How to Prepare Infant Formula
Simple steps to get it right!
Before getting started
1. Give your hands, baby bottle, and feeding utensils a good wash.
2. Heat some water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the bottle, nipples, rings, caps, and other utensils to the pot. Boil for 2 minutes. You could also use modern sterilizer devices, available on the market, for effective and chemical-free cleaning and sterilization.
3. Once everything's sterile, remove the items and cool them to room temperature.
4. While your utensils cool, heat a fresh pot of water for the formula. Leave at a rolling boil for two minutes.
5. Cool the clean water to room temperature.
Time to mix the formula!
Note: 1 level scoop ≈ 4.3g of powder
1. Always pour water into the bottle first, then add powder. Add 1 level scoop of powder for every 30ml of water.
2. Cap the bottle once full, and shake vigorously until the powder fully dissolves.
3. Place a drop of formula on the inside of your wrist. If you can't feel a temperature difference, the formula is ready to go!
4. Be sure to use or refrigerate the formula right away. Formula stays good in the fridge for 24 hours, and you should discard any amount left in the bottle for more than an hour.
Using refrigerated formula: A matter of preference
You don’t have to warm refrigerated formula before feeding, but some babies prefer it. To warm bottles:
- Run the bottle under very warm water for a few minutes.
- Put the bottle in a pot or mug of hot water for a minute or two.
- Or, use a portable bottle warmer that sits on your countertop.
Never use the microwave. It can create hotspots that may harm your baby's mouth and throat. The amount of formula and/or breast milk your baby needs will vary as they grow.
Store your formula correctly.
1. Keep unopened cans of formula in a cool, dry place.
2. Between uses, keep the lid tightly closed, and use all contents within 1 month.
3. Be sure not to refrigerate unmixed powder, and keep it well away from excessive heat.
