Search the site for providers, locations, and content.
Main Menu
Management
Preparing Formula
Preparing FormulaWhether you are only feeding your baby with formula or supplementing your breast milk, it’s important to makesure you are preparing and storing your baby’s formula safely. Wash your hands with soap and water beforepreparing bottles or feeding your baby. Make sure to clean and sanitize the bottles, nipples and caps. This willreduce the risk of infection.There are several ways to sanitize your baby’s bottles and other feeding items. If your feeding items aredishwasher safe, you can run them in hot water and a heat drying cycle to sanitize them. Or you can boil theseitems in a pot of water for five minutes. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions about the best way tosanitize your baby’s feeding items.After sanitizing, place the items on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel. Allow the items to air dry. Do notuse a dish towel or rub or pat items because doing so may transfer germs. When preparing your baby’sformula, follow the instructions on the label exactly. If you are using powder, boil a pot of water so you haveclean water to mix the powder with.Always measure the water first and then add the exact amount of formula. Too much water can dilute theformula so your baby will not get all her nutrients. Too little water may cause your baby’s kidneys and digestivesystem to work too hard and may cause your baby to become dehydrated.To prepare liquid concentrate, you add equal amounts of water and concentrate and mix it up according to theinstructions on the label. Ready to Feed formula is the most convenient to use. There is no need to dilute itwith water. Before giving your baby the bottle, make sure to cool it off by running it under cold water beforefeeding.Always check the temperature of the formula by putting a little on the inside of your wrist. The formula shouldbe lukewarm or body temperature, not hot. It’s important to store your baby’s formula properly. Put unopenedformula in a cool, dry, place. Formula can spoil if it is left out at room temperature. Do not store formula in cars,garages or outside where it can get too hot or too cold.If you do not use the prepared formula within two hours, immediately store the bottle in the refrigerator and useit within 24 hours. But if your baby has started to drink the bottle, even just a little bit, it cannot be reused.Discard that formula. After feeding your baby, throw away any extra formula to avoid bacteria growth.Be sure to clean and sanitize the bottle before you use it again to keep your baby safe from germs. It’simportant to follow the instructions on the formula’s label to prepare your baby’s formula safely to keep yourbaby healthy.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG56251B EN PreparingFormula.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
Featured in
Schedule your mammogram at a time and location that is convenient for you. Available on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi.
Watch this program to learn the signs of a poor latch including engorgement and techniques to help your baby latch.
Watch this video to learn why responding to your baby's needs is important for their growth and development.
Watch this video for a checklist with steps to properly prepare liquid concentrate and powdered formula for your baby.
Watch this program to learn about the different types of formula and how to choose the right formula for your baby.
