Formula Feeding
Research has clearly shown that breast/chest feeding is the healthiest option for feeding a baby.
However, some cannot or choose not to breast/chest feed their babies. Furthermore, some parents of
breast/chest fed babies choose to offer the occasional formula feeding to their baby.
Mixing Infant Formula
Powder formula is not recommended for the first 3 months. This is because powder cannot
be sterilized. Babies under 3 months of age should be fed ready-to-feed formula.
Once your baby is old enough for powdered formula, follow the package directions exactly.
Formula that has too much water added does not give your baby sufficient nutrients. Formula
made with too little water can cause dehydration and can make a baby very ill. The water used
should be preboiled.
If you change brands of formula, read the new instructions carefully, as they may change.
If you are using powder, use the scoop that comes with the formula and never add extra
formula or other ingredients.
If using plastic bottle liners, do not measure the formula directly into these liners, as you will not
get an accurate measurement.
Sterilizing Equipment
All the equipment used in the process of preparing formula must be sterilized.
● Wash all nipples, nipple holders, and bottles with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
● Boil all equipment for a minimum of 10 minutes.
● Sterilize the can opener and pour boiled water over the top of the can of formula before opening it.
There is no clear answer as to when it is safe to stop sterilizing bottles and nipples. Some experts say
that about 5 to 6 months of age because baby has begun to put toys and other objects in his/her mouth.
If you stop sterilizing equipment, continue to wash and rinse the bottles and nipples carefully.
Heating Formula
The microwave oven should never be used to heat formula. This heating method is uneven and can result
in overheating and severe burns to the baby. The bottle can feel cool to the touch, while the formula inside
the bottle is scalding hot. Using a microwave to heat bottles with disposable liners may cause the liners
to explode and burn the baby.
It is safer to heat formula by placing the bottle in a container of warm water or under a tap of running
warm water. Before offering the bottle to the baby, always test the formula temperature by shaking a
few drops onto the inside of your wrist.
Formula may be given at whatever temperature your baby prefers – room temperature or lukewarm.
If warming the formula, do so just before the feed. Do not warm the bottle by allowing it to stand outside the
refrigerator to come up to room temperature. When formula has reached room temperature, any bacteria
that may have gotten into the bottle will begin to grow quickly. Do not leave a bottle in a hot car or stroller
for several hours. Keep bottles you are carrying cold by packing them on ice or in a specially designed
insulated bag. If the baby does not finish the bottle, the safest thing to do is to discard the leftover formula.
Feeding Baby
Never prop the bottle for a feeding. This deprives you and your baby of important contact, and propping
may cause ear infections (if baby is lying too flat), lung infections and choking. When feeding your baby,
hold the baby cradled in your arms with baby’s head slightly tilted. To prevent baby from swallowing too
much air, keep the bottle tilted up so that the nipple is always full. Burp the baby often. Feed until your baby
appears satisfied. Babies know when they have had enough. Do not insist that the baby finish the bottle.
This was adapted from the cps handout which can be found at:
Breastfeeding | Caring for kids (cps.ca)
