Table of Contents
Overview
When it comes to feeding your baby, you want to become as accurately correct as much as you can. We also understand that you will want to respond to your babies’ hunger cues in the best way that you can do. As parents, you will always want to know what is right, and you would want to have some specific knowledge and guidance to know how much formula should you be using and how long it should last.
This post will contain all you need to know about formula milk consumption, how many can be consumed in a month, how many bottles can be made using a can of baby formula, how long it will last, and how long a formula will be good after mixing. This information can be read throughout this article, so if you want to know more, just read on.
How many cans of formula milk can a baby use in a month?
You would never want your baby to go hungry or be left with their nanny without a formula to be used for feeding. That is why it is extremely important to stock up and have an idea of how much formula milk your baby can consume in a month. That way, you will be able to plan on when you should be stocking up your infant formula pantry and be able to work around your budget as well. Whatever purpose this might serve you, indeed, knowing how long a can of baby formula can last will be very helpful.
On average, a 22 ounce can of baby formula lasts about 6 to 8 days for a newborn, 4 to 6 days for infants up to 6 months old. The smaller cans, which commonly come at 12.5 ounces, can last shorter, but they are ideal for those who are still trying out a new brand or switching from breast milk to formula milk. Most major and leading brands come in similar sizes and can be easy to compare in terms of volume and how long they can last. Specialized formulas such as low-iron infant formula can come in different ounces. However, it will now be easy for you to calculate your estimate for how much your baby can consume in a month using the standard estimates mentioned above.
In general, the smallest available can of milk formula that you can purchase comes at just around 12 ounces and can only last for less than a week. Therefore, a whole month’s supply of baby formula will take 120 to 130 ounces or four cans of large-sized cans of infant formula. Getting prepared for the whole month is essential so that your little ones will not have a day without a milk formula and make sure that you have enough on hand.
How many bottles can be made with a can of formula?
Each brand of formula milk can make a different amount of liquid formula for your baby to consume. For the most common brands, a large can of formula milk create 140 ounces to 155 fluid ounces of formula milk. Most formula companies tell you to add one scoop of powdered formula to 2 fluid ounces of water.
Having an idea regarding how many bottles you can make with a can of formula can also help you plan your budget and know if you should be buying more than you already did. As your little one grows, you will notice that they will be consuming more per feeding time. Generally, newborns are given 1 to 3 oz per feeding every 4 hours, infants who are 2 to 4 months old are given 4 to 6 oz each feeding every 5 hours, while babies ages six months and up are given 6 to 8 oz feeding every 6 hours but should be no more than 36 hours within 24 hours.
Based on the standard sizing for formula milk cans, here is an average of how many bottles you can make using a can of powdered milk formula:
Newborn bottles (3oz)
If you are using the smaller cans or the 12.5-ounce ones, you will be able to produce 27 bottles. For the 33 ounce can, you can have 66 bottles and 77 bottles for the 35 ounces can of milk formula.
Infant bottles (6oz)
When making infant bottles with a 12.5-ounce can, you can make 13 bottles. For the larger can, 33 bottles can be possible, and if you are using the 35-ounce can, you will be able to make 38 infant bottles.
Full baby bottles (8oz)
A 12.5-ounce can make ten full baby bottles and 25 bottles if you are using the 30-ounce can. If you are using the 35-ounce can of formula milk, you can make 29 bottles at least.
How long does a can of powder formula last?
Your formula milk will last based on the size of the formula milk you bought and the age of your baby as well. Remember not to use your formula milk after the “best before” or “use by” date.
Small can of formula milk
Generally, a 12.5 ounce can of formula milk lasts for 3 to 4 days if you are feeding a newborn, 2 to 3 days for babies two months and up.
Large can of formula milk
Based on an average, a 30-ounce can of formula milk may last for up to 8 to 11 days for newborns, 5 to 8 days for babies aged 2 to 4 months, and 5 to 6 days for babies age six months and up.
Bulk or bigger can of formula milk
The biggest can that you can buy is the 35-ounce ones and can last for up to 9 to 12 days for newborns, 6 to 9 days for infants who are 2 to 4 months old, and 5 to 7 days for babies aged six months and up.
How long is the formula good after mixing?
If you have already mixed and prepared your baby’s formula milk, it can easily spoil if you leave it out at room temperature. You must use prepared formula within 2 hours of preparation and within 1 hour when feeding begins. If you have no plans on using the formula within 2 hours, you must store the bottle immediately in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours. Additionally, you have to make sure that you throw out any baby formula left in the bottle after feeding your little one. The saliva in the nipples might be mixed with the leftover milk and can promote bacterial growth.
Making the most out of your infant formula
Baby formula can be quite expensive, and you will always want to know how to make the most of the formula milk you bought. Here is how you can make the most out of the baby formula:
- Only prepare what you need and what your little one can consume.
- Refrigerate bottles that can’t be consumed within 2 hours so that they will not be spoiled and go to waste.
- Buy in bulk so that you can save a lot of money because of the discounts and promos.
- If you are traveling, prepare only what you will need for travel. You can also bring with you a portable ice pack and cooler.
Final thoughts
There are rules that should be followed when you are preparing your child’s milk formula, and you will want to give the best for them. Besides giving your child the milk that they need, you would also want to be smart when budgeting for your baby’s supplies and needs. That is why it is fairly important to know how long your supply of infant formula can last.
