Whether you plan to give your baby a combination of breast milk and formula or solely the latter, you want to be sure your baby stays healthy and well-fed. Work with your pediatric doctor to create a feeding schedule that ensures your baby gets the most nutrients. Keep these tips in mind and alert your baby pediatrician to any feeding changes.

Do:

Choose the right formula for your child.

Discuss the best formula for your child’s needs with your pediatric doctor. For example, they may recommend concentrated liquid over powdered formula if your baby is premature or under two months old. Powdered versions are not sterile and can be dangerous to an infant with an underdeveloped or weakened immune system.

Keep cleanliness in mind.

Sterilize your formula bottles, nipples, caps, and rings in boiling water before using them the first time. Wash them in hot, soapy water after and always handle formula accessories with clean hands. Check the bottles for debris before filling them to prevent contamination.

Check the formula expiration date.

Never purchase formula without checking the expiration date or looking for signs of package damage. Keep a record of formula lot numbers, including the date of each purchase, in the event of a recall.

Don’t:

Use plastic bottles.

Plastic bottles can leach chemicals into the formula when they’re exposed to heat. Since you’ll want to heat the bottles to sterilize them, you should avoid these alternatives, choosing glass bottles instead.

Let formula sit out.

Discard formula that’s been sitting unrefrigerated for an hour or more. Unrefrigerated formula provides a breeding ground for bacteria that can get passed on to your baby. Keep mixed formula in your fridge for up to 24 hours before throwing it out.

Use untreated tap water for formula.

Avoid possibly exposing your baby to waterborne illnesses by boiling water before using it for formula. Wait until the water cools slightly before mixing it with the formula.

You can also use distilled water if you don’t want to boil the liquid every time. Do not heat the formula in the microwave either since it creates uneven heating that can injure your baby. 

Discuss these and other formula tips with the pediatric doctors at Pediatrics of Dalton. The compassionate team at this Dalton, GA, health center makes children feel comfortable, offering routine checkups as well as vaccinations. Call (706) 278-5373 today to make an appointment or visit the pediatric doctors online for patient portal information.