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How to Prepare Formula
Health authorities recommend the following steps when preparing baby formula and infant feeding in order to maintain safe feeding practices:
- Boil new bottles and nipples for five minutes before using them the first time. Also, wash them for one minute in hot, soapy water after each use.
- Wash hands before preparing formula and before feeding the baby to avoid contamination.
- When opening a can of formula, clean the lid and the can opener of dust or soil.
- Follow preparation instructions on the product label to ensure the formula is prepared properly.
- Discard previously chilled bottles of formula if left out of a cooler or refrigerator for more than an hour.
- Discard any excess liquid in baby bottles to help avoid the growth of bacteria found in baby saliva.
- Never feed infant formula that has expired or formula from a dented container.
- Never heat infant formula or bottled breast milk in the microwave.
- Buy formula only from reputable retailers and not from on-line auctions or flea markets.
Dos:
- Always wash your hands.
- Read and follow the preparation instructions on the formula label.
- Use opened or prepared formula within the timeframes outlined on the container.
- Ask questions. Your pediatrician and formula manufacturer are there to help answer any questions that you may have.
- Purchase formula from reputable retailers.
Don'ts:
- Never heat your baby's bottle in the microwave.
- Don't prepare formula using a blender.
- Don't use expired formula.
- Remember to check the container for the expiration date.
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