Whether you've decided to formula feed your baby from the start, are supplementing your breast milk with formula, or are switching from breast milk to formula, you're bound to have questions. Here are answers to some common queries about formula feeding. Before the first use, you'll need to sterilize nipples and bottles in a rolling boil for 5 minutes.
You can also sterilize them with a store-bought countertop or microwaveable sterilizer, but boiling works just as well and costs nothing. After that, it's not necessary to sterilize your baby's bottles and supplies each time you feed your baby. You will need to wash bottles and nipples in hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher after every use. They can transmit bacteria if not cleaned properly. Prepare your baby's formula by mixing water and the appropriate amount of powdered infant formula.
The packaging on the side of the formula container will tell you how much to use. Carefully follow the directions. You can use tepid room temperature tap water, as long as your local or state health departments have labeled it as safe to drink. It may depend on whether the brand is following American Academy of Pediatrics or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Related: 13 of the best baby formulas. An unused bottle of formula mixed from powder can last up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Related: How long can breast milk sit out? Milk-based products are notorious for growing bacteria. Again, bacteria is the issue here — and bacteria thrive even more once given a nice warm environment to grow in. A heated bottle should be used within 1 hour, and any remaining should be poured down the sink after that time.
This applies to formulas prepared from powder as well as concentrates and ready-to-drink options. Generally, you should use up powdered formula within a month of opening the container. The powder used to create the formula is relatively shelf stable, but should ideally be used within a month of opening. Formula containers should be stored indoors in a cool place. To prepare the formula, measure out the required amount of water and add the suggested amount of powder.
Adding enough water is important to avoid dehydration. Once your baby starts drinking, it should be consumed within one hour to avoid the growth of bacteria. Infant formula is typically used quickly after preparation, and does not require storage in a freezer. If you plan to breastfeed more often and formula feed occasionally, a can of formula would last you longer than a same-sized can would if you were to exclusively formula feed.
In such a case, you may also want to choose smaller containers of formula to avoid ending up with spoiled or unusable leftover product. Some people prefer to combine formula with expressed breastmilk in one bottle for feeding their baby. When combining formula and breast milk, prepare the formula in the bottle first before adding in the breastmilk.
Never substitute water with breastmilk when preparing formula. Once opened, a container of liquid concentrate or ready-to-feed formula must be refrigerated and used within hours.
Prepared powder or liquid concentrate formula in drinking bottles must be refrigerated and used within hours. Similarly, formula combined with breastmilk must be refrigerated and used within hours. At room temperature, prepared formula is good for 2 hours.
Once the bottle has been warmed or feeding has begun, discard any remaining formula within 1-hour, as bacteria can multiply fast in cow-based products. How long a can of infant formula will last you depends on a multitude of ever-changing factors. As your baby grows and gets older, their dietary needs will change. Whether you use liquid or powder formula will also affect how long your supply of formula will last.
The same can of formula you just picked up may not last you as long as the same can did last time. If you decide to start breastfeeding your baby in addition to formula feeding or your baby starts eating solids earlier, you may find that you suddenly have an over-supply of formula.
While figuring out how long a can of formula lasts and how much you need to buy at once may seem like a lot of guesswork, you will soon find out what works best for you and your baby.
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