By: Steven A. Abrams, MD, FAAP
Infant formula comes in three
forms: powder formula, concentrated liquid formula and ready-to-feed (non-concentrated) formula. If you use infant formula for your baby, no matter which form, be sure to follow directions closely.
Formula that is diluted with too much water, for example, can cause serious health and development problems for your baby. It's also important to use clean water from a
safe source free of bacteria or other microbes (germs) that may cause disease. The water should also be low in certain minerals and contaminants that may be harmful.
Read on to learn more about safe ways to prepare baby formula with water.
When to add water & how much to use
Non-concentrated, ready-to-feed formula
Do not add any water non-concentrated, ready-to-feed formula. Remember, diluting it can be dangerous for your child (see below).
Concentrated liquid formula & powder formula
Use water to prepare concentrated liquid formula and powder formula, but only as directed. Use a safe water source as defined by your state or local government. Unless there is a known contamination of your local water source, you can use
tap water to prepare concentrated liquid or powdered formula. In general, though, it is best to primarily use safe
tap water that is fluoridated and occasionally use some non-fluoridated bottled water.
Why watering down formula is dangerous
News reports have found parents diluting formula to try and save money or feeding water in addition to breast milk or formula. This can lead to a dangerous condition called water intoxication.
Babies in the first 6 months after birth do not need water or other liquids such as juices in addition to formula or breast milk, unless a pediatrician specifically advises you otherwise.
Adding extra water to formula or giving juices reduces the about of nutrients baby will receive. This can slow growth and development. Extra water also disturbs electrolyte and mineral balances such as calcium, sodium and potassium. This can lead to major health problems, including seizures. So, always mix formula as directed by the manufacturer unless you're given changed instructions for an infant with special health needs.
If you're using formula but having trouble
affording it check with your pediatrician, local health department, food pantry or social service agency.
How to mix powder formula & water to prepare a bottle
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides
detailed instruction on preparing infant formula. Also look for instructions on the formula can labels, and from other reliable sources including state
WIC agencies. There are a few key points to remember:
Water first, then powder. Always add the powder to the water that is in the bottle, not the other way around.
Boil the water when needed. For infants younger than 2 months of age, those who were born prematurely and those who have a weakened immune system, boiled water should be used to kill any microbes. After boiling the water, let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add it to a clean bottle and add the formula based on the instructions on the container.
Cool formula to body temperature. If you are going to use the formula you prepared immediately, be sure to cool the formula to body temperature before feeding your baby. Run the prepared, capped bottle under cool water or place it into an ice bath.
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Test the formula temperature to make sure it is not too hot before feeding it to your baby (see below).
How to test your baby's bottle temperature
Test warmed water in advance to make sure it is not too hot for your baby. The easiest way to test the temperature is to shake a few drops on the inside of your wrist. Otherwise, a bottle can be prepared by adding powdered formula and room temperature water from the tap just before feeding. Bottles made this way from powdered formula can be ready for feeding, with no additional refrigeration or warming needed.How long is the bottle of formula good for after making it?
Prepared formula must be discarded within 1 hour after feeding it from the bottle to your baby.
Prepared formula that has not been fed to your baby may be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours to prevent
bacterial contamination.
An open container of ready-to-feed formula, concentrated formula, or formula prepared from concentrated liquid formula, should be covered, refrigerated and discarded after 48 hours if not used.
More information
About Dr. Abrams
 Steven A. Abrams, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Texas at Austin. Within the American Academy of Pediatrics, he is past chair of the National Committee on Nutrition. Dr. Abrams also served on Dietary Advisory Committee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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