Baby formula: Preparing and Storing

Formula. It’s full of nutrition - but how you prep and store it can serve up some questions, too. 

Many of your answers are right here, starting with what should be your main response when it comes to any of your thoughts on formula feeding: “I can handle this!” 

First, a quick breakdown of three common formats of formula: 

Ready-to-feed: Comfort ASAP: Whenever. Wherever. No water, measuring or mixing required 

Concentrated: Yes, comfort. No, mess. Easy to prepare—no clumps or scoops! Mix sterilized water^** with this concentrate formula and go 

Powder: Great value! Measure this powder formula (the Plus pack has an easy-to-store scoop!), mix with water^** and voilà 

To ensure that you are giving your baby the right amount of nutrition, and to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination, it is essential to follow the label instructions, and prepare and refrigerate formula properly—the following can help everyone stay on the path to good health! 

Before you begin 

Dos 

• Carefully read the directions for preparation and use on the label so you can follow them accurately (your baby’s health depends on it, after all). Even before that, ask your baby’s doctor about infant formula, including how much to feed. 

• Check the expiration date prior to using any formula. 

• Throw out any containers that have expired. 

• Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing infant formula. 

• Feed your baby immediately after preparing the bottle. 

• Always test the temperature of warmed formula before feeding (just use the inside of your wrist or the top of your hand). 

• Discard any remaining formula that your baby didn’t eat (it’s not safe to store). 

• If you are using ready-to-feed formula, cover and store any remaining ready-to-feed formula in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours^* (same goes for concentrated formula). 

Don’ts 

• Do not use formula from a package that may be damaged (e.g. dented, opened, leaking or bloated). 

• Never leave any unused prepared or opened liquid formula at room temperature for more than 1 hour. 

• Do not use a microwave oven to warm formula (it can produce hot spots in the bottle that can burn your baby). 

• Again, for safety’s sake, do not store any remaining formula that your baby didn’t eat—discard it immediately. 

How to prepare baby formula: Step-by-step^* 

First and foremost, always sterilize your bottles, nipples, rings and all preparation utensils by placing them in a pot with boiling water, boiling for 5 minutes, cleaning the area where you’ll be prepping things and washing your hands. 

Ready-to-Feed 

1. Pour ready-to-feed formula directly into a sterilized bottle—do not mix with additional water! 

2. Put the bottle in hot water until it is lukewarm (usually 1-2 minutes). 

3. Cover the opened Tetra Pak^™carton with clear plastic food wrap and store it in the fridge—you must use the rest within 24 hours. 

Note: This type of formula also comes in a ready-to-feed nurser. Just shake well, remove the cap, twist on a sterilized standard size nipple and ring, and you’re all set! 

Concentrate 

1. Bring water to a rolling water for 2 minutes and let it cool to room or body temperature (37°C) before using.² 

2. Shake the Tetra Pak^™ carton well and wipe the top with a clean damp cloth before opening. 

3. Pour equal amounts of measured-out formula and sterilized water into a sterilized bottle. Do not over or under dilute unless directed by a healthcare professional. 

4. Cap the bottle and shake well. 

5. Feed immediately. Throw out any unfinished formula within 1 hour after feeding. 

6. Immediately cover and store the opened Tetra Pak^™ with the remaining concentrate formula in the refrigerator to be used within 24 hours. 

Powder 

1. Bring water to a rolling boil for 2 minutes and let it cool to room or body temperature (37°C) before using.² 

2. Pour measured, sterilized water into a sterilized bottle. 

3. Add the appropriate number of scoops of powder, as directed on the label. 

4. Cap the bottle and shake it well, until the powder is completely dissolved. 

Note: Only prepare one bottle at a time. 

The above instructions are based on Nestlé^®infant formula products. Please consult the label for full preparation, and use instructions. If using another brand of infant formula, please follow the directions stated on the label. 

Storing infant formula 

While preparing and filling bottles in advance may seem like a good idea, preparing and then storing formula is not recommended. Following the manufacturer's label instructions is important for the health of your baby. 

• One safe way to save time? You can sterilize bottles and fill them with the appropriate amount of sterilized, cooled water ahead of time. If you choose to measure out the appropriate amount of water ahead of time, do not add the formula until feeding time. This will take a bit out of the preparation process once feeding time arrives. 

Remember, your baby’s health depends on you carefully following the directions for preparation and use on the label. 

Once open, powdered formula will stay fresh up to one month and does not require refrigeration^*.