Steps to Preparing Infant Formula
Steps to Preparing Infant Formula
Ready-To-Use Infant Formula
The Ready-to-Use infant formula would be your best alternative, if you are traveling. It’s also convenient if you have no access to safe water. If you have a premie or low weight baby, this might be a great choice for you, because it’s sterile. Once the Ready-to-Use Formula is open, you have 48 hours to use it up. Liquid
Liquid Concentrate Formula
You need to combine equal parts of water and formula when using liquid concentrate formula. The concentrate is less expensive and takes up less storage.
Powdered Infant Formula
The most economical alternative would be the Powdered Infant Formula. The one nice thing is that once it has been opened it has a one month shelf life. It alsotakes up less space in your cupboards.
Before Purchasing Infant Formula
When purchasing your formula check the expiration date. If it has expired, you don’t want to use it. You don’t want to purchase a can with bulges, dents, leaks, or rust spots, the formula has been damaged. You don’t want to jeopardize your baby’s health. Be sure you tell the store manager of the damaged goods and/or expired product.
How to Prepare Infant Formula
Washing your hands is an important step to take first. Each type of formula has various instructions so make sure you read the label. You do not want to danger your baby’s health.
Before opening the can, wipe the lid with a wet wash cloth to make sure there isn’t any dust. If you’re using Ready-to-Use all you have to do is pour it unless it’s cold then you’ll want to heat it first. Baby’s don’t care for cold milk. You can use a bottle warmer or heat it in a pan of hot water not boiling water for a few minutes. Do not microwave. There will be hot spots and will burn the baby’s mouth.
If you need to mix water into the formula, then you’ll want to turn the cold tap water on and allow it to run for 30 seconds to one minute before preparing the formula. The reason for this is to allow any contaminates to run through. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you should never cook or mix infant formula using hot water from the tap. The plumbing may have lead or lead solder and hot water can concentrate the lead. Only using cold water can help reduce your baby’s exposure to the lead from tap water. Boiling the water doesn’t get rid of the lead either, but you can use water filters which do remove lead from the drinking water.
If you do need to boil water make sure to bring the water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes. Only boil the water once, otherwise doing it more will change the concentration of minerals in the water,
If using boiled water, allow it to cool before pouring into the baby bottle. Using the cooled water fill the baby bottle. Always, add the powder after you’ve added the water, otherwise the formula will be stuck in the bottom of the bottle.
Shake well after heating the bottle. To test the infant formula, it should feel warm on your arm after a few drops fell on it. It’s time to feed.
Throw away the leftover formula when you’re done with it. You don’t want to save it for a later time, because the bacteria from your baby’s mouth is mixed in with the formula. It’s not safe to reuse.
