Formula Preparation: What You Need to Know

Sub Heading: If you choose to use formula, make sure you know how to safely prepare it.
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Duration: MAR. 30, 2022 2 MIN. READ
Description: While breast milk is the gold standard, some women prefer not to breastfeed or cannot rely solely on breast milk alone. For those who use formula, it is important to know the basics of formula preparation to keep your baby healthy. It’s simple, but important to carefully follow the label. Your baby's health depends on it.

Follow these 6 steps to help make sure your baby’s formula is properly prepared.

1. WASH your hands and all supplies.

2. POUR the desired amount of cold tap water or bottled water into a clean bottle. Ask your baby’s doctor if you need to use cooled, boiled water and if you need to boil (sterilize) bottles, nipples, and rings before use.

3. ADD 1 level scoop of formula (not packed down) per 2 fl oz of water to the bottle and tighten the lid.

Keep water out of the powder container and keep the scoop dry. Return the scoop to the powder container and close securely.
Follow package instructions for proper storage.
Note that preparations will differ for ready-to-feed and concentrated liquid formulas; please see the directions and preparation instructions on those product labels.

4. SHAKE the bottle gently until the powder is dissolved.

5. If desired, WARM the bottle with tap water or a bottle warmer. Never microwave.

6. TEST the bottle temperature by dripping a few drops on your wrist. Once the formula is warmed, it should be used immediately. Throw out any prepared or ready-to-feed formula that's been sitting out for 2 hours or more, or within 1 hour from the start of feeding so that bacteria don’t grow.

Remember to CLEAN, RINSE, AND DRY the bottle, nipple and ring thoroughly between feedings.

For more about how to make a bottle, visit similac.com/formulaprep

Preparing baby formula can sometimes be a challenge for new moms. But, as this how-to video from Similac demonstrates, formula preparation is a simple series of fast and easy steps. View this short video, and preparing formula will soon be a breeze!

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Easy, Protein-Rich Snacks that Kids Love

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Jennifer Williams, MPH, pediatric nutrition researcher with Abbott, explains that protein supplies the raw materials growing bodies need to build cells, tissues, muscles and bones. Sufficient daily protein intake also plays an important role in the metabolism of other nutrients, the formation of red blood cells and strengthening of the immune system.

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What to Expect with Premature Baby Care

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Waiting for a baby to arrive is a time full of excitement and anticipation. And sometimes those bundles of joy decide to come too early. It can be a scary time, but there is good news. Over the last few decades, there have been major advancements that has made feeding preemies in the NICU easier and more effective than ever. And these tiny babies need all the nutrition they can get, as they are finishing their growth and development outside in the real world versus inside mom's womb.

When parents unexpectedly find themselves with a preemie, it's perfectly natural to have a lot of questions about premature baby development while your newborn is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). And since your baby is so small, it's crucial that she receive the nutrition she needs to help her grow, develop, meet her milestones and go home.

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Formula Preparation: What You Need to Know