Is it safe to refrigerate the formula?
The birth of a new child is associated with a completely new routine.
This includes feeding the baby frequently. If you choose not to breastfeed and
choose formula instead, there are a few things you need to know about preparing
and storing formula.
Preparing and storing the formula
- Water for formula bottles. Never use tap water
to mix bottles unless you have sterilized it first. Tap water contains
additives that may be harmful to babies. Using only bottled water to mix
formula is the safest choice for your baby.
- Remove the water from the heat
source. Let it cool completely before mixing it into the formula. Too hot
water can harm the baby. After you boil the water, use it or refrigerate it for
an hour. If it has not been used for more than an hour, discard it and start
with fresh water for the next bottles. Alternatively, you can buy purified
water in jugs at your local grocery store.
- Preparation of bottles. Each formula brand
has instructions on how much formula to blend per ounce. Strictly follow this
rule. Mixing too much water can fill up the baby without providing enough
nutrients. Mixing too much formula can lead to dehydration or constipation.
- Be sure to use a clean bottle
for each feeding. To keep your baby healthy, wash bottles between uses
with warm soapy water and sterilize as needed.
- Storage of bottles. You can prepare
bottles one by one depending on how often your baby is hungry. The formula will
keep well in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, which is why many parents
choose to mix enough formula for the whole day. Think about how many ounces
your child drinks per feed, then mix a jug of formula or separate bottles for
each feed.
To avoid waste, do not mix more formula than your child will drink in 24
hours. Once the bottle is ready or removed from the feeding refrigerator, use
the formula within an hour or throw it away. You cannot refrigerate the mixture
after it has been heated or has reached room temperature.
The reason experts recommend throwing away unused formula is because
bacteria can start to grow. Babies are much more susceptible to dangers from
bacteria than adults. Their immune system has not yet had time to develop the
antibodies used to fight diseases and infections.
Other considerations for artificial feeding
Bonding with Baby. There is a
misconception that you will not be able to bond with your baby if you formula
feed instead of breastfeeding. It is not true. Snuggle close to your baby when
bottle feeding and share the love! Make eye contact and talk to your baby in a
low voice while you feed him.
Breastfeeding gives you the opportunity to connect with your baby, while
formula gives you the opportunity to connect with your entire family! Encourage
your father, siblings, grandparents to hold and feed your child. This will help
your child feel more comfortable with each member of your family. It will also
make it easier for your child to transition from you if and when you return to
work.
Offer bottles. Start feeding your
baby cold or room temperature bottles instead of warm bottles. Your child will
never notice the difference if you start this way. However, they may refuse
cold bottles or room temperature bottles if you start with warm ones.
If your child prefers warm bottles, get a bottle warmer rather than
boiling water or a microwave. Bottle warmers are safer because they are
specially designed for bottles and provide a more consistent temperature.
Check the temperature of infant formula on the back of your hand before
offering the bottle to your baby. If it's too hot on your wrist, it can burn
your baby's mouth.
Diapers. The stool of a breastfed baby is very different from the stool of a formula-fed baby. Your artificial baby may have dark, smelly stools. This is nothing to worry about and is completely normal. Generally, your baby's diapers will be smellier and firmer than if your baby was breastfed.