Preparing Infant Formula

Topics: Formula

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Before Mixing Formula

Make Sure the Formula Is Safe

  • Check the expiration date. Never use expired formula.
  • Make sure the container is in good condition. Do not use the formula if the container has dents, bulges or rust spots.

Wash Away Germs

  • Clean the area where you are going to prepare the bottle.
  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use a clean bottle. Clean and sanitize bottle parts in the dishwasher using hot water and a heat drying cycle. Or wash bottle parts separately by hand using a bottle brush and hot, soapy water. Rinse well and let air dry. Sanitize daily by boiling bottle parts for 5 minutes.

Preparing Formula

Use Safe Water

Mix formula with water from a safe source. Tap water is usually safe. Contact your local health department if you are unsure.

Making the Bottle

  1. Read the instructions on the formula label to find out how much water and formula to mix. Adding more or less formula than required can make your baby sick or affect their growth.
  2. Always add the water to the bottle first, then the formula powder.
  3. Mix the formula and water by shaking the bottle.
  4. You do not need to warm the bottle. If your baby prefers a warm bottle, place the bottle under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Check the temperature by putting a few drops on the inside of your wrist to make sure it is not too hot.

NEVER microwave a bottle. Microwaving creates hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth and can destroy some of the nutrients.

Protect Your Baby Against Germs

If your baby is younger than 3 months old, was born prematurely or has a weakened immune system, you may want to take extra steps to keep your baby safe. 

Powdered formula is not sterile and could have unhealthy bacteria that could make your baby very sick. Hot, boiling water can kill the bacteria in the formula powder.

  • You need to boil water to at least 158°F (70°C).
  • Pour the correct amount of boiled water into a clean, sterile bottle.
  • Add the correct amount of formula and shake to mix.
  • Immediately cool the hot formula by placing it under cool water or in an ice bath.
  • Check the formula’s temperature before feeding your baby. 

Liquid concentrate formula is sterile, so you do not need to heat water.

woman and man hold child while bottle feeding.

Feeding The Bottle

Hold your baby in an upright position and never prop a bottle.
Practice paced bottle feeding and allow your baby to control the feeding:

  • Let your baby draw the nipple into the mouth – do not push or force the nipple into your baby’s mouth.
  • Encourage your baby to take frequent pauses – lower the bottle after a few sucks and wait for your baby to begin sucking again before tilting the bottle back up. This helps prevent your baby from eating too quickly or too much.

Watch for fullness signs and allow your baby to be done even if there is still formula in the bottle.

Storing Formula

Storing Formula Container

  • Store formula containers in a cool, dry, indoor place.
  • Do not store in cars, garages or outdoors.
  • Follow the instructions on the formula container about how to store once opened.

Storing Prepared Formula

  • Once prepared, use the bottle within 2 hours or store it in the refrigerator right away and use it within 24 hours.
  • Once your baby starts feeding, throw away any formula left in the bottle after one hour. Do not refrigerate for later. Your baby’s saliva can cause germs to grow in the formula over time, which can make your baby sick.

WIC is Here to Help!

If you have questions on preparing infant formula, talk to WIC or your baby’s health care provider.