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PREGNANCY & CHILDHOOD

How to Safely Prepare Powder Baby Formula

How to Safely Prepare Powder Baby Formula

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When preparing baby formula, it's important to follow the instructions on the label.

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Parents smile at baby as they make a baby bottle of formula.

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MAR. 12, 2024   3 MINUTE READ
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Key Takeaways:

• Parents and caregivers have so much to juggle with a new baby. Whether learning for the first time or refreshing your knowledge, knowing how to safely prepare powder baby formula is essential.

• A January 2024 article in Consumer Reports raised concerns about the accuracy of automated baby formula makers in delivering the correct formula-to-water ratios.

• When preparing baby formula manually, follow the label instructions on the container to ensure proper handling and preparation each time. With the right preparation, you can help ensure a nutritionally complete bottle for your baby.

If you’re a parent or caregiver to a little one, the health of your baby is top priority. Whether you choose to feed formula solely, or supplement breastfeeding with formula, it’s important to understand how to prepare powder baby formula.

Baby formulas are designed with a specific ratio of formula-to-water. This helps ensure the nutritional needs of your baby are met to support their growth and development. In recent years, automated baby formula makers (or dispensers) have come on the market. These devices, which are designed to mix, heat and dispense prepared powder formula in a matter of minutes, offer a certain convenience factor — an understandable solace for parents of a newborn, especially in the wee hours of the night. However, a January 2024 article in Consumer Reports raised concerns about the accuracy of these devices in delivering the correct formula-to-water ratios.

If you have any questions or concerns about your baby formula maker, you should direct them to the manufacturer. Our Similac label describes the correct method of formula preparation to help ensure accurate delivery of nutrition to your baby.

Formula Preparation of Powder: What You Need to Know

When using baby formula such as Similac® 360 Total Care®, follow the label instructions and use the enclosed scoop, which has been evaluated to deliver nutrients per fluid ounce as labeled on the package. This will help ensure you are making a nutritionally complete bottle every time.

Here's a step-by-step guide on 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.

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.

Mixing a bottle can be overwhelming as a first-time parent. There’s a lot to keep track of in the early months of caring for a baby. If you find yourself asking any questions — like what type of water to use, how to warm a bottle, or how to store prepared formula — check out Similac’s How to Make a Bottle page for a comprehensive guide on all things formula feeding.

At Abbott, we are dedicated to creating nutritious formulas that you can feed your baby with confidence.

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