formula ?

so... does anyone mix up formula and leave it out unrefridgerated longer than the 2 hours stated on the package before feeding? i am wondering b/c i am about to go back to work and leave the twins with a sitter... do i have to premix formula the night before and refridg it and pack it cold to take to the sitter or can i mix it up and leave it unrefridgerated for longer....???

 

QUOTE(lezlie72 @ Feb 23 2009, 02:39 AM) [snapback]1201050[/snapback]
so... does anyone mix up formula and leave it out unrefridgerated longer than the 2 hours stated on the package before feeding? i am wondering b/c i am about to go back to work and leave the twins with a sitter... do i have to premix formula the night before and refridg it and pack it cold to take to the sitter or can i mix it up and leave it unrefridgerated for longer....???

I would pack it cold; I definitely wouldn't leave it unrefrigerated for longer than the package says. (The formulas we've used have all had a 1-hr limit. 2 hours is great!)

 

Unless it is being put straight into a fridge I would always make it up fresh. Can the sitter make it up themself? We used to use the little containers were you could premeasure the formula mix, then you just mix it into the water when needed.
I think from memory once made up and refridgerated it should be used within 24 hours.

 

Yes, I do. However, I make my formula with bottled water that I keep at room temperature. During the day, I make it just before their feeds with the exception of the first morning feed which I make before going to bed. I´ve never refridgerated it and have never had a problem. If you use hot water, however, then I think it´s best to make a fresh batch just to be on the safe side. I´ve read of women who make a whole day´s supply and leave it in the fridge. Im sure other people will advise you on that...

 

My babies drink cold straight from the fridge so I premake the whole days worth (and extra bc they've been increasing) and just pour and go throughout the day I just mix it in one of those quart jugs by Rubbermaid.....I do mix it and fridge it right away though, I've heard not to leave it out longer than 2 hours.....I would just be worried about whatever "chemical" changes could be happening....ick! :bad: LOL! But if the sitter can premake it her/himself then I would just premeasure the formula and let them mix it! I'm meeting with the daycare this week and asking which they prefer too

 

I used to just make it fresh as well. It's really simple to mix and then feed. I would suggest letting the sitter do that for you. It's one less thing on mama's plate .

 

I'd pack the water and the powder separately personally. I never let formula out of the fridge longer than one hour.

 

thanks all. while i have been at home i mix a pitcher of formula, keep it in the fridge and pour it as needed. i also then warm it in a warmer which gets it to about room temp. but i think i will do what several of you suggested for the sitter... just put the premeasured powder in the container or bottle and have her just add room temp water. i've tried giving them formula straight from fridge but they are not big fans and i worry that it will upset already gassy stomachs!