Comparing and Preparing Infant Formula

Ready-To-Use, Concentrate, and Powdered are your 3 basic forms. Be aware that the Ready-to-Use and Concentrate has a higher BPA (bisphenol A) than the powdered formula.

Ready-To-Use Infant Formula

If you want no mixing or measuring the Ready-to-Use infant formula would be your best choice. It’s quick and easy, especially if you are traveling,all you have to do is open it and viola your baby is eating. It’s convenient if you have no access to safe water,if your baby is premie or low weight this might also make a great alternative for you, because it’s sterile. It is more expensive so you’ll need toconsider the cost and compare it with the concentrate and powder form. Once the Ready-to-Use Formula is open, you have 48 hours to use it up. This type of formula is also darker in color, many mothers do complain that it’s likely to stain clothes more.

Liquid Concentrate Formula

You need to blend equal parts of water and formula when using Concentrate Formula.The concentrate is less expensive than Ready-To-Use and takes up less storage space. Whencomparedto the powdered formula, it’s easier to prepare but more expensive.

Powdered Infant Formula

Powdered Infant Formula is the most economical choice. It alsotakes up less space in your cupboards, it takes a bit more time to prepare the formula than the previous two,it has a one month shelf life after the container is open. This actually means less waste.

Before Purchasing Infant Formula

When purchasing your formula check the expiration date. If it has expired, you don’t want to use it. You don’t want to purchase a can with bulges, dents, leaks, or rust spots, the formula has been damaged. You don’t want to jeopardize your baby’s health. Be sure you tell the store manager of the damaged goods and/or expired product.

How to Prepare Infant Formula

Make sure you always wash your hands. Before proceeding further, read the directions. Each formula brand can have different directions. This is a step you don’t want to miss. It is very important that you do exactly as they say so your baby will get the nutrients he/she needs.

Whether it’s the Ready-To-Use, Concentrate or Powder form, you should go ahead and wash the lid of any dust or dirt. Using Ready-to-Use, you’ll want to heat it up. You can use a bottle warmer or heat it in a pan of hot water (not boiling water) for a few minutes. Do not microwave. There will be hot spots and will burn the baby’s mouth.

If you need to mix water into the formula, then you’ll want to turn the cold tap water on and allow it to run for 30 seconds to one minute before preparing the formula. The reason for this is to allow any contaminats to run through. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you should never cook or mix infant formula using hot water from the tap. The plumbing may have lead or lead solder and hot water can concentrate the lead. Only using cold water can help reduce your baby’s exposure to the lead from tap water. Boiling the water doesn’t get rid of the lead either, but you can use water filters which do remove lead from the drinking water.

You should boil the water for 5 minutes, that is, if you need too. Only boil for 5 minutes, not any longer because it will change the concentration of the minerals in the water.

Fill the baby bottle with warm water and then add the powder formula. If you add the powder first, you’ll have formula stuck to the bottom.

Shake well after heating the bottle. To test the infant formula, it should feel warm on your arm after a few drops fell on it. It’s time to feed.

When you’re done feeding, immediately throw out the leftover formula from the bottle;bacteria from the baby’s mouth are mixed with the formula during feeding. It’s not safe to use again.

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