Before buying baby formula, always check the expiration date. Not only the expiration date but also the appearance of the can. Leaks, dents, rust spots are all signs that you don’t want to pick this up. It’s very important to be careful, you don’t want danger your baby’s health. You should also bring these issues to the store owner or managers attention.
There are two kinds of formula, one is the powder form and the other is liquid form. The ready-to-use formula, once it’s opened needs to be refrigerated and used up within 48 hours. You also should shake it well before opening it. When using either the liquid form or powder form make sure you read the guidelines.
Before starting, always wash your hands.
You must follow the instructions on the formulas. The instructions can varyfrom formula to formula. Do exactly what they say. It is very important that you do exactly as they say so your baby will get the nutrients he/she needs.
Before opening the can, wipe the lid to remove dust and dirt from it.
You should turn the cold tap water on and let it run for 30 seconds to about one minute, before making the infant formula. Thereason for this is to allow any contaminants to run through. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you should never cook or mix infant formula using hot water from the tap. The plumbing may have lead or lead solder and hot water can concentrate the lead. Only using cold water can help reduce your baby’s exposure to the lead from tap water. Boiling the water doesn’t get rid of the lead either, but you can use water filters which do remove lead from the drinking water.
When boiling water, make sure to bring the water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes. Only boil the water once. If you do it again, then you’ll change the concentration of the minerals in the water.
Using boiled water, allow it to cool before pouring into the baby bottle. Using cold water fill the baby bottle. Always, add the powder after you’ve added the water, otherwise the formula will be stuck in the bottom of the bottle.
Again abide by the directions of how much powder you need to add. The directions will be different from brand to brand. Make sure you put the lid make on the container.
Most babies like their milk warmed. Heat the bottle by placing it in a pan of hot water, not boiling water, for a few minutes. You can also buy a bottle warmer which works very well. Never heat the formula in the microwave, the formula will have hot spots and will burn the baby’s mouth. Shake the bottle after heating it, then turn the bottle upside down and allow a few drops fall on your wrist. The infant formula should feel warm on your arm.
When done feeding, immediately throw out the leftover formula from the bottle; bacteria from the baby’s mouth are mixed with the formula during feeding. It’s not safe to reuse.