How to Safely Prepare Formula Milk for Your Baby?
Should we measure formula by eye?
Short answer: No. If it is too concentrated, it can lead to dehydration, put strain on the kidneys, and cause other potentially serious health problems. If it is too diluted, it can lead to water intoxication, slowed weight gain, potential developmental delays, and more.
In more detail:
If you use powdered infant formula, use water from a safe source to mix your infant formula. If you are not sure if your tap water is safe, contact your local health department.
Use the amount of water listed on the instructions of the infant formula container. Always measure the water first and then add the powder.
- Too much water may mean the formula would not meet the nutritional needs of your baby.
- Too little water may cause your baby’s kidneys and digestive system to work too hard. This can make your baby dehydrated.
from the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)
How long can I use it after preparation?
Short answer: About 2 hours after preparation outside the refrigerator, or 1 hour after feeding begins, and a maximum of 24 hours in the refrigerator. Check the instructions on the packaging (for example, some formulas explicitly state no more than 1 hour regardless of whether feeding has started or not).
In more detail:
Use quickly or store safely
Prepared infant formula can spoil if it is left out at room temperature. To prevent spoiling, use prepared infant formula within 2 hours of preparation and within one hour from when feeding begins. If you do not start to use the prepared infant formula within 2 hours, immediately store the bottle in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.
Throw out any infant formula that is left in the bottle after feeding your baby. The combination of infant formula and your baby’s saliva can cause bacteria to grow. Be sure to clean and sanitize the bottle before its next use.
from the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)
How should I store the formula container itself?
Short answer: Store it in a cool, dry place indoors - not outside, in vehicles, garages, etc. For the shelf life after opening, check the packaging.
In more detail:
Store unopened infant formula containers in a cool, dry, indoor place—not in vehicles, garages, or outdoors.
Once a container of powdered infant formula is opened, store in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed. Do not store it in the refrigerator.
Most infant formulas need to be used within 1 month of opening the container. Confirm this by checking the label. When you open a new container, write the date on the lid to help you remember.
Never use formula after the “Use By” date on the container.
from the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)
* Most of these materials are sourced from original English-language sources. The translations were created with the help of Google Translate and ChatGPT. For the most complete and accurate information, please always refer to and verify the original source first. For the most complete and accurate information, please always refer to and verify the original source of the information.
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Cited Sources
- Infant Formula Preparation and Storage CDC.gov
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