Traveling with Infants

Guidelines for Traveling with Infants: Keeping Formula Safe and Sound

In the baby bottle - think one day after preparation. Once a baby bottle is prepared with formula, if not used right away, refrigerate immediately and then use the bottle within 24 hours of preparation. But check the product label - some prepared formulas can be refrigerated for even longer than 24 hours if stated on the label.
In the formula container (bottle or can) - think two days for liquid after opening, one month for powder. For ready-to-feed or concentrated liquid formula, recap the bottle or cover the opened can with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil, refrigerate it and then use within 48 hours of opening (or according to the product label). Do not store cans of powdered infant formula in the refrigerator. Instead, store them covered, in a cool, dry place and use within one month after opening.
Cool it. Prepared bottles or opened containers of liquid formula that have not been used should not be left at room temperature (unchilled) for more than two hours. Pack prepared bottles in insulated bags, to keep the formula chilled until you use it at the airport or on the plane. It's a good idea to carry purchased bottles or cans of ready-to-feed formula for extended trips. These do not require refrigeration until they are opened. Also, powdered formula can be prepared at the airport or in-flight using bottled water (not tap water) that is at least as warm as room temperature (no need to boil it).
Use it or lose it. Throw out any formula left in the bottle within one hour after feeding begins. (Bacteria that are naturally present in the baby's saliva can transfer into the formula and grow rapidly in the nutrient-rich product.) When you get to your destination, don't reheat the formula in a bottle that your baby did not finish. This leftover is not meant to be reheated.
Don't taste or test. If U.S. airport security personnel ask you to taste the formula in your baby's bottle, ask to speak to a security manager immediately. This is a violation of TSA procedures. And if traveling outside the U.S., check with your airline in advance about security procedures in specific countries. If tasting is required, do not drink directly from the baby's bottle. Instead, pour some of the formula into another cup to taste. Recap the baby's bottle immediately and use within two hours.

Additional Guidelines for the safe preparation, use and handling of infant formula follow

When you prepare your baby's bottle, take the few extra minutes to make sure the formula is every bit as safe as it is nutritious.

Ask your baby's doctor about the need to use cooled, boiled water for mixing.
Ask your baby's doctor about the need to boil clean utensils, bottles, and nipples in water before use. (Always sterilize new bottles and nipples before their first use.)
If your health care professional or local health department has advised you to boil the water you'll use to prepare formula, be sure to bring the water to a rolling boil. And do not boil it more than once, because excessive boiling can increase the concentration of impurities.
Always wash the top of the formula container before opening it.
Make sure the container is undamaged and check the appearance of the formula.
Check the expiration date on the formula container. Throw out any that have expired.
Be careful when handling powder can lids, because they may be sharp.
Properly prepared formula is essential for the health of your baby's digestive system and optimum growth. Check the label directions carefully when you prepare infant formula. Concentrated liquid formula must be mixed with water. Ready-to-feed formula needs no mixing and can be poured directly into your baby's clean bottle. Measure concentrated or powdered formula accurately and follow the mixing instructions on the label carefully.
Wash (with soap and water) and dry hands and work area thoroughly.
Formula doesn't necessarily need to be warmed, but if you decide to warm a bottle of formula, loosen the cap and put the bottle in hot-not boiling-water for a short time. Or run hot tap water over the bottle. Shake the bottle well.
Always test the temperature of heated formula before feeding by shaking a few drops on the inside of your wrist. The formula should feel warm, not hot.
Do not use the microwave to warm formula; the formula could heat unevenly and burn your baby's mouth.
Powdered infant formulas are not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants who might have immune problems unless directed and supervised by your baby's doctor.
If you're unsure about the water supply, for example, if you are traveling abroad, then you may choose to use bottled water. There are some bottled waters that are suitable for infant feeding and you might see the statement "Suitable for infant feeding" on their labels. The mineral composition of bottled waters varies a great deal, so ask your healthcare professional which others are suitable for babies.

At-A-Glance Storage Instructions for Prepared Formula:

Recommendations If Refrigerated
Prepared from Powder -- Store refrigerated no longer than 24 hours
Prepared from Concentrate or Ready-To-Feed -- Store refrigerated no longer than 48 hours or according to product label instructions

Recommendations If Room Temperature
Prepared from Powder, Concentrate or Ready-To-Feed -- Keep no longer than a total of 2 hours
If bottle is warmed, discard after 1 hour

Recommendations After Feeding Begins
Prepared from Powder, Concentrate or Ready-To-Feed -- Feed within 1 hour or discard
Do not refrigerate for later feedings