Powder Baby Formula Preparation and Storage

How to Prepare Powder Baby Formula

Preparing Similac® powdered formula is simple. You'll also find directions on each container.

Your baby's health depends on carefully following these easy directions. Proper hygiene, handling, and storage are important when preparing baby formula. Failure to follow these directions could result in severe harm. Powdered infant formulas are not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants who might have immune problems unless directed and supervised by your baby's doctor. Consult your baby's doctor about the formula appropriate for your baby; the need to use cooled, boiled water for mixing; and the need to boil utensils, bottles, nipples, and rings in water before use.
 

• Preparing With Boiled Water
• How to Mix Formula
• Larger-Size Mixing Instructions
• Mixing Tips for Similac Sensitive for Spit-Up™
• How to Warm Formula
• How to Store Powder Formula
• Reusing Formula

Preparing With Boiled Water

Ask your baby's doctor if you should boil water when preparing formula, and whether or not you need to boil utensils, bottles, nipples, and rings in water before each use. If you choose to boil the water, follow these steps:

1. Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute, and then turn off the heat. Excessive boiling can increase the concentration of impurities.

2. Let the water cool to room temperature before adding to formula. Making formula with boiling water can cause clumping and decrease the nutritional value.

3. Once mixed, sprinkle a few drops on the inside of your wrist to make sure it's not too hot.

Note: Bottled or filtered water is not a suitable replacement for water that has been boiled. But it might be a better alternative to tap water in some areas. If you're concerned about lead or other harmful substances in your water, talk to your health care professional before making formula with tap water.
 

How to Mix Formula

For proper mixing, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

2. Measure and pour water into a bottle.

3. Add unpacked, level scoop(s) of powder to the bottle. Return dry scoop to can.

4. Put the cap on the bottle and shake. (Tip: Moving your wrist in a twisting motion helps powder formula mix more quickly and more thoroughly.)

Larger-Size Mixing Instructions

To make a larger amount* of formula using a standard measuring cup, follow these steps:

1. Add 1 unpacked, level measuring cup (NOT the enclosed scoop) of powder (100 g) to 23 fl oz of water.

2. Pour prepared formula into individual feeding bottles.

3. Cap and store in refrigerator; feed within 24 hours.

Large mixing instructions should not be used to prepare Similac Expert Care™ Alimentum®, Similac Expert Care™ NeoSure®, or EleCare®.
 

Mixing Tips for Similac Sensitive for Spit-Up

Similac Sensitive for Spit-Up formula contains rice starch. Compared to other Abbott Nutrition powder formulas, Similac Sensitive for Spit-Up powder mixes a little more slowly with water. This is true of any formula that contains rice starch.

Rice starch is what makes Similac Sensitive for Spit-Up look more "grainy" than other Similac formulas. This is not a product defect. The rice starch grains are very small, and should not cause any issue with feeding through a nipple.

Try these tips to help prevent clogged nipples:

• Mix the powder and water, and then wait two minutes.

• Gently swirl, or agitate†, the formula in the bottle before feeding.

• Use a nipple with a larger hole. This will allow for faster formula flow.

• For easy preparation, try Similac Sensitive for Spit-Up Ready To Feed. Just twist off the cap — no powder mixing required — and the formula is ready for your baby.

How to Warm Formula

Formula doesn't need to be heated. If you choose to feed warmed formula, don't microwave it. It can cause "hot spots" that could burn your baby. Instead, set the filled bottle in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water or hold the bottle under warm tap water. Sprinkle a few drops on the inside of your wrist to make sure it's not too hot.
 

How to Store Powder Formula

Once opened, powder formula containers should be covered and stored in a cool, dry place — not in the refrigerator. Avoid extreme temperatures. Use contents within one month.

Once mixed, feed immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container, and use within 24 hours. See the label for specific instructions.
 

Don't leave prepared formula at room temperature. And don't freeze it, because doing so can cause the protein and fat to separate.
 

Reusing Formula

If your baby doesn't finish a bottle of formula within one hour, toss the leftover. Don't save it for later. During a feeding, your baby's saliva can contaminate the formula in the bottle. Once this occurs, reheating or refrigerating won't kill the bacteria.
 

If you warm the formula, and your baby decides not to take it, don’t refrigerate it and reheat it again later. Throw it out instead.
 

Talk to your doctor before making changes to your baby's nutrition routine.

*Yields approximately 26 fl oz of formula.

†Avoid vigorous shaking right before feeding — it can cause air bubbles that can lead to gas in your baby.