An unopened can of Bobbie formula stays good until the expiration date printed on the bottom of the container, typically 18 months to 2 years from the date it was manufactured. Once you open the can or mix a bottle, the timelines get much shorter. Here’s a breakdown of every stage so you know exactly when to use it and when to toss it.
Unopened Cans: Check the Bottom
As long as the seal is intact, your can of Bobbie is safe to use right up to the expiration date stamped on the bottom. You don’t need to worry about how long it’s been sitting in your pantry, as long as that date hasn’t passed. Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources, and the powder will stay stable for the full shelf life.
After Opening the Can
Once you break the foil seal, use the powder within 30 days. After that point, the formula has had enough exposure to air and moisture that it may not mix properly or maintain its nutritional quality. Writing the date you opened the can on the lid with a marker is an easy way to keep track.
Between uses, keep the lid tightly closed and store the can in a cool, dry spot. Don’t refrigerate the powder itself, and always use a clean, dry scoop to avoid introducing moisture into the can.
Mixed Bottles at Room Temperature
A bottle you’ve mixed but haven’t started feeding yet is good for 2 hours at room temperature. After that, bacteria can multiply to unsafe levels and the bottle should be thrown out. If you know you won’t use it within that window, put it straight in the fridge.
Once your baby’s lips have touched the nipple, the clock speeds up. Saliva introduces bacteria into the formula, so any bottle that’s been partially fed needs to be discarded after 1 hour, regardless of how much is left.
Mixed Bottles in the Fridge
Pre-made formula stored in the refrigerator is safe for up to 24 hours. This makes it practical to mix a few bottles before bed or ahead of a busy day. Just make sure your fridge is set to 40°F (4°C) or below, and place the bottles toward the back where the temperature is most consistent rather than in the door.
One important note: once you warm a refrigerated bottle, the 24-hour fridge window no longer applies. A warmed bottle follows the same 1-hour rule as any bottle at room temperature, and you cannot re-refrigerate it for later.
Warmed Bottles
If you prefer to serve warm bottles, heat them right before the feeding using a bottle warmer or by placing the bottle in a mug of hot water. Never use a microwave, which heats unevenly and can create dangerous hot spots in the liquid. Once warmed, the bottle needs to be used within 1 hour and then discarded, whether or not your baby drank from it.
Traveling With Prepared Formula
For trips under 2 hours, you can carry a pre-mixed bottle without refrigeration and use it within that standard room-temperature window. For longer outings, pack a cooler bag with an ice pack and keep the formula between 35°F and 40°F. This effectively extends the same 24-hour refrigerator timeline, as long as the cooler stays cold.
A simpler travel option is to bring pre-measured powder and a bottle of water separately, then mix on the spot when your baby is ready to eat. This avoids the temperature juggling entirely and gives you a full 2-hour window from the moment you mix.
Quick Reference by Stage
- Unopened can: Use by the expiration date on the bottom (18 months to 2 years from manufacture)
- Opened can (powder): Use within 30 days
- Mixed, not yet fed, room temperature: 2 hours
- Mixed, stored in fridge: 24 hours
- Warmed bottle: 1 hour, then discard
- Partially fed bottle: 1 hour from the start of feeding, then discard
- In a cooler bag with ice packs (35–40°F): Up to 24 hours