How to prepare and store infant formula

It’s very important to know how to safely prepare and store commercial infant formula, to reduce the risk of illness from bacterial growth:

• How to Prepare Ready-to-Feed Infant Formula
• How to Prepare Liquid Concentrate Infant Formula
• How to Prepare Powdered Infant Formula for Healthy, Term Infants

It’s also important to use the type of formula that’s appropriate for your baby’s age and health, and to sterilize all infant feeding equipment.

Storing prepared infant formula

• If several bottles have been prepared, let them cool and place them in the refrigerator.
• Use prepared bottles within 24 hours.
• Cover open cans of powdered formula with a plastic lid. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 1 month.
• Tightly cover open cans of ready-to-feed or liquid concentrate formula and put them in the refrigerator. Use within 48 hours after opening.
• Do not freeze any kind of infant formula. Freezing it changes the fat.

Preparing infant formula away from home

• Prepare infant formula, cool and place in refrigerator.
• Transport prepared formula in a cooler bag with ice packs.
• Use formula within 2 hours or place in refrigerator.
• If you’re unsure about the safety of the water where you will be visiting, use bottled water and follow the regular sterilization process.