Last updated on April 26th, 2024 at 10:51 pm
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 77% of caregivers do not receive adequate instruction from a health care professional about the proper preparation and storage of formula. 30% don’t read the safe-use instructions on the formula label.
It is very important to practice proper formula use and storage to reduce the risk of a life-threatening bacterial infections to your babies. Bottles are a perfect breeding ground for viruses and bacteria once they have met your little one’s saliva. These can also lead to tooth decay.
Follow these guidelines and consult with your pediatrician for proper instruction.
Preparation
- Wash your hands.
- Prepare bottles on a clean surface.
- Formula should be prepared with room temperature water. If you have clean tap water, this is absolutely safe to use.
- If you wish to sterilize the water or are in doubt about the cleanliness of the available water, boil it for five minutes then cool to room temperature before mixing.*
- Shake the bottle until formula is well mixed.
*Using water any warmer than room temperature risks breaking down the formula.
Feeding
- Use the formula within two hours of making (unless stored properly in the refrigerator).
- If the nipple enters your baby’s mouth AT ALL, the formula must be used within two hours. Do NOT store in the refrigerator if your baby has drunk from the bottle.
- For more tips on positioning your babies to feed and techniques watch this video and to know which type of nipple to use and how many bottle you will need for twins read this.
Storage
- Formula can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If after 24 hours the refrigerated formula is not consumed, the contents should be tossed and the bottle washed. Some ready-to-feed formula can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Read labels carefully.
- Do not store in the refrigerator if your baby has drank from the bottle at all. Toss after 2 hours to avoid bacterial infection.
Heating
- There is no need to heat the formula from the refrigerator. It is perfectly safe to serve cold. This will save you much time and will you won’t have to worry about how you’re going to heat a bottle when you are out and about.
- If you wish to warm, you can place in a bowl of warm tap water or an electric bottle warmer. Never place a bottle in boiling water and never warm in the microwave.
- Test a drop on the inside of your wrist. The temperature should be lukewarm, not hot.
Traveling
- Premeasure formula powder into clean, dry bottles. When ready to use add clean room temperature water. Throw out prepared formula if not consumed in two hours.
Tips
- Check the expiration dates on the labels of formula can.
- Don’t stock up on formula too much in advance since the type of formula your babies need can change at any time.
- If your multiples need to drink two different types of formulas color code their bottles so you always know who’s milk is in which bottle.
- Never freeze formula.
- Always make sure you read the instruction label carefully.
