Patient and Family Education
Tube-Feed Hang Time
FDA Recommendations for hanging
tube-feedings safely at room temperature
To keep your child
safe from illness, tubefeeding should hang
at room temperature
for no more than
4 hours.
How long can tube-feedings be safely left out of the
refrigerator?
All breast milk or formula needing anything added to it (water, polycose, etc.)
should hang for no more than 4 hours. Anything that has been out for more
than 4 hours should be thrown away. Refrigerated mixed formula is safe to
use for 24 hours. Ready to feed formulas (liquid requiring no additives or
additional water) can still hang for up to 8 hours with the use of an ice pack.
Why only 4 hours?
When breast milk or formula is left at room temperature, bacteria can grow
very fast. Bacteria can make your child very sick. This “4-hour rule” is a
recommendation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make
sure your child is safe when they eat.
Breast milk
+
Water or additive
=
4 hours or less
• Home Care Services
425-482-4000,
toll-free 800-888-4429
Formula
+
=
4 hours or less
• Your child’s
healthcare provider
Prepare formula using washed hands and a clean work area. The formula lid
should be wiped down with warm water and allowed to air-dry before using.
Liquid formula kept in the refrigerator can be used for 24 hours after opening.
With a pump-assisted bolus, refrigerate the feeding bag between feedings.
To Learn More
• www.seattlechildrens.org
Water or additive
How should formula be prepared and stored?
Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and
legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request.
Call the Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201.
This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s needs are unique. Before you act
or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider.
© 2012, 2013 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved.
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