How To Prepare Baby Formula

Is there a formula for preparing baby formula? Well, sort of…

Whether you are formula feeding entirely or supplementing your breast milk, formula preparation and handling can be very simple once you understand the basics.

FIRST, choose the right formula for your baby . Talk to your pediatrician before introducing formula feeds.

Make sure you read all the information below before making your first bottle, and you should be prepared for any questions that may come up along the way.

Watered-down formula is not recommended for your baby's health

For a child to receive appropriate nutrition, proper formula preparation is important. Adding too much water dilutes essential nutrients, and can significantly impact a child's nutrition. The results can be serious.

Powdered Formula: To prepare the formula follow the feeding schedule in the product label

Follow these simple rules before you begin:

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Never feed formula to your baby if it is past the use-by date and do not use formula if the container is dented or damaged.
• Clean the lid of any dust.

How to prepare powdered baby formula

Preparing powdered formula is simple, but it’s still important to carefully follow the directions on the label — your baby's health depends on it. With all the mixing, storing, warming, and re-using do’s and don’ts, there’s a lot to consider, remember, and monitor. We get it. And we’re here to help.

Of course, if you have questions, always consult your baby's doctor about the appropriate formula for your baby, and its proper preparation.

A reminder: Powdered infant formula is not sterile, so it should not be fed to premature infants or infants with immune problems unless directed and supervised by your baby's doctor.

Preparing formula with boiled water

Boiling in GCC countries is mandatory by local regulation.

1. Bring water to boil for 1 minute, then turn off the heat. Excessive boiling can increase the concentration of impurities.
2. Let the water cool to room temperature before adding to formula. Making formula with boiling water can cause clumping and decrease the nutritional value.
3. Once mixed, sprinkle a few drops on the inside of your wrist to make sure it is not too hot.

Note: Bottled or filtered water is not a suitable replacement for water that has been boiled.

How to mix formula

For proper mixing, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
2. Measure and pour desired amount of water into a sterilized baby bottle.
3. Add unpacked, level scoop(s) of powder to the bottle as directed. Return dry scoop to can. Always follow the mixing instructions on the label.
4. Put the cap on the bottle and shake. (Tip: Moving your wrist in a twisting motion helps powder formula mix more quickly and more thoroughly.)
5. Feed or store immediately in refrigerator. Use within 24 hours.

How to warm formula

Formula does not need to be warmed. If you choose to feed warmed formula, do not microwave it. This can cause "hot spots" that could burn your baby. Instead, set the filled bottle in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water or hold the bottle under warm tap water. Sprinkle a few drops of formula on the inside of your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot. Alternatively you can use a bottle warmer.

How to store powder formula

• Once opened, powder formula should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
• Do not store unmixed powder in refrigerator.
• Avoid extreme temperatures.
• Use opened product within one month.
• Once mixed, feed immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container, and use within 24 hours.
• See the label for specific mixing or storage instructions.
• Do not leave prepared formula at room temperature.
• Do not freeze. Doing so can cause the protein and fat to separate.

Reusing baby formula

If your baby starts a bottle of formula but does not finish it within one hour, throw it away. Do not refrigerate it. Do not reheat it. Do not save it for later. Throw it away.

Why? Because during feeding, your baby's saliva can contaminate the formula in the bottle. Once this occurs, reheating or refrigerating will not kill the bacteria.

See the label for specific instructions.