PREGNANCY & CHILDHOOD

How to Make a Baby Bottle: What You Need to Know

Formula Preparation: What You Need to Know

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If you choose to use formula, make sure you know how to safely prepare it.

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A person holds a baby in their arms and feeds them a bottle of formula.

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NOV. 9, 2023  2 MINUTE READ
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Breast milk is considered the gold standard, but some parents can’t or choose not to breastfeed, while others rely on both formula and breastfeeding. Those who use formula should know how to make a baby bottle to keep their baby healthy. It's simple, but important to carefully follow the label instructions. Questions about feeding your child should be directed to a healthcare professional.

Follow these 6 steps to learn how to prepare baby formula safely.

How to Mix a Bottle of Powder Formula

1. CLEAN & SANITIZE. First, wash your hands with soap and warm water before preparing bottles or feeding your baby. Next, clean and sanitize the workspace where you will be preparing your formula.

2. ADD WATER TO BOTTLE. Measure and pour the appropriate amount of water into a clean baby bottle.

3. ADD POWDER FORMULA SCOOP(S) TO BOTTLE. Add unpacked, level scoop(s) of powder formula to the bottle as directed. Return dry scoop to container. Scoop sizes can vary, so it's important to use the scoop that comes with your product.

4. CAP & MIX BOTTLE. Put the cap on the bottle and shake. Note: Baby formula doesn’t need to be warmed, but if you prefer to warm it, do not microwave it. For more information on how to warm a bottle, visit the Abbott How to Make a Baby Bottle guide.

5. READY TO FEED! Feed or store immediately in refrigerator and use within 24 hours.

6. CLEAN YOUR BOTTLE. Baby bottles, nipples, and rings should be cleaned after every feeding. Make sure to take bottles fully apart and thoroughly clean each part and allow to air dry.

For more resources on how to make a baby bottle, check out Resources to Help You Safely Prepare Baby Bottles.

 

Article originally published March 30, 2022.

A Primer on Fats in Infant Formula

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A mother cradling a baby while feeding a bottle

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With about half of breast milk’s calories coming from fat—the most out of the three macronutrients—it’s clear that fat plays a vital role in infant growth and development. But it’s not only about how much fat, it’s about the kinds of fat babies need. That’s why infant formulas are carefully designed to mirror the fatty acid profile of breast milk and support babies’ needs. This article breaks down the importance of fats for babies, what kind of fats are found in infant formula, and other questions you might have about baby formula ingredients.

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A Primer on Other Ingredients in Your Baby’s Formula

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Mom holding a sleeping baby wrapped in a blue cloth baby carrier

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In addition to the three macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—infant formulas provide other nutritional components including essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and other optional ingredients such as probiotics, prebiotics and HMOs, which have been shown to be beneficial to babies. Keep reading to learn about the most common infant formula ingredients and their benefits.

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