Formula Preparation: Safety First, Every Time

Always Wash Your Hands:

• •Wash for 20 seconds with soap and water
• •Before every bottle preparation
• •After diaper changes
• •After handling raw food
• •After touching pets

Clean Work Surface:

• •Wipe countertop with clean cloth
• •Use clean dish towel or paper towel
• •Dedicated formula prep area helpful

Why This Matters:

• •Babies have weak immune systems
• •Formula not sterile (powder especially)
• •Bacteria can grow quickly in formula
• •Proper hygiene prevents illness

What You Need to Clean:

• •Bottles
• •Nipples
• •Rings/caps
• •Mixing pitcher (if using)
• •Formula scoop
• •Any other parts that touch formula

Sterilizing (First Use & Occasionally):

• •Boil items 5 minutes before first use
• •Or use bottle sterilizer
• •After first use: daily washing usually sufficient
• •Sterilize weekly or when baby is sick

Daily Washing Methods:

Dishwasher (Easiest):

• •Hot water cycle
• •Sanitize setting if available
• •Top rack for small parts
• •Use dishwasher basket for nipples

Hand Washing:

• •Hot soapy water
• •Bottle brush for inside bottles
• •Small nipple brush for nipples
• •Rinse thoroughly
• •Air dry on clean rack

Important:

• •Don't use same sponge as dishes
• •Replace bottle brushes every few months
• •Check nipples for wear/tears
• •Never reuse bottles without washing

Water Options:

Tap Water:

• •Safe in most U.S. cities
• •Check local water reports
• •Run cold tap 2 minutes first
• •Boil if baby under 3 months (cautious approach)
• •Boil if well water or unsafe water

Boiling Water:

• •Bring to rolling boil
• •Boil for 1 minute
• •Let cool to room temp or lukewarm
• •Use within 30 minutes of boiling
• •Don't reboil water

Bottled Water:

• •Safe option if tap water questionable
• •Look for "low fluoride" if using exclusively
• •Distilled or purified both fine
• •Still may want to boil for newborns

Nursery Water:

• •Pre-sterilized water sold for babies
• •Convenient but unnecessary for most
• •More expensive
• •Check if fluoride added

NOT Safe:

• •Softened water (high sodium)
• •Well water (unless tested and approved)
• •Water from hot tap
• •Previously boiled water that's been sitting

Read Your Specific Formula Instructions!

Different brands may have slightly different ratios.

Standard Ratio (Most Common):

• •1 unpacked, level scoop per 2 fl oz water
• •For 4 oz bottle: 4 oz water + 2 scoops
• •For 6 oz bottle: 6 oz water + 3 scoops
• •For 8 oz bottle: 8 oz water + 4 scoops

Measuring Correctly:

• •Use ONLY scoop that came with formula
• •Fill scoop loosely (don't pack)
• •Level off with knife or built-in leveler
• •Don't heap or underfill scoop

Mixing Process:

Step 1: Add Water First

• •Always water first, then powder
• •Measure water accurately
• •Room temp or lukewarm is fine

Step 2: Add Powder

• •Add correct number of level scoops
• •Don't add extra "for good measure"
• •Don't add less to stretch formula

Step 3: Mix Thoroughly

• •Cap bottle and shake well
• •Or stir with clean utensil
• •Shake for 10-15 seconds
• •No clumps should remain

Step 4: Check

• •Formula should be smooth
• •No powder at bottom
• •Appropriate color for your formula

Common Mistakes to AVOID:

• •✗ Adding powder first (wrong concentration)
• •✗ Packed scoops (too concentrated)
• •✗ Heaping scoops (too concentrated)
• •✗ Eyeballing measurements
• •✗ Using measuring spoons instead of provided scoop
• •✗ Diluting to save money (dangerous)
• •✗ Concentrating for more calories (unless healthcare provider says)

What Temperature:

• •Room temperature is fine
• •Body temperature (98-100°F) often preferred
• •NOT required to warm
• •Baby may accept cold formula

Safe Warming Methods:

Bottle Warmer:

• •Safest and most consistent
• •Follow device instructions
• •Usually 3-5 minutes
• •Best investment for ease

Warm Water Bath:

• •Place bottle in bowl of warm water
• •5-10 minutes
• •Swirl occasionally
• •Free method

Under Running Warm Water:

• •Hold bottle under warm tap
• •Rotate for even warming
• •2-3 minutes
• •Quick method

NEVER Use:

• •✗ Microwave (causes hot spots that burn)
• •✗ Boiling water (too hot)
• •✗ Stovetop (uneven heating)

Testing Temperature:

• •Shake bottle to distribute heat
• •Drop few drops on inner wrist
• •Should feel lukewarm or neutral
• •Never hot
• •If too hot, run under cold water

Powder Formula (Unopened):

• •Store in cool, dry place
• •Check expiration date
• •Don't buy formula near expiration
• •Good for 1-2 years usually

Powder Formula (Opened):

• •Use within 1 month of opening
• •Keep in original container
• •Close lid tightly after each use
• •Don't store in fridge (humidity)
• •Write open date on container

Prepared Formula (Unused):

• •Make individual bottles as needed (best)
• •Or prepare batch max 24 hours worth
• •Store in fridge immediately
• •Use within 24 hours
• •Date/time label helpful

Prepared Formula (Baby Started):

• •Use within 1 hour at room temp
• •Bacteria from baby's saliva grows fast
• •Discard after 1 hour
• •Don't save for later
• •Don't refrigerate partial bottles

Ready-to-Feed Formula:

• •Unopened: Store at room temp
• •Opened: Refrigerate immediately
• •Use within 48 hours of opening
• •Cover opened container

Travel/On-the-Go:

• •Pre-measure powder in formula dispenser
• •Carry water bottle separately
• •Mix when ready to feed
• •Or bring pre-made bottles in cooler
• •Ice packs for bottles (under 4 hours)
• •Use ready-to-feed for convenience

NEVER:

✗ Dilute Formula to Make it Last:

• •Dangerous - baby won't get enough nutrition
• •Can cause serious health problems
• •Can affect development
• •If formula is expensive, ask about programs

✗ Add Extra Formula to Make "Stronger":

• •Too concentrated strains baby's kidneys
• •Can cause dehydration
• •Dangerous for baby
• •Only add extra if healthcare provider specifically instructs

✗ Save Leftover Formula:

• •Bacteria from baby's mouth
• •Grows rapidly at room temp
• •Can make baby sick
• •Discard after 1 hour

✗ Use Formula After Expiration:

• •Nutrients degrade
• •May not be safe
• •Check date before buying

✗ Add Cereal to Bottle:

• •Unless healthcare provider specifically says to
• •Choking hazard
• •Too many calories
• •Interferes with formula nutrition

✗ Use Old Formula from Previous Baby:

• •If opened over 1 month ago, discard
• •Nutrients degrade
• •Not worth the risk

✗ Microwave Formula:

• •Creates dangerous hot spots
• •Can severely burn baby
• •Destroys some nutrients
• •Use other warming methods