How to Prepare Formula

Scoop sizes, shapes and colors may vary. Infant formula containers have specially designed scoops to account for variations in product formulations, facility locations, environmental factors or equipment which can affect the density, or "fluffiness," of the powdered formula. Differences in powder density impact the required size of each scoop and the amount of powdered formula to use when preparing a bottle. To ensure optimal nutrition for your baby, it is important to only use the scoop enclosed in the specific infant formula package you have purchased.

Health authorities recommend the following steps when preparing baby formula and infant feeding in order to maintain safe feeding practices:

• Boil new bottles and nipples for five minutes before using them the first time. Also, wash them for one minute in hot, soapy water after each use.
• Wash hands before preparing formula and before feeding the baby to avoid contamination.
• When opening a can of formula, clean the lid and the can opener of dust or soil.
• Follow preparation instructions on the product label to ensure the formula is prepared properly.
• Discard previously chilled bottles of formula if left out of a cooler or refrigerator for more than an hour.
• Discard any excess liquid in baby bottles to help avoid the growth of bacteria found in baby saliva.
• Never feed infant formula that has expired or formula from a dented container.
• Never heat infant formula or bottled breast milk in the microwave.
• Buy formula only from reputable retailers and not from on-line auctions or flea markets.