How to Safely Prepare and Store Infant Formula

Preparing formula the right way keeps your baby healthy and reduces the risk of illness. Follow these steps to make sure your baby’s formula has the proper nutrition, temperature, and cleanliness every time.

Formula Basics

Formula provides the main nutrients babies need: fat, carbohydrates, and protein.

If your baby has special health needs, your provider may suggest a specific type of formula. Most babies can drink any standard formula—no brand or type is better than another.

No formula is healthier than breastmilk, including soy or plant-based formulas.

Health and Growth

Formula helps most babies grow well. However, formula-fed babies may have a higher chance of becoming overweight or developing diabetes later in life.

You can support your baby’s healthy growth by making sure they drink the right amount. Try paced bottle feeding to help them learn hunger and fullness cues.

How to Prepare Concentrated Formula

To get concentrated formula ready for bottle feeding:

1. Shake the can.
2. Use clean bottles and utensils.
3. Boil water for one minute. Don’t use hot tap water.
4. Mix the formula with an equal amount of boiled water (use the same amount of water as the can size).
5. Stir, pour into bottles, and refrigerate.
6. Cool the bottle under cold tap water or in an ice bath.
7. Test before feeding: a few drops on your wrist should feel warm, not hot.

Mixing tip: One can (13 ounces) of concentrated formula + one can (13 ounces) of water = 26 ounces of prepared formula.

How to Prepare Powdered Formula

To get powdered formula ready for your baby:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Use clean bottles and utensils.
3. Boil water for one minute. Don’t use hot tap water.
4. Mix the powdered formula exactly as directed on the package.
5. Stir, pour into bottles, and refrigerate.
6. Cool the bottle under cold tap water or in an ice bath.
7. Test before feeding: a few drops on your wrist should feel warm, not hot.

How to Safely Store Formula

How you store any unused formula is important. Follow these tips to help keep your baby safe:

• Always wash your hands and rinse the top of the can before making formula.
• Prepared formula: Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Opened can of concentrate: Refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
• Bottles: Only pour what your baby usually drinks.
• After feeding: Throw away any leftovers—do not save or reuse them..

Note: If you use spring water or well water, ask your baby’s doctor whether your baby needs fluoride supplements.