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Infant formula: 7 steps to prepare it safely

Taking seven simple steps while preparing infant formula will help to protect your baby.

By Mayo Clinic staff

How you prepare infant formula can make a difference in your baby's health. With their immature immune systems, babies are more susceptible to infection than are older children. Infants are also growing rapidly, and proper mixing of formula ensures they get adequate nutrition to support appropriate growth. Follow these seven steps to prepare infant formula safely and avoid food-related illness.

1. Check the expiration date and condition of the can

Look for an expiration or "use by" date on the can of formula. If the expiration date has passed, you can't be sure of the formula's quality. Don't buy or use outdated infant formula.

While checking the expiration date, also inspect the condition of the formula can. Don't use formula from cans with bulges, dents, leaks or rust spots. Formula in a damaged container may be unsafe.

2. Wash your hands

Before preparing formula, wash your hands thoroughly. Wet your hands with warm running water. Then, rub soap on your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Wash all hand surfaces, including your fingernails and the spaces between your fingers.

3. Prepare your utensils

Sterilize bottles, nipples, caps and rings before using them for the first time:

  • Find a pot that's large enough to hold these utensils and cover them completely with water.
  • Boil the utensils in water for five minutes.
  • Remove them from the water using a clean set of tongs.
  • Allow utensils to air-dry.

After first use, you can wash these items with soap and water and air-dry them. Consider rinsing nipples daily in a ratio of 1-to-1 vinegar to water solution and air-drying them, which can help prevent fungal growth.

Also make sure that nipples are open. See if you can squeeze clean water through them. When the nipples are open, put a clean nipple on each bottle and cover it with a nipple cap.

When opening a new can of formula, wash the top with soap and water. Rinse well to remove dirt. Wash the can opener with soap and hot water.

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References
  1. What does the "use by" date mean on infant formula product labels? U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-inf9.html. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
  2. Feeding infants: A guide for use in the child nutrition programs. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Resources/feeding_infants.pdf. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
  3. Feeding your baby with breast milk or formula. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/feedbby.html. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
  4. Background: Infant formula and the risk for enamel fluorosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/infant_formula.htm#6. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
  5. Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 25, 2008.
  6. Zeratsky KA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 26, 2008.
  7. Actions you can take to reduce lead in drinking water. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://epa.gov/ogwdw000/lead/lead1.html. Accessed Aug. 29, 2008.

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Oct. 17, 2008

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