How to Safely Use and Prepare Infant Formula

I am all for breastfeeding! But I will never judge a mother for using formula. After my son was born, we were having trouble breastfeeding in the beginning. He lost over 10% of his body weight at 2 days old, which was a red flag for the pediatrician. He also had jaundice. I would start each feeding by nursing him, then give him formula afterward. My milk did not come in until almost day 5, so from day two to day 5 he was getting formula after each nursing session. Once he regained his weight, we eliminated the formula feedings down to one bottle before bedtime every night. By the time he was three months old, bottles were completely eliminated (formula and breast milk, by his choice) and from three to six months he was exclusively breastfed.

Here I will discuss the proper safety that should be considered when preparing formula for your child.

1. Safe Handling

• Formula is easily contaminated in the collection and manufacturing processes. Powdered formula is very susceptible to this. Liquid, pre mixed formula is the more sterile option. 
• Enterobacter sakazakii is microorganism that can be found in powdered infant formula.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mixing powdered formula with water that is at least 158 degrees F to kill this microorganism. Must be cooled to body temperature before giving to your baby.
• Once formula is mixed it is only good for 24 hours. Keep it refrigerated until ready to use.  Do not leave the reconstituted formula out at room temperature for a long period of time.
• Avoid saving left over formula. Throw away the unfinished formula. 
• Use the exact amount of water recommended to mix formula. Do not dilute the formula to make it last longer, this can actually cause harm to your baby.
• Make sure bottles and nipples are cleaned and sanitized thoroughly. When selecting bottles choose those that are BPA free.   

    2.   Responsive Feeding

• Regardless of what is in the bottles (formula or breast milk) a baby is more likely to be overfed when bottles are used. 
• Follow the baby's feeding ques and allow the baby to pace the feeding. 
• Be sure to burp the baby after feedings.

     3.   Be Aware of Other Feeding Issues Associated with Formula

• Gastroesophegeal  reflux (GER/GERD). During the first 2 months, 20% of infants spit up more than 4x per day.
• Babies who are exclusively breastfed spit up less than babies who were breastfed and being supplemented with formula.
• Colic- Remember rule of 3: If the baby has 3 hours of crying, 3 days of the week, for 3 months, it is considered colic. Soy formula is not a solution to this. There is no treatment for colic.

For more information about safe formula handling from manufacturers you may use, please click here.
Information provided by the Healthy Children Project, Inc.