Whether you’re formula-feeding entirely, or supplementing your breast milk, formula handling and preparation can be very simple, once you’ve got the basics down.

To choose the right formula for your baby, talk with your pediatrician. Once you’ve made that selection, you’ll choose the form that works best for you: powder, concentrated liquid, or ready-to-feed. And as long as you’re feeding your baby the same formula, you can combine formula varieties — powder for everyday use, for example, and ready-to-feed for convenience when you’re traveling with baby.

Watered-Down Formula Not Recommended for Baby's Health

In order for a child to receive appropriate nutrition for normal growth and development, proper formula preparation and feeding is very important. Adding too much water to formula can significantly impact a child's nutrition because it dilutes essential nutrients in the formula. The results can be serious. For more information, read the recent statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics. When preparing formula, please follow the exact directions found on the packaging.

Powdered Formula: 1 unpacked level scoop of formula per 2 fl oz of water.
Concentrated Formula: 1 fl oz of formula per 1 fl oz of water.
Ready-To-Feed Formula: Do not add water.

Formula prep is simple. Just be sure you always follow these simple rules before you begin:

• Never feed your baby formula that has expired, or use formula if the container is dented.

• Clean the lids of formula cans to remove any dust or soil.

• When using Ready to Feed or concentrate, shake formula containers before opening.

• If formula is in a can, be sure your can opener is clean.

• Wash your hands thoroughly.

To find out more, select the formula variety (powder, concentrated, or ready-to-feed) from the list above.