Preparing Formula for Infants: Things To Know
In this Article
Undoubtedly, breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for your baby. There is no comparison to the benefits that breast milk has for the baby. However, if for a medical reason, or due to a personal situation, you are unable to breastfeed, you may be exploring the option of formula milk. It takes time for a new mom to learn to prepare formula food for her infant. If you too are a new mother, you must realize the importance of the do’s and don’ts of preparing formula food for your baby.
Although most formula food manufacturers ensure optimum hygiene while processing and canning the product, you must be completely sure before picking it up for your baby. In some cases, formula food may contain bacteria like Salmonella and Cronobacter sakazakii. Though the presence of the bacteria is highly unlikely, it can be life-threatening for the baby when consumed unknowingly. Thus, it is important to always check the manufacturing date on the formula can. Do not buy expired products or the ones that look old, rusted or dented.
As a mother, maintaining hygiene must be your top prority, while preparing baby food. The immune system of baby is not as strong as that of an adult. Their kidneys and livers are not capable of fighting the harmful bacteria and virus. Hence, exercising extra care while making baby food is a must. Besides food hygiene, you should also ensure cleaning and sterilizing the feeding utensils generously every time before and after the use. Most baby foods are prone to bacterial attack when kept in open for long, thus always use a lid or preserve the food properly when you plan to use it later.
How To Prepare Formula for Baby?
- Sterilize the bottle, nipple and ringer in a pot of boiling water for about an hour.
- Wipe the bottle and other parts with a clean towel.
- Let them dry for some time.
- Disinfect and clean the area where you want to feed the baby.
- Wash your hands properly before preparing the food for your baby.
- Boil water for making the formula. Cool it down for 30 minutes until lukewarm. When the water temperature reaches around 70 degree Celsius, start preparing the food.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for the right steps and proportion.
- Do not keep the spoon and other bottle parts like nipple and ringer on the floor.
- Shake the bottle properly to mix the food well.
- Do not keep the formula open for a long time.
- Pour a drop or two of the milk on your hand to understand whether the formula has reached the room temperature.
- Do not store the leftover milk for long.
You can also use formula milk while you are away from the house. When going out, you can carry the baby’s bottle with measured amount of boiled water in an insulated bag with a cool pack. Carry measured amount of formula powder separately, and mix both, the water and the formula powder on the spot to feed your baby whenever required. With these steps and a little patience, you can bottle feed your baby safely and hygienically.
