How to Safely Prepare and Store Baby Formula
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Table of Contents
Formula Preparation Guide
Instructions for Preparing Infant Formula Correctly
Here are general care and preparation instructions for mixing your Infant formula. You can find product specific feeding charts on every product page or click on this link for an overview.
What you need to prepare formula
- Baby Formula
- Measuring Scoop
- Baby Bottle, teat and ring
- Boiling Water
Follow these steps when preparing your baby’s formula bottle.
- Clean everything (bottle, teat and ring) in boiling water for 3 - 5 minutes
- Boil new clean water. Do not use microwaved, artificially softened or repeatedly boiled water.
- Cool to optimal mixing temperature: 122 F / 50 C
- Fill 2/3 of the bottle with the boiled water
- Using the measuring spoon provided and according to your formulas instructions, add the correct number of scoops - 1 scoop per 1 fluid ounce of water
- Do not add extra scoops of powder or mix with anything else (such as milk or other formula)
- Level off with the back of a clean dry knife. Do not compress the powder
- Close the bottle
- Shake well until dissolved (more than 15 seconds). A small foam may appear and should disappear after a short time
- Add remaining water and shake lightly again until solution is evenly distributed and diluted
- Hold the bottle under cold running water. Cool to drinking temperature: 98.6 F / 37
- Always test the temperature
Ready to feed!
Formula preparation do’s and don’ts
✅ Formula Preparation Do's
- Do wash your hands before handling formula or bottles.
- Do sterilize bottles and nipples before first use and regularly afterward.
- Do boil water and let it cool to about 70°C (158°F) before mixing with powdered formula.
- Do measure formula accurately according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do cool the prepared formula under running water or in a bowl of cold water until it’s lukewarm before feeding.
- Do check the temperature by testing a few drops on your wrist before feeding.
- Do discard any unused formula after 2 hours if left at room temperature.
❌ Formula Preparation Don'ts
- Don’t use unboiled water for powdered formula (it won’t kill bacteria in the powder).
- Don’t guess measurements—too much or too little powder can harm your baby.
- Don’t microwave bottles (creates dangerous hot spots).
- Don’t prepare formula in advance and leave it out—bacteria multiply quickly.
- Don’t reuse leftover formula from a previous feeding (saliva introduces bacteria).
- Don’t add extra water or formula—stick to the recommended ratio for proper nutrition.
How to Store Baby Formula
How do you store a package or can of opened Infant Formula?
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Pro Tip |
Reason |
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Always Store in a Cool, Dry Place
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Heat and humidity can degrade vitamins and minerals in the formula and may cause clumping or spoilage. Ideal Location: Pantry or cupboard away from stoves, ovens, and direct sunlight |
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Avoid Refrigeration
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Refrigerators have moisture, which can lead to condensation inside the container and promote bacterial growth.
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Seal Tightly After Each Use
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Exposure to air introduces moisture and bacteria, which can cause contamination and spoilage. |
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Use Within Manufacturer’s Recommended Timeframe (Usually no longer than 1 Month)
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Once opened, the formula is exposed to environmental factors that can degrade quality and safety. |
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Keep Scoop Clean and Dry
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A wet scoop can introduce moisture, leading to clumping and bacterial growth.
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Avoid Contaminants by Keeping Away from Strong Odors |
Formula powder can absorb odors from the environment, affecting taste and quality.
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Don’t Mix With Other Powders or Substances
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Cross-contamination can introduce allergens or harmful bacteria
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Formula storage do’s and don’ts
Do’s for Unprepared Formula
- ✅ Store unopened containers in a cool, dry place (pantry or cupboard).
- ✅ Keep opened containers tightly sealed.
- ✅ Use opened formula within 1 month.
- ✅ Wash hands before handling formula.
- ✅ Keep scoop clean and dry.
Don’ts for Unprepared Formula
Proper formula storage and preparation are essential for your baby’s health and safety. Incorrect handling can lead to contamination or loss of nutrients.
This guide will help you follow best practices every time.
How do you store unopened Infant Formula?
Unprepared formula is sensitive to heat, moisture, and contamination. Incorrect storage can reduce nutrient quality and increase the risk of bacterial growth.
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Pro Tip |
Reason |
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Always Store in a Cool, Dry Place
|
Heat and humidity can degrade vitamins and minerals in the formula and may cause clumping or spoilage. Ideal Location: Pantry or cupboard away from stoves, ovens, and direct sunlight |
|
Avoid Refrigeration
|
Refrigerators have moisture, which can lead to condensation inside the container and promote bacterial growth.
|
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Check Expiration Date
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Nutrient stability declines after the expiration date, and the formula may not meet your baby’s nutritional needs. The EU and Australia use the dd/mm/yy format. |
❌ Don’t refrigerate unopened formula (moisture causes clumping and bacteria).
❌ Don’t expose formula to heat or sunlight.
❌ Don’t leave the lid open after scooping.
❌ Don’t mix formula with other powders.
How do I store prepared formula?
You can prepare formula bottles in advance, if doing so then please follow these pro tips.
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Pro Tip |
Reason |
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Refrigerate Immediately |
Prepared formula is moist and nutrient-rich, making it an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply quickly.
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Store in the fridge and discard after 24 hours |
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Never Freeze Prepared Formula |
Freezing can cause separation and affect texture and nutrient stability. The formula may not mix evenly after thawing, leading to inconsistent feeding |
Once the formula has been prepared or unrefrigerated it is important to follow these suggestions.
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Pro Tip |
Reason |
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If the formula has been left at room temperature, discard it after 2 hours, even if it has not been touched by your baby |
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Do NOT refrigerate and reuse a bottle that your baby has started drinking from
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Once your baby’s saliva mixes with the formula, bacteria can grow very quickly—even in the fridge. This makes it unsafe for later use |
The important key rule to always remember is if preparing in advance then refrigerate the bottle immediately and use within 24 hours, if left out at room temperature discard after 2 hours—don’t risk it.
Conclusion
Proper formula storage and preparation are more than just steps, they are essential safeguards for your baby’s health. By following recommended guidelines, you reduce the risk of contamination, preserve vital nutrients, and ensure every feeding is safe and nourishing. Remember: small details like boiling water, sealing containers, and discarding leftovers make a big difference. When in doubt, always prioritize safety and consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.
Do I have to use boiled water in my baby formula?
Yes, boiling is recommended when preparing powdered infant formula because:
- Powdered formula is not sterile and can contain harmful bacteria like Cronobacter.
- Water heated to 70°C (158°F) kills these bacteria, making the formula sterile and safe.
Do I have to boil distilled or filtered water in my formula?
Distilled or filtered water is fine for mixing formula, however:
- If you use it cold, it won’t kill bacteria in the powder.
- So even with distilled or filtered water, you should boil it first, then let it cool to the safe mixing temperature.
Boiling is about sterilizing the formula, not just the water. If you skip boiling, you increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
After boiling, cool the water to about 70°C before mixing, then cool the prepared formula to feeding temperature.
Rodney Hyde
International Formula Expert – Grow Organic Baby