Preparing baby's formula not that easy

Preparing baby's formula not that easy

Donya Betancourt, Pediatrician, Sanur, Bali, drdonya@hotmail.com

New babies have few defenses against germs and it takes a while
for them to build up immunity.

Due to this, it is important to minimize the danger of
bacterial contamination of your baby's formula.

Be sure to wash your hands before handling formula or the
equipment you use to prepare it. Before every use, wash, rinse
and dry all the equipment you use to measure, mix and store
formula.

After opening a container of powdered or liquid formula from
which you will prepare your baby's bottles, close it promptly and
keep it tightly covered.

Liquid formula can be kept in the can, but it must be covered
and then refrigerated once it is opened. Whatever type and form
of formula you choose, proper preparation and refrigeration are
essential because both ensure the appropriate amount of nutrition
and safeguard the health of your baby.

Always mix powdered formula or concentrated formula with the
exact amount of water specified by the manufacturer on the label.
Using too much or too little water can be dangerous for your
baby.

If the formula is too diluted, your baby does not get enough
nutrition to meet growth needs or to satisfy hunger and your baby
could also receive an excessive amount of water. Formula that is
too concentrated can be even more dangerous. It puts a serious
strain on a baby's digestive system and kidneys and can lead to
dehydration.

If you're using powdered formula, always use the scoop
provided in the formula can. Check the label to see whether a
packed or unpacked scoop of powder should be used. Fill the scoop
and shave off any excess formula powder with the flat edge of a
knife. Do not use a spoon or any other curved surface.

When using liquid formula concentrate, you can pour directly
into the bottle to the exact measurement or into a measuring cup
and then add the appropriate amount of water. Always hold the
bottle or the cup to eye level to check the amount. Make sure
that the quantity is exactly level with the correct measurement
mark.

If you prepare and fill several bottles at one time, place any
that are not for immediate use in the refrigerator but after 24
hours throw away any remaining unused formula.

If you refrigerate formula, warming a bottle of formula before
giving it to your infant is not necessary. Usually, formula is
served at room temperature.

The best way to warm chilled formula to room temperature is by
placing the filled bottle in a bowl or pan of hot water and
letting it stand for a few minutes. Always test the temperature
before giving your baby a warmed bottle. You want to make sure it
is not too hot or too cold, and you can do this by shaking the
bottle after warming it to distribute the warmed milk evenly.

Then turn it upside down and allow a drop or two of the
formula to fall on your inner forearm. It should feel
comfortable, barely warm.

Throw out leftover milk once it has been warmed. Once you warm
a bottle, never put it back in the refrigerator even if your baby
goes back to sleep before you're able to give the bottle. If milk
is left in a bottle after a feeding, throw it away. Do not put
milk back in the refrigerator.

The water you use in preparing your baby's milk is an
important part of the formula. You need to make sure that the
water contains no hidden contaminants. If you are unsure of the
water supply, use bottled water to prepare formula. Well water
sometimes poses a problem. You need to be sure it doesn't contain
trace levels of contaminants or heavy metals, such as lead. Well
water sometimes contains such substances in amounts adults can
tolerate but that pose a danger to babies. Bacterial
contamination and nitrate content are potential problems.

There are many brands of formula and each infant is different,
what we want to do is choose one that the baby likes and one that
gives the baby normal bowel movements and good weight gain.