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Whether you?ve chosen formula or need to supplement with formula because breastfeeding isn’t going as smoothly as planned, it’s important to pay careful attention to safe preparation of your baby?s milk, because the formula-fed baby does not have the immune factors that the breastfed baby does.
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Do Make sure powdered formula is right for your child. Because powdered formula is not sterile, babies under two months of age, or those who were born prematurely and not yet two months past their expected due date, and babies who have a compromised immune system should only be given concentrated liquid or ready-to-serve formula.
Do Check the expiration date on the formula container, make sure it is not damaged and write down the lot number in case of recalls (see Health Canada’s site for current advisories). Do Emphasize cleanliness. Before preparation, wash your hands thoroughly. Wash the counter or table where you will be mixing up the formula. Wash and dry the lid and outside of the can (dirt or bacteria on the lid can fall into the can when you open it). When you open the container, check for foreign particles (insects and pieces of glass have caused some past recalls) or curdled or discoloured milk in liquids.
Bottles, nipples, caps and rings should be sterilized by boiling for at least five minutes before using for the first time. After that, thorough washing in hot water with soap should be sufficient. Once ...