How to Prepare Baby 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.