Safe preparation of infant formula: 7 steps
Are you accurately measuring the infant formula for your baby? How do you store it? How to keep the utensils clean. These seven steps will ensure that you do not forget.
These steps will ensure that your baby receives the right nutrition and prevent food-related illnesses. You have to select the right infant organic formula for you baby:
- Verify the expiration date
You should look for the “use by” or expiration date on the container. You can’t guarantee the quality of the formula if the expiration date has passed. Avoid using or buying outdated infant formula.
- Wash your hands
Wash your hands with soap and water before you begin formula preparation. You should dry your hands thoroughly. You must ensure that the area in which you will be mixing the formula is clean.
- Get your bottle ready
You can also use a microwave steam sterilizer bag or an electric steam sterilizer. Before you use them for the first, sterilize all bottles, rings, nipples, and caps.
Your bottle and accessories can be sterilized after the first use. Bottle and nipple brushes can be used to clean all nooks and crevices.
You might reconsider sanitizing food items if your baby is less than 3 months old, has an abnormal birth, or has compromised immunity.
- To liquid-concentrate, or powdered formulas, add water
Add water if you are using liquid-concentrate formulas or powdered formulas. For the right amount of water, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Talk to your baby’s physician or water provider if you have concerns about the water quality. To prepare liquid-concentrate and best organic baby formula, you can use any kind of clean water, bottled or tap.
If your child is dependent on fluoride-rich formulas for food, mixing them with fluoridated water can increase their risk of developing fluorosis.
You should also consider how much fluoride is in the water used to make your baby’s liquid concentrate or powdered formula.
Or, you could alternate between fluoridated tap water or low-fluoride water bottled water, such as deionized, purified, or distilled water, to make the concentrated formula. Your baby might be recommended fluoride supplements if they are fed only concentrated formula or ready-to-feed formula.
- The formula should be measured
Be sure to measure how much water and formula you are adding. You don’t want the formula to be too watery. Your baby might become dehydrated if there is not enough water.
Ready-to-use Formula:
- Make sure you have enough formula to make one serving.
- Only use the formula; don’t add any water or other liquid.
- Add the cap and nipple to the bottle.
For liquid-concentrate formula:
- Put the water in a clean glass.
- Add the formula to the bottle.
- Add the cap and nipple to the bottle. Shake well.
Powdered formula:
- To scoop the powdered formula, use the scoop provided with the container.
- Follow the instructions to determine the formula that you wish to prepare.
- Add the water to a clean container.
- If necessary, warm the mixture.
To warm the formula, you can place the filled bottle in warm water for a few moments. You may find hot spots in the formula that can cause your baby to burn their mouth.
It is fine to give your baby room temperature or cold formula.
- Store formula safely
If you are using the ready-to-use formula, cover it and keep it refrigerated in a newly opened container.
Do the following:
- Each bottle should be labeled with the date it was made.
- Keep the extra bottles in the fridge until you are ready to use them.
- Any prepared formula that has been kept in the fridge for more than 24 hours should be thrown out.
Throw it out if you are unsure if a container of the formula is safe.