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Infant formula: 7 steps to prepare it safely

Are you measuring your baby's infant formula correctly? Storing it properly? Keeping the utensils clean? To make sure, follow these seven steps.

By Mayo Clinic staff

You've chosen your baby's infant formula with care — but are you preparing it properly? Follow these seven steps to ensure proper nutrition and avoid food-related illness.

1. Check the expiration date and condition of the container

Look for an expiration or "use by" date on the container 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 Don't buy or use outdated infant formula.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 container. Don't buy or use formula from containers with bulges, dents, leaks or rust spots. Formula in a damaged container may be unsafe.

If you find an expired or damaged container for sale, you might want to point it out to the store manager.

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 underneath your fingernails and in the spaces between your fingers.

3. Prepare your utensils

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

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

After the first use, there's no need to sterilize your utensils. Simply wash these items with soap and water and allow them to air-dry. To prevent fungal growth, rinse nipples daily in equal parts vinegar and water and allow them to air-dry.

Also make sure the nipples are open. Hold each nipple upside down and fill it with water, then look for the water to drip slowly out of the nipple.

Remember to clean formula containers, too. Before opening a new container, wash the top with soap and water, then rinse well.

If you plan to prepare formula in the bottle, you might also confirm the measuring marks on each bottle. Simply use a liquid measuring cup and water to make sure the measurements on the bottle are accurate.

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References
  1. Formula feeding of term infants. In: Kleinman RE, ed. Pediatric Nutrition Handbook. 6th ed. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:61.
  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 July 12, 2010.
  3. 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 July 12, 2010.
  4. Actions you can take to reduce lead in drinking water. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://epa.gov/ogwdw000/lead/lead1.html. Accessed July 12, 2010.
  5. Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 13, 2010.
  6. Zeratsky KA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 21, 2010.
MY00193 Oct. 16, 2010

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