Human milk (breast milk) is the only food a baby needs for the first 6 months of their life. It’s recommended that babies continue to be offered human milk until 2 years of age or older.
Parents may give their baby formula for a number of reasons. If offering infant formula, it’s important to prepare and store it safely to protect your baby.
What are the different types of infant formula?
There are 3 types of store-bought formula: ready-to-feed, liquid concentrate and powdered. Ready-to-feed and liquid concentrate are sterile (free from germs) until they are opened. Powdered formula is not sterile.
How do I wash and disinfect the bottles and equipment to make formula?
Every time you make formula, wash, then disinfect the bottles and equipment. Disinfect means to kill any germs that could make your baby sick. This should be done for a baby of any age.
First wash:
- Gather the feeding equipment, such as bottles, tongs, spoons and a liquid measuring cup
- Wash your hands, sink and work area with soap and warm water. Dry with a clean towel
- Wash all equipment in hot, soapy water. Scrub the inside of the bottles and nipples using a bottle brush that is only used for your baby’s feeding equipment
- Rinse everything in hot water
To disinfect:
- Place the clean supplies in a large pot
- Fill the pot with water until everything is covered with water. Do not cover the pot
- Bring the water to a boil and boil for 2 minutes
- Use disinfected tongs to remove all items from the pot onto a clean towel. Shake off any excess water and let air dry
- If not using right away, cover and store in a clean place. Do not touch the inside of any equipment that can be in contact with the formula
If you use a home sterilizer system to disinfect, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Dishwashers do not disinfect.
How do I make and store ready-to-feed formula?
- Shake the container well
- Pour the amount you think your baby will drink into a clean, disinfected bottle. Do not add water
- Attach a clean, disinfected nipple and feed right away. Once you start feeding, use the bottle within 2 hours. Throw out any leftover formula
Store unopened ready-to-feed formula in a cool, dry place. Recap opened containers and store in the fridge. Throw containers out after 48 hours or follow label instructions.
How do I make and store liquid concentrate formula?
- Add cold tap water to a kettle or pot and bring to a boil. Keep at a boil for 2 minutes
- Let the water cool to between room and body temperature
- Wash the top of the can with hot water and soap
- Shake the can well and open with a disinfected can opener if needed
- Measure and mix the water and formula together, following the instructions on the label. Use right away. Once you start feeding, use the bottle within 2 hours. Throw out any leftover formula
If you make more than one bottle, store extras in the fridge and use within 24 hours or follow label instructions.
Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place. Cover opened cans and store in the fridge. Throw cans out after 48 hours or follow label instructions.
