How to prepare your baby’s bottle

It will soon become second nature, but here's a step-by-step guide for preparing that first bottle of formula.

1. Getting ready
   Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and work in a clean area. Check the “use by” date on the can for freshness and clean the lid before opening. Always follow preparation instructions on the can and never dilute formula with more water than instructions indicate.

2. Water
   Ask your health care provider whether to use tap, sterilized, or bottled water. If using tap water, run cold water for at least 30 seconds before using it.

   If sterilizing water, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises heating it until it reaches a rolling boil, continuing to boil for one to two minutes, then letting it cool.

   Another option is to mix formula with bottled infant water that doesn’t contain additives. The American Dental Association recommends mixing formula with water that’s fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride to reduce the risk of enamel fluorosis, a discoloration of the teeth.

3. Formula
   There are three forms of formula available: powder, concentrate, and ready-to-feed:

   POWDER
   Powder is the most common and economical type of formula, but the use of powdered infant formula is not recommended with immunocompromised infants. When preparing it, fill the sterilized bottle with sterile water before adding the powder. Use one unpacked, level scoop of powder for every 2 ounces of water. Cap the bottle and shake well to mix.

   • Store canisters of powder formula in a cool, dry place, avoiding excessive heat or cold.
   • Once opened, a canister of powder formula has a 30-day shelf life, making it ideal for supplementing breastmilk or when traveling.
   • Once the formula is mixed with water, use it immediately or store it in the refrigerator no longer than 24 hours.

   CONCENTRATE
   Concentrate formula is easy to prepare. Before opening, clean the top of the can and shake it until you no longer hear the liquid inside. To prepare, mix an equal amount of sterile water and liquid concentrate in a sterilized bottle.

   • Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place, avoiding excessive heat or cold.
   • You can keep an opened can, with the top covered, in the refrigerator up to 48 hours. Don’t store the formula in a separate container.
   • Use prepared formula immediately or store it in the refrigerator no longer than 24 hours.

   READY-TO-FEED
   This form of formula makes feeding simple. Before opening, clean the top of the can and shake it until you no longer hear the liquid inside. Pour the formula directly into a sterilized bottle, and it’s ready to use.

   • Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place, avoiding excessive heat or cold.
   • You can keep an opened can, with the top covered, in the refrigerator up to 48 hours. Don’t store the formula in a separate container.
   • Use a prepared bottle of ready-to-feed formula immediately or store it in the refrigerator no longer than 24 hours.

4. Warming a bottle
   To warm breastmilk or formula before giving it to your baby:

   1. Never heat a bottle of breastmilk or formula in the microwave. It creates hot spots in the liquid that can burn baby’s mouth, and it can lessen the nutrient quality.
   2. Safely warm a bottle by standing it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes or holding under running water.
   3. Shake the bottle to distribute the warmed milk.
   4. Test warmed breastmilk or formula by shaking a few drops onto your wrist. If the liquid feels just barely warm, it’s a safe temperature for your baby.

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