Bottle Prep Safety Guidelines

Proper preparation of your baby’s formula is very important. Please remember to read and carefully follow the instructions on the infant formula label. Below are important steps to remember when feeding your baby.

Always wash your hands and prepare formula on a clean surface. Everything you need to prepare the baby’s bottle should be within reach.
Remember to read the instructions on the container. It’s very important to follow the directions exactly. If you don’t, your baby may not be getting the right amount of nutrients to grow and develop normally.
For ready-to-feed and concentrated liquid formulas, be sure to shake the container thoroughly before pouring. Water should not be added to ready-to-feed formulas. For concentrated liquid and powder formulas, carefully measure the water as directed on the label.
No wet spoons or scoops should be placed in the formula container; care should be taken that powdered formula remains dry.
Parents should check with their baby’s doctors about the need to boil water for powdered formula preparation. If sterilizing the water is necessary, the water should be boiled for one (1) minute at a rolling boil to sterilize it and then cooled. Bottled water, including distilled water is not sterile unless boiled.
Boil new bottles and nipples for five minutes before using them the first time. Also, wash them for one minute in hot, soapy water after each use.
When warming your baby’s formula, do not put it in the microwave. This not only damages the bottle nipple, but also can create uneven heating of the formula, leading to scalding hot areas which can burn a baby’s mouth.
To correctly warm pumped breast milk or formula, put the bottle in a container of hot water or a bottle warmer, then shake it and test a few drops on the inside of your wrist.
Formulas that have been prepared or reconstituted (i.e., concentrated liquid or powder) should be fed immediately. Please refer to the product’s instruction panel for information on proper storage of prepared formulas.
Discard any remaining formula in the bottle that has not been consumed after one hour. Bacteria (germs) normally present in the baby’s saliva will grow quickly in the nutrient-rich formula.
Remember, if you have questions about how to prepare your baby’s formula, call your pediatrician or the manufacturer. The formula’s label provides a telephone number for the manufacturer.

Do’s:

Always wash your hands.
Read and follow the preparation instructions on the formula label.
Use opened or prepared formula within the timeframes outlined on the container.
Ask questions. Your pediatrician and formula manufacturer are there to help answer any questions that you may have.
To ensure the quality and safety of the product, only buy formula from reputable retailers.

Dont’s:

Don't heat your baby’s bottle in the microwave.
Don’t prepare formula using a blender.
Don’t use expired formula or formula from a dented container.
Don't buy formula from on-line auctions or flea markets.

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