This video will show you the important and basic information to safely prepare and store infant formula.
For premature, immunocompromised or sick babies, talk to your baby’s health care provider.
Know that York Region Public Health supports your decision on how you feed your baby
and to make sure that you have everything you need to make an informed decision, visit
york.ca/breastfeeding or call 1-800-361-5653.
Types of formula
There are three types of formula: ready-to-feed,
liquid concentrate and powdered.
Ready-to-feed and liquid concentrate formula are sterile and have less risk for bacteria
growth compared to powdered formula, but cost more.
Since commercial formula is regulated and must meet strict standards, any basic formula,
from birth to 12 months, can meet your baby’s nutrient needs.
Other formulas, including follow-up and specialty formulas are not needed.
Talk to your baby’s health care provider before you choose a specialty formula.
Any other type of milk, including homemade formula, is not an alternative to breastmilk.
They can be unsafe and do not meet your baby’s nutrient needs.
Formula has vitamin D added so if you only
feed formula, extra vitamin D is not needed.
If your baby is receiving breastmilk only, or a combination of breastmilk and formula,
give them a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU every day.
Storing formula. Store any unopened formula container in a
dry location at room temperature.
When storing opened containers of formula, you can store liquid formula in the refrigerator
for up to 48 hours.
For powdered formula containers, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Don’t forget to always use formula before the “best before” date.
Preparing equipment for infant formula. Start by washing your hands with soap and
warm water for 15 seconds and clean countertops.
Make sure you use glass or BPA-free plastic bottles and nipples that have no cracks, stains
or loose pieces.
Wash and rinse any equipment you’ll be using, including bottles, nipples, spoons and tongs
after each use.
Next, place the equipment in a pot and boil the water at a rolling boil for two minutes.
Make sure the water fully covers the equipment.
Then air-dry the equipment in the pot or on a clean cloth.
Cover it all with the pot lid or with a clean cloth for later use.
If you use a microwavable or plug-in sanitizer, read and follow the company’s instructions
carefully.
Water for formula. Use cold municipal tap water or commercial
bottled water to prepare formula.
Special baby or nursery water is not needed.
If you use well water, test it for bacteria, chemicals (like nitrates) and fluoride level.
Testing for bacteria is offered by York Region Public Health for free.
Private labs also do chemical testing, for a fee.
Visit york.ca/water for more information on water safety.
Do not use carbonated, distilled, mineral or softened water.
Make any and all water sources used to prepare formula safe by bringing it to a rolling boil
for two minutes.
Do not use an electric kettle since it does not keep the water at a rolling boil.
Cool and store boiled water in a tightly closed container for up to 24 hours at room temperature
or 48-72 hours in the fridge.
If you are preparing powdered formula for later use, the water should be no less than
70°C (or 158°F) when mixed with the powder.
You can use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
Mixing the powdered formula with this hot water helps to lower the risk of bacteria
growth.
Another way to make sure the water temperature is no less than 70°C (158°F) is once the
water has boiled for two minutes, turn off the burner and let the pot sit for no more
than 30 minutes.
Preparing formula safely. It’s important to follow the instructions
carefully when preparing formula since mixing it incorrectly can make your baby sick.
This includes washing the top of the can with hot water and soap, using a clean dishcloth.
For ready-to-feed formula, pour the desired amount of formula into the bottle.
Do not add water to the formula.
For liquid concentrate formula, pour and measure the water into the bottle.
Then add an equal amount of formula.
For powdered formula, pour and measure the water into the bottle.
Next, add the correct number of leveled scoops of powder.
Make sure you only use the scoop provided.
Then shake or stir it well until there are no lumps.
You can store prepared formula in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours but do not freeze it.
Warming formula. When it’s time to offer formula you do not
need to warm it up.
However, if you choose to warm formula, you can place the bottle under warm running water.
Another option is to place the bottle in a bowl of warm water.
An electric bottle warmer on a low setting is also ok to use.
Regardless of the way you choose to warm formula, warm it for no longer than 15 minutes.
Do not use a microwave as it can cause “hot spots” and burn your baby’s mouth.
Before you offer the formula to your baby, check the temperature by placing a small amount
on the inside of your wrist.
It should feel warm or room temperature.
Always check the temperature of formula before feeding your baby.
Feeding formula. When bottle feeding, always hold your baby
and trust your baby to know when and how much to drink.
It’s ok if they don’t finish the bottle.
Throw away any unused formula sitting at room temperature within two hours.
Once you have offered the formula to your baby, do not place formula back into the fridge.
For more information about feeding your baby and preparing infant formula, contact York
Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 to talk to a Public Health Nurse or visit york.ca/feedingkids