommendation and not freeze it.

[MummyNaomi]

Angie - I hated wasting formula too when combining with breastfeeding, its so expensive and the first time I bought a tin not realising I had to use it in 3 weeks and threw more than half out - such a waste!! The formula companies should make smaller tins as there is a huge market for it with Mums that need to combine formula and breast feeding.

The only thing I could suggest is if the sachet makes 125ml - could you use half the sachet and add half the recommended water? (or use a third of the sachet and 1/3 of the recommended water etc)Then put the rest of the open sachet it an air tight little tupperware container or something for the next use. I know once open you can keep formula powder for 3-4 weeks so as long as you are using the rest within that timeframe it should be fine.

You would just need to put a sachet of powder into a measuring cup/spoons the first time so you could work out how much is 1/2 or 1/3 of a sachet etc so you know you are still mixing the right amount of powder to water if you know what I mean, I think its pretty important that the water : formula ratio is correct otherwise bubs can get sick (or so the tins say)

Hope that makes sense and is helpful

Naomi

[tannedangel]

I wouldn't freeze it if its not recommended.

Im not sure how often you top up your baby, but Ill suggest this any way.

Maybe if you made the 125ml bottle of formula, and then divide it up into 3 40ml portions, use one portion and then refrigerate the other 2 portions for later. You can refrigerate mixed formula for 24 hours.

I wouldn't halve the formula powder unless you are able to halve it exactly with correct measurements. If you dont mix formula to the right ratios it can make your baby sick, so unless you can halve it exactly then I wouldnt think it would be a good idea to do that.

[~Trish~]

I wouldn't freeze it either.

I remember our MCHN told our mother's group that if you keep the actual tin of formula in the fridge, it is OK to keep for up to 6 weeks.