Infant formula seems simple to make, but mixing it incorrectly or storing it incorrectly can be dangerous for your baby. Here are the quick tips to keep your baby safe and healthy with infant formula.
Follow the Mixing Instructions on the Container
Most powder formulas call for 1 scoop of powder to 2 ounces water. Some formulas vary from this, so always check the mixing instructions on your container. Keep your baby safe and always follow the instructions for the formula you are using. If you are using a concentrated formula, a ready-to-feed formula, or have an infant needing higher calorie mixing (prescribed by your pediatrician), your mixing procedure will differ from the standard 2 ounces water to 1 scoop powder. Discuss any questions with your pediatrician or nurse to be sure you're mixing formula correctly to help your baby grow well and keep your baby safe with the right formula.
Important tips for safe formula preparation and use:
Always wash your hands before mixing formula and start with a clean bottle and parts.
Measure the water FIRST, then add the powder. Why? If adding the powder first you will use less water as the powder takes up some of the 2 ounce volume, then your formula will be more concentrated which is dangerous for your baby.
Use the scoop provided with the formula.
Don't pack the scoop full, just scoop the powder and level off the top
Don't use 1/2 scoop. Some formula scoops come with a line in the middle of the scoop and parents often use this for making an additional 1 ounce of formula, but without being able to level it off at the half mark, and estimating the scoop as half full this can result in formula mixed at a higher or lower concentration. Instead just mix another 2 ounces and add what is needed to the bottle.
If your baby is drinking 3 ounces at a feeding, mix 4 ounces and store the extra in the refrigerator for the next feeding. Formula can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for the day. (Not sure how much your baby needs? Read about your baby's signs of hunger and fullness.)
Shake the closed bottle to fully mix the powder into the water.
Don't reuse formula that is left in the bottle at the end of a feeding. Saliva moves into the bottle during a feeding, and once mixed with left over formula this provides the bacteria (from saliva) plus food source for the bacteria (from formula) needed for bacteria growth, this is dangerous for an infant to drink.
Mixed formula that isn't being used right away should be stored in the refrigerator, don't use mixed formula if it's been sitting at room temperature for an hour or more.
Don't ever water down formula. Formula is expensive and infants need a lot of it, but it's very dangerous for your baby if you add extra water to formula. If you're having difficulty covering the cost of formula (because it's a LOT!) speak with your health care provider for options to help and check out resources such as WIC, SNAP, TANF.
What about warming formula?
The temperature of formula can be tricky especially when you're on the go. Luckily, we have lots of options to get formula to the right temperature.
If mixing formula and using it right away, just start with a nice lukewarm temperature ready for feeding.
A bottle from the refrigerator can be held under warm/hot running water to warm it.
Fill a bowl with warm water and sit the bottle in the warm water for a few minutes.
A bottle warmer can also be used to warm formula.
Don't use a microwave for warming formula.
Shake the formula after warming.
Always test the temperature of a warmed bottle on the inside of your wrist or arm, it should be lukewarm to safely feed to your baby. If it feels hot to your skin, it's too hot for your baby.
As your infant grows out of the newborn phase, room temperature water can suffice just fine (which is easy when you're away from home by having a clean bottle with the water already measured, you can just add the formula powder and shake for a bottle when it's feeding time).
What water should I use for formula? Is tap water safe?
If you have well water or your town water supply has concerns, boil the water first (allow it to cool all the way to lukewarm before using). If you need to boil your water for safe formula mixing, boil several ounces ahead of time.
Bottled water in the infant isle of grocery stores (nursery water, infant water, etc) lack fluoride that your baby needs and aren't the best option.
Tap water from a safe source is often the best choice for your formula. If you have any concerns or questions about your water, speak with your pediatrician.
Safe formula mixing and preparation for your baby's health
That's it! Follow mixing instructions and store formula safely to keep your baby healthy. Formula mixed too concentrated or frequent changes in formula can lead to constipation and other digestive concerns with your infant. Formula mixed to lower concentration is also dangerous and presents health risks to your infant. Speak with your pediatrician if you any have concerns with your baby's formula or how to prepare it safely.
Do you have questions on what to expect with newborn breastfeeding and during the first year of feeding your baby (formula, breast milk, first foods, and meal times)?
I have helpful resources in my shop including free printable pages on tips for early breastfeeding success and signs your baby is getting enough breastmilk along with a thorough resource on the first 6 months of infant feeding.
Wanting more info on infant feeding?
Also check out signs your baby is full or hungry, and signs your baby is getting enough breast milk.
