The Ultimate Guide to Baby Product Expiration Dates: What to Keep or Toss in 2025

1. Baby Formula and Baby Food

Expiration Timeline:

• Powdered Formula: Expires within 1 year unopened; must be used within 1 month once opened.
• Jarred Baby Food: Good for 1–2 years unopened; 24–48 hours once opened and refrigerated.
• Pouches: Typically 12–18 months unopened; refrigerate and consume within 1 day once opened.

Toss if:

• The expiration date has passed.
• There’s swelling, denting, or leakage in the container.

Pro Tip: Always store formula in a cool, dry place. Never freeze formula or reheat it more than once.

2. Baby Skincare Products (Lotions, Shampoos, Wipes)

Expiration Timeline:

• Most unopened baby lotions and shampoos last 2–3 years.
• Opened products should be used within 6–12 months.
• Baby wipes may dry out or lose effectiveness after 2 years.

Toss if:

• The smell, color, or texture has changed.
• The product is separated, discolored, or has mold.

Look for a PAO symbol (Period After Opening) on the back of bottles — it will say things like “12M” (12 months after opening).

3. Car Seats

Expiration Timeline:

• Most car seats expire 6 to 10 years from the manufacture date.
• Check the label (usually on the base or underside).

Toss if:

• The car seat is expired or was involved in an accident.
• Safety regulations have changed since its manufacture.

Tip: Never buy or use a secondhand car seat unless you know its full history.

4. Cribs, Mattresses, and Bassinets

Expiration Timeline:

• Cribs don’t technically expire but may be unsafe if they don’t meet current safety standards (especially those made before 2011).
• Mattresses should be replaced every 3–5 years or sooner if sagging or mold appears.
• Bassinets typically have a weight limit (around 15–20 lbs) or age limit (about 4–6 months).

Toss if:

• Crib slats are too wide (>2 3/8 inches), or the hardware is missing.
• Mattress is stained, sagging, or moldy.

5. Bottles, Nipples, and Pacifiers

Expiration Timeline:

• Bottles: Replace every 6–12 months depending on wear.
• Nipples/Pacifiers: Replace every 1–2 months or sooner if cracked or sticky.

Toss if:

• The silicone is discolored, warped, or sticky.
• The nipple flow changes or the shape is damaged.

Always sterilize regularly and inspect closely.

6. Baby Toys and Teethers

Expiration Timeline:

• No formal expiration date, but soft teethers or chew toys should be replaced every 3–6 months or sooner.

Toss if:

• There are cracks, mold, or strange smells.
• Paint is chipping or parts are loose.

Check for BPA-free labels and avoid toys that are difficult to clean thoroughly.

Quick Baby Product Expiration Cheat Sheet

Product	Expires In
Baby Formula (unopened)	1 year
Baby Lotion/Shampoo	2–3 years unopened
Car Seat	6–10 years from manufacture
Baby Bottles/Nipples	1–6 months (nipples)
Baby Food (unopened)	1–2 years
Baby Mattress	3–5 years
Teething Toys	Every 3–6 months