Safety Precautions for Formula-Fed Babies

Many people choose to formula feed their baby because of the convenience and ease it provides when compared to breast feeding. While preparing formula bottles appears to be fairly self explanatory, there is actually vital information a lot of mothers are unaware of that can actually harm your baby's health. It is important to follow the directions for using formula precisely to prevent a serious complication with your baby.

Never Open the Can Straight from the Shelf

Many parents never stop to think about the germs and bacteria that are on the formula can lid. Never open the can when it has come straight off of the store shelf. It is important to wash the lid of the can off with warm, soapy water prior to opening it. After you have washed the lid, make sure it is dried off well before you open the can. This is very important to do because formula often sits on store shelves for prolonged periods of time. Over that time, dust, germs, and bacteria collect on the lid and if it is not washed properly prior to opening the can, it can enter the formula and contaminate it.

Follow the Formula Directions Correctly

You must make the formula exactly as the directions state because if you don't you can harm your baby. Always add the water first and then add in the formula. Never try to change the directions in any way or use half scoops because you can cause your baby complications. Formula that is too watery can dilute your child's sodium levels, which causes seizures, and you can even increase their risk for water toxicity. Too thick of formula can cause your baby digestive complications, including constipation.

Use the Best Water

When preparing your baby's formula bottles, do not use tap water. Tap water often contains lead, which is very harmful to your baby if it is continuously consumed. It is best to used distilled water with low amounts of fluoride. Fluoride in high amounts can discolor your baby's teeth. If you must use tap water, let it run for two minutes before your fill your baby's bottle if the water has not been used for six hours of more.

Properly Heating Bottles

Because the microwave is very convenient, many people put their children's bottles in the microwave to warm them. This is not safe for your child. Using the microwave to heat bottles causes the formula to have hot spots, which can burn your baby's mouth. Plus, it is believed by using a microwave to heat formula you can actually be altering the nutritional properties of the formula. If you are going to heat your baby's bottles, use an electric bottle warmer. You can also hold the bottle underneath the hot tap for a few seconds, or let the bottle sit in a pan of warm water.

References:
"Formula Feeding" KidsHealth.org
"Bottle Feeding Your Baby" EasyBabyLife.com