Infant formula for babies can be a source of bacteria that are very dangerous for your health if not prepared correctly.
If you have to feed your baby an infant formula, there are some basic precautions to follow to keep the milk safe.
Most mothers who are advised to use infant formula or who decide not to breastfeed their baby are not aware how to properly prepare the infant formula!
Or, maybe they don’t know what to pay attention to when storing the baby bottles.
In this article, I will present to you the right way to reconstitute infant formula safely, and how to prepare the formula bottle without incurring potential health problems for your baby.
Related: Enfamil Vs. Similac Baby Formula: Which Formula Is Right For My Baby?
Let’s get started…
In fact, in the industrial production phase of the so-called “artificial” milk, the powdered formula can be contaminated by bacteria that are dangerous for the baby’s health, such as Enterobacter sakazakii and Salmonella enterica, this is because with the current production process it does not it is possible to obtain a sterile product.
In response to this situation, the WHO introduced precise guidelines for reconstituting the formula.
That’s it: guidelines for preparing the formulated milk to be given to children.
How To Prepare The Infant Formula Safely
First of all, it is good to know that it is advisable to prepare only one meal at a time and have it eaten by the newborn immediately.
Below, you will find a step-by-step guide to safely prepare formula milk for your baby.
Before each meal, make sure you have cleaned (or sterilized) the bottle to be used.
- Clean and disinfect the surface on which you prepare the bottle.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them using a clean towel or disposable washcloth.
- Bring enough water to a boil and let it cool down to reach room temperature.
- Add the exact amount of formula to the water as indicated on the label. Do not use a different amount of formula more or less, it could be dangerous for the baby .
- Close the bottle and shake it well.
- If you feel the bottle is still hot, put it under running water or place it in a cold water container.
- It is essential to control the temperature of the milk by dropping a few drops of the milk on the back of the hand. If necessary, cool again as indicated in point 8
- Discard unused milk within two hours.
- After each feeding, wash the used bottles with soap and water; clean the inside of both the bottle and the teat with a pipe cleaner to remove any milk residue.
How To Store The Formula Bottle Safely
You may also need, especially at night, to have baby bottles ready for use.
How then?
If you will use it at home, prepare the bottle by carefully following the steps I explained above, then put it in the refrigerator until night use.
Keep in mind that you can keep it up to a maximum of 24 hours!
Now, when it is time to feed your baby, you probably need to warm the bottle up. Here is the right way to do it:
- Remove the bottle from the refrigerator only at the time of use.
- Heat it in a bottle warmer or place it in a hot water container for a few minutes (never in the microwave again).
- Shake the bottle well after heating.
- Check it’s temperature before giving it to the baby.
- Throw away the leftover milk within two hours
What if you need to prepare milk in advance? Can I keep the prepared milk in the refrigerator?
To find out, read my article Preparing And Storing Baby Milk Bottles: Step By Step Guide
About
Dema JS is the founder of newbabysmell.com and a mother of two little kids. Dema had her MBA from St. John’s University- NYC in dual concentrations: Executive Management and Marketing Management.
Contact: Please email dema@newbabysmell.com or go to newbabysmell.com
