Formula Feeding

Preparing Your Baby's Bottle

Making formula isn't hard. Just follow the directions on the label, consider these important tips, and in no time you'll be an expert.

But remember-accuracy matters. Too much or too little water and your baby won't get the right mix of nutrients.

Bottle basics every mom needs

Follow label directions carefully
Always use formula before the expiry date
Wash your hands and your work area
Boil clean bottles, nipples, caps and utensils in water for 2 minutes.
For healthy term babies less than 4 months old, boil the water you use to make formula for two minutes. Cool to room temperature prior to mixing.
If you need to warm bottles, put them in a pot of hot (but not boiling) water but don't submerge the nipple
NEVER microwave a bottle-you could seriously burn your baby
If there's any formula left in a bottle, throw it out within one hour of starting the feeding

Storing prepared formula

Prepared bottles of formula (from ready-to-feed liquid, concentrated liquid or powder) should be refrigerated and used according to the table below.

	Instructions
Refrigerated bottles (2-4° C, 35-40° F)	Formula made from powder Good for 24 hours. Ready-to-feed liquid formula or formula made from concentrate Good for 48 hours.
Bottles at room temperature	All forms of formula Good for 2 hours. If bottle is warmed, good for 1 hour.
Bottles after feeding begins	All forms of formula Use within 1 hour or discard. Do not refrigerate leftover formula for later use.

Please note: Proper hygiene, preparation, dilution, use and storage are important when preparing infant formula. Powdered infant formula is not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants who might have immune problems unless directed and supervised by your baby's doctor. Failure to follow these instructions could result in severe harm to your baby.

Keep it up to date.

Check the container for the formula's expiration date. Always use formula by the use by date.

Finding the Expiration Date

Infant Formula Cans

Infant Formula Cans
The expiration date is on the top or the bottom of the formula can. The type is embossed (raised).

Read Some Formula-Feeding FAQs

Liquid or Powder?

Most infant formulas come in several different formats: powder, concentrated liquid and ready-to-feed liquid. Different formats have different preparation instructions, which are provided on the label. All formats provide your baby with the same nutrition if prepared according to label directions. Be sure to follow mixing instructions carefully.

To decide what's best for you and your baby, you'll first want to consider all your options.