It is very important that you chose the baby’s infant formula carefully. However, it is equally important to prepare the formula properly. You even need to pay special attention to factors like hygiene in order to avoid food-related illness. The steps given below will guide you through the entire process of preparing infant formula.
1. Look at the condition and the expiration date on the container
Before using the formula in the container, you need to make sure that it is of good quality. This can be checked by looking at the condition and the expiration date on the container. If there are dents, bulges, leaks or rust spots on the container then it is better to discard the formula as it may be unsafe. Also, check the expiration date on the container. You can’t be sure of the quality of the formula if the expiration date has passed and it’s better to maintain a distance from such product.
2. Wash your hands properly
The first thing that you are supposed to do before preparing formula is to wash your hands properly. For this, wash your hands in warm running water and then rub them with soap vigorously for around 20 seconds. You need to wash all the surfaces of your hand thoroughly, including the spaces between your fingers and your fingernails.
3. Sterilize your utensils
Make sure that you have sterilized the utensils i.e., bottles, caps, nipples and rings if you are using them for the first time. Put all the utensils in a large pot and then fill it with water. Place this pot over the stove and boil the utensils for around 5 minutes. Now, carefully remove all the utensils from the boiling water using kitchen tongs and allow them to air dry. There is no need to sterilize them after the first use. However, you have to wash them properly using soap and water after each use. After you have washed all these items, allow them to air dry.
4. Measure the formula
There are three types of formula available in the market, first one is the “ready to use formula”, second one is the “liquid concentrate formula” and the third one is the “powdered formula”. The method of preparing them is given below.
- Ready to use formula is the simplest one. First of all, shake the container and then pour the formula in a clean bottle. The amount for one feeding can be confirmed by the instructions given on the container.
- In case of the liquid concentrate formula, simply pour the amount of formula in a clean bottle for one serving.
- For powdered formula, take out the formula from the container using the scoop that comes along with it. Follow the instructions on the container to determine the amount of powder that you need to scoop.
5. Add water if necessary
You don’t have to add water in case you are using “ready to use formula”. However, you even have to add water to the bottle, if you are using “powdered” or “liquid concentrate” formula. Refer the instructions on the container to determine the amount of water. If the amount of water is more than what is needed then the formula will become diluted and if the amount of water is less then it will put burden on your baby’s digestive system. You also need to make sure that the water which you are using for preparing the formula is clean. If you are not sure about the quality of water then it’s better to boil it before using.
6. Warm the formula if required
It is not necessary to warm the formula; you can even give it at the room temperature. However, if you baby likes warm formula then place the bottle in a bowl containing hot water and let it stay there for a few minutes. Shake the bottle after removing it from the bowl. Always keep in mind that the water in the bowl must be hot, but not boiling. You must even avoid warming the bottles in a microwave because this may result in an uneven heating of the formula creating hot spots in it. This could burn your baby’s mouth.
7. Storing the formula
The place where you are going to store unopened containers must be cool and dry as a place experiencing temperature extremes can affect the quality of the formula. As far as the storage of a “ready to use formula” is concerned, store the leftover formula in the refrigerator but only after you have covered the container. If the formula has been in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours, then it’s better to discard it.
