From Nutritionist: Preparation and handling of powdered formula for baby

Feeding your baby powdered formula is a common and convenient choice for many parents, but it comes with important responsibilities to ensure your little one’s safety and well-being. Proper preparation and handling are crucial to avoid risks such as contamination or incorrect nutrition.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to safely prepare and handle powdered formula, offering practical tips and expert advice to make every feeding safe, nourishing, and stress-free. Let’s ensure your baby gets the best care with every bottle!

How to prepare formula milk for your baby at home

(STEP-BY-STEP)

1. Clean and disinfect the surface to prepare formula milk.
2. Wash your hands with soap then dry your hands.
3. Boil a sufficient volume of water and let it cool for an average of 20-30 minutes so that it remains at 70 degrees Celcius as recommended by the World Health Organization
4. Pour the amount of hot water as instructed on the label into a cleaned and sanitized bottle.
5. Add the formula powder according to the instructions. Please make sure you only use the scoop that comes with the formula.
6. Cover the teat with the cap of the bottle and shake to mix.
7. Cool the formula milk by holding the capped bottle under cool water or placing it in an ice bath.
8. Test the temperature of the formula by putting a few drops on your wrist before giving it to your baby. It should feel warm ( just about your body temperature, 37 degrees Celcius)

Using and storing prepared formula milk

• Use prepared infant formula within one hour from the start of feeding and within 2 hours of preparing it
• If your baby does not finish the entire bottle of formula, throw away leftover
• If you do not use the prepared infant formula, put it in the refrigerator no higher than 5 °C immediately and store it only within 24 hours.

Storage of milk powder in the container

• Once a container of infant formula is opened, store it in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed
• Most infant formulas need to be used within 1 month of opening the container (check the label). When you first open the container, write the date on the lid to help you remember

Traveling with formula milk

• Before you leave home, fill the milk bottle with clean water. Bring a small container of powdered formula along and mix the powdered formula into the water when you need to start a feeding
• You may also prepare a bottle of formula and chill it for at least an hour in the refrigerator. Bring the premade bottle along with a cooler bag to keep the bottle cold.

 

Proper hygiene preparation after formula preparation

1. Discard unused formula: Any formula left in the bottle after feeding should be discarded within 1 hour. Bacteria can multiply quickly in milk, especially once your baby has started drinking from the bottle.
2. Wash feeding equipment promptly: After feeding, clean all equipment thoroughly. Rinse bottles, teats, and other parts in cold water to remove milk residue, then wash with warm soapy water using a bottle brush. Ensure all areas including hard-to-reach spots are scrubbed clean.
3. Sterilize: After washing, sterilize bottles, teats, and other reusable feeding items before their next use. Boiling or steam sterilization is effective in killing lingering bacteria.
4. Dry properly: Allow the clean and sterilized equipment to air dry on a clean surface or drying rack. Avoid using kitchen towels or cloths as they can introduce bacteria.
5. Store equipment safely: Once dry, store bottles, teats, and accessories in a clean, closed container to keep them free from dust and germs until their next use.

 

---

Extra precautions are needed for babies younger than 2 months old, were born prematurely, or have a weakened immune system

•  Breastfeed if you can
•  Clean and sanitize feeding items immediately after feeding
• Prepare powdered formula with hot water (at least 70 °C), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised parents or caregivers to boil water and let it cool for about 5 minutes before making a bottle