Although infant formula powder is generally safe, new mothers and fathers have to be considerate of bacteria in the preparation and delivery of their newborn’s food.
While many mothers breastfeed, others choose formula for a variety of reasons.
Whatever the reason for using formula, there are several precautions parents need to take to ensure their baby’s formula is safe for consumption.
Continue reading for 9 steps recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO):
1). Clean and disinfect surfaces where feed is prepared.
2). Before preparing, wash hands with warm soap and water and dry with a single-use napkin or clean cloth.
3). Make sure ALL water (…including bottled) comes to a rolling boil. Never use a microwave since uneven heating can result in ‘hot spots’ and scald your infant’s mouth.
4). Allow water to cool slightly, but not below 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, pour the water into a sterilized feeding cup or bottle. Check the temperature with a sterile thermometer. If making larger quantities of formula, only use sterilized, food-grade plastic containers.
5). Only add the proper amount of formula to the water (…as instructed on the label). Adding more or less can make your infant ill.
6). To cool before feeding, hold the bottle under a running tap or place in a container of cold/iced water. Make sure the water level doesn’t get about the top of feeding cup or lid of bottle.
7). Once cooled, dry the outside of the bottle with a clean cloth and label the bottle with the type of formula, your child’s name, time & date prepared and preparer’s name.
8). Check the temperature one last time before feeding to avoid scalding the infant’s mouth. If it’s still too hot, repeat step #6.
9). Only keep feed for two hours then discard.
According to the WHO, mixing formula with water that’s at minimum 158 degrees Fahrenheit dramatically reduces risk to all infants, even slow-feeding ones and those of us in warm climates (…yeah, like Florida).
Following these 9 steps will ensure the formula you feed your baby is safe. Midwives at Gainesville’s All About Women provides tips & support to new mothers on feeding and care. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment – no matter if you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, we’re here for you.
Original story published in the Fall 2011 issue of the Safety Report
