How To Prepare Infant Formula

Infant formula is an alternative to breast milk. It comes in three forms:

• Powder.
• Concentrated liquid (liquid concentrate).
• Ready-to-use.

Before you prepare formula

• Check the expiration date on the formula. Do not use formula that has expired.
• Check the label on the formula to see if you need to add water to the formula. If you need to add water, use water that has been cleaned of all germs (purified water). You may use:
  • Purified bottled water. Check the label to make sure it is purified.
  • Tap water that you purify yourself. To do this:
  • Boil tap water for 1 minute or longer. Keep a lid over the water while it boils.
  • Let the water cool to room temperature before you use it.
• Make sure you know exactly how much formula your baby should get at each feeding.
• Keep everything that you use to prepare the formula as clean as possible. To do this:
  • Wash all feeding supplies in warm, soapy water. Feeding supplies include bottles, nipples, and rings.
  • Boil some water, then put all bottles, nipples, and rings in the boiling water for 5 minutes. Let everything cool before you touch any of the supplies.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more before you prepare your baby’s formula.

How to prepare formula

Follow the directions on the can or bottle of formula that you are using. Instructions vary depending on:

• The specific formula that you use.
• The form that the formula comes in. Forms include powder, liquid concentrate, or ready-to-use.

The following are examples of instructions for preparing a 4 oz (120 mL) feeding of each form of formula.

Powder formula

1. Pour 4 oz (120 mL) of water into a bottle.
2. Add 2 scoops of the formula to the bottle.
3. Cover the bottle with the ring and nipple.
4. Shake the bottle to mix it.

Liquid concentrate formula

1. Pour 2 oz (60 mL) of water into a bottle.
2. Add 2 oz (60 mL) of concentrated formula to the bottle.
3. Cover the bottle with the ring and nipple.
4. Shake the bottle to mix it.

Ready-to-use formula

1. Pour 4 oz (120 mL) of formula straight into a bottle.
2. Cover the bottle with the ring and nipple.

How to add extra calories to formula

If your baby needs extra calories, your health care provider may recommend that you mix infant formula in a way that provides more calories per ounce (kcal/oz) compared to normal formula. Talk with your health care provider or dietitian about:

• The specific needs of your baby.
• Your personal feeding preferences.
• How to prepare formula in a way that adds extra calories to your baby’s feedings.

Can I keep any leftover formula?

Leftover formula prepared from powder and purified water may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

An opened container of liquid concentrate or ready-to-use formula can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

How to warm up formula

Do not use a microwave to warm up a bottle of formula. To warm up formula that was stored in the refrigerator, use one of these methods:

• Hold the formula under warm, running water.
• Put the formula in a pan of hot water for a few minutes.

Additional tips and information

• Throw away any formula that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Do not add anything to the formula, including cereal or milk, unless your baby’s health care provider tells you to do that.
• Do not give your baby a bottle that has been at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Do not give formula from a bottle that was used for a previous feeding.

Summary

• Infant formula is an alternative to breast milk. It comes in powder, concentrated liquid, and ready-to-use forms.
• Make sure you know exactly how much formula your baby should get at each feeding.
• If you need to add water to the formula, use water that has been cleaned of all germs (purified water).
• To prepare the formula, follow the directions on the can or bottle of formula that you are using.
• If your baby needs extra calories, your health care provider will show you how to prepare formula in a way that adds more calories to your baby’s feedings.