Prepare an extra bottle of water and enough extra powder in a second container to allow for delays. Put the prepared formula in a chilly bin or insulated bag and use it within 2 hours. Throw away any unused formula. For information on feeding your baby in an emergency and how to prepare for an emergency, see the Ministry of Health website. The list below has things to consider before you decide. Skip to main content. Publication date:.
Revision date:. Child health. Babies and toddlers. Healthy eating. Women's health. View online Download PDF. Order free copies:. For use by health professionals in advising parents and caregivers who have decided to partially or completely formula feed a baby. The booklet includes clear instructions on bottle feeding and how to choose an infant formula. Contents Feeding your baby infant formula Choosing infant formula Feed your baby safely What you need for formula feeding Cleaning and sterilising feeding equipment Preparing a formula feed Feeding your baby Warming formula Feeding your baby away from home For more information Things to consider when deciding how to feed your baby Feeding your baby infant formula Infant formula is made for babies up to 12 months old who are not breastfed.
Infant formula from birth Use a stage 1 formula that is suitable for newborn babies. Avoid homemade infant formula Avoid using any kind of recipe for homemade infant formula.
Other drinks Do not give other drinks to your baby. Feed your baby safely Powdered infant formula is not sterile, which means it may contain low levels of bacteria.
Glass bottles are easier to clean than plastic but break more easily. Newborn babies — one hole in the tip of the teat gives a slow flow that is easier to manage.
Older babies — more than one hole gives a faster flow. Cleaning and sterilising feeding equipment Newborn and young babies are at risk of infection because their immune system is not fully developed yet. Cleaning Clean the feeding equipment as soon as possible after a feed. A dishwasher can be used to clean feeding equipment but will not sterilise it.
Clean the work surfaces bench and sink with hot soapy water. Wash your hands well with soap and water, and dry them on a clean cloth or paper towel. Wash the feeding equipment in hot soapy water: use the bottle and teat brushes to clean the bottles and teats inside and out, making sure you get all the milk out of them clean any other items used eg, bottle caps, container and container lid for storing boiled, cooled water. Rinse all equipment in clean, cold running water before sterilising.
Sterilising You must sterilise feeding equipment until your baby is at least 6 months old. There are several ways to sterilise, such as: sterilising by boiling steam sterilising using cold-water sterilising tablets or solution. If sterilising by boiling Fill a large pot with water.
Put the lid on the pot and bring the water to the boil. Boil in a rolling boil for 1 minute. Turn the stove off and keep the pot covered until you need the feeding equipment. Leave feeding equipment in the steriliser until needed. Preparing a formula feed Formula should be made up fresh for each feed. Check the use-by date located on the base of the formula can.
If you have formula that is past its use-by date, throw it out. Make sure you have a clean surface on which to prepare the formula feed. Wash and dry your hands before opening the formula can. Always put the plastic lid back on the can after use. Store the formula can in a cool, dry place eg, the pantry. Use within 4 weeks of opening. Preparing safe water for formula From birth until your baby is at least 6 months old, all water used for formula should be boiled and cooled to room temperature on the day you use it.
If you use an electric jug, boil a full jug until it turns off. If you use a stove top kettle, boil until it makes a loud whistle. If you are boiling water in a pot on the stove, let the water come to a rolling boil for 1 minute. If you live in a city or a town From 6 months of age you can use cold water straight from the tap to make formula. If you use bore or tank water Bore water and tank water should be boiled until your baby is 18 months old.
Bottled water Bottled water is not recommended as it is not sterile. Step-by-step guide to preparing a formula feed Prepare the formula just before you feed your baby. Clean a surface on which to prepare the formula feed.
Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them on a clean cloth or paper towel. Cover the teat with the cap. Gently shake or swirl the bottle until the formula is mixed well. Feed your baby. Throw away any mixed formula after 24 hours and any open ready-to-feed or concentrate formula after 48 hours. No, throw away any leftover formula.
There's a chance bacteria may have formed since the last feeding, which could make your baby sick. Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Search KidsHealth library. What's in this article? Do I need to sterilize my baby's bottles? How do I prepare my baby's bottles? How do I warm my baby's bottles? When should I prepare the bottles? How long can mixed formula keep in the fridge?
How long can a bottle keep at room temperature? If formula is left over, can I offer it again? If you're concerned about your water, you may sterilize it to kill germs. Here's how: pour cold tap water into a teapot or saucepan place pot on the stove over medium heat bring water to a rolling boil, and let boil for about a minute let the water cool until it's at room temperature Test to see if the water is cool enough for your baby to drink by shaking a few drops of water on the inside of your wrist.
Instead, you can: Run the bottle under very warm or hot water for a few minutes. Resist the urge to refrigerate a bottle once you have fed your baby from it, since bacteria from your baby's mouth can still multiply in the refrigerator. If you're using ready-to-use formula, cover and refrigerate any unused formula from a freshly opened container. Discard any leftover formula that's been in the refrigerator more than 48 hours.
If you prepare and fill several bottles of liquid-concentrate or powdered formula at once, do the following:. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.
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This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Infant and toddler health. Products and services. Infant formula: 7 steps to prepare it safely Are you measuring your baby's infant formula correctly? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Altmann T, et al. Bantam; Fluoride: Topical and systemic supplements.
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