Feeding an infant properly is a mother’s primary responsibility. Though it is an established fact that there is no better alternative to breastfeeding, in some cases, breastfeeding might not go as planned. And that is when introducing formula milk becomes a must for a baby’s nutrition.
As a mother, if you have decided to feed your baby formula milk, then there are certain questions that might arise in your head as you may be unsure of a lot of things. Preparing a formula is a task that needs to be done with vigilance and utmost caution. Unlike breast milk, this external mixture is prone to bacterial build-up and contamination. That is why care has to be taken at different stages of preparation and storage of formula milk.
6 Useful Tips To Store Formula Milk For Your Baby
This supplement to breast milk is a great relief for all new mothers. In certain circumstances like low milk supply, returning back to work, on a holiday, or in public, it becomes hard to breastfeed the baby. Formula milk can be a life savior during this time. But it has to be prepared and stored very carefully.
Ideally speaking, the formula should be prepared immediately at the time of feeding the baby. But if the situation forces you to prepare and store it in advance, here are certain useful tips that will guide you to store infant formula.
Tip # 1: Before The Storage, Comes The Correct Preparation
Preparing feed for the baby is usually an easy task when done with care. Though the quantity varies from company to company, the general instructions for preparing the formula will be provided on the pack of the formula,
- First and foremost, boil the water and let it cool at a room temperature
- Now pour the content of the packet into the water, and shake well, so that it mixes well
- Once mixed, check the consistency of the feed, it shouldn’t be too thick or too runny
- And it’s ready to be fed to your baby
- Always make sure to check that the formula is not too warm for the baby
Tip # 2: Check The Bottles
All the precautions that you will take in preparing the formula will go in vain if the feeding bottles are not in good condition.
- Always remember to buy bottles from a leading brand only
- Remember to check the bottles, lids, and nipples for any cracks, dents, and tampering
- Make sure you sterilize the bottles before the first use and also after every feed
- Use good quality washing liquids to ensure effective cleaning
Tip # 3: Sterilize, Feed, Repeat!!
You may be out on a holiday or a mommy who has no time even to breathe. But take it as gospel truth; Infant’s feeding bottle has to be sterilized each time before using it.
- Start boiling water in a large vessel
- Now, put the baby bottle, its lid, and nipples in this rolling boil water and leave it for 5 minutes
- Once done, now you can go ahead and wash this sterilized bottle with soapy water
- Let it dry
Also read: How To Sterilize Baby Bottles – Everything You Need To Know
Tip # 4: Use Good Water
While preparing formula milk, people pay so much attention to the powder, bottles, and storage requirements that they almost forget, to ensure that the water they are using is safe and healthy. Next time, check this.
- Refill your kettle each time with fresh running water. And avoid boiling the same water, again and again.
- Water should be boiled at 70 degrees C and should be cooled for not more than half an hour.
- Store the water in an airtight flask to avoid any contamination.
In normal conditions, it is not suggested to store formula for more than 20 minutes or so. But if it becomes absolutely necessary to refrigerate the formula milk, then follow these pointers.
Tip # 5: Precaution To Be Taken While Refrigerating The Formula
Ideally, the formula milk should not be stored for more than 15 minutes.
- If the prepared formula has been sitting at room temperature for more than an hour it becomes highly prone to bacterial build-up.
- Throw away any feed that has been left by the baby in the bottle.
- Formula feed can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours and are generally safe to feed the baby.
- Throw away any formula that has been sitting in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours.
Tip # 6: Warming The Refrigerated Formula
You can reuse this refrigerated formula by warming it and following these general guidelines:
- Boil water in a container. Switch off the flame and place the bottle inside the boiling water
- The warming session should last for no more than 10-15 minutes as extended warming can infuse bacteria
- Check the temperature. Should be warm, not hot. And feed your baby within an hour only
- You can also use bottle warmers to warm the formula milk. These bottle warmers are very convenient as they can either sit on your kitchen’s countertop, or you can even plug some in your car’s lighter
- Whatever method you choose to warm the formula milk, make sure that you shake the bottle vigorously. Also, check the temperature by squirting a few drops of milk on
- Never use a microwave our wrist before offering it to your baby
- The formula should be lukewarm and not hot
Also, never use the microwave to warm up the formula as warming up the formula milk in a microwave can create dangerous “hot spots” in bottles.
A little mindfulness, care, and proper attention to detail can earn your infant a healthy life and peace of mind. Formula is a choice of many new moms, but the way you feed it to your baby is what is going to differentiate you from the other moms.
We hope these tips will help with storage of formula milk for your babies. If you have anything to share, please let us know in the comments section below.
