First, wash your hands thoroughly. Gather your supplies: a clean bottle, formula, water, and the measuring spoon that came with your formula. You can use filtered tap or bottled water. If there’s any concern about the safety of your tap water, which can be checked by contacting your local health department, you can boil it for one minute. Even if it is deemed safe, it’s recommended to boil tap water for babies under 3 months old who are premature or have a weakened immune system.
If your boiled tap water has cooled, you can warm the water before preparing your baby’s bottle. Use a microwave-safe cup or bottle warmer. Never use a microwave, as this can impact the ingredients and lead to uneven heating. To warm an already-mixed bottle, run it under hot water or use a bottle warmer.
To prepare with powdered formula: Follow the instructions provided to measure the proper amount of formula and water.
Measure and add the water to the bottle first.
Measure and add the powder formula second.
Shake or stir the bottle well to mix the formula and water.
Use precise scoops by leveling them with a knife. Do not tap the scoop, as this can cause the powder formula to pack. It’s also best practice to avoid measuring half scoops as this is difficult to be accurate. Instead, round up to the following even number and pour the extra ounce into a spare bottle, which can be stored in the fridge for the next feeding.
To prepare with liquid concentrate formula: Follow the instructions of your formula to measure the proper formula-to-water ratio.
Shake the bottle of concentrated formula to be used.
Pour the proper amount of liquid formula first into your clean bottle.
Add water to the bottle and shake well.
If using a ready-to-feed formula, preparation is even easier. Just shake the can of formula and pour the needed amount into your baby’s clean bottle.
Test the temperature of your baby’s formula by placing a few drops on the inside of your wrist. The formula should feel warm, not hot.