Every way to feed a baby is the right way! {Safe Formula Preparation}

This blog is always handwritten from my perspective and my clinical experiences — no AI slop found here!

Safely Preparing Powdered Formula Using the “Pitcher Method”

Using HOT water (158°F) ensures dangerous bacteria, like cronobacter, is not present in your baby’s formula. Remember:  we boil water to prepare powdered formula because powdered formula is not sterile, not because our water needs to be sterilized.

The “pitcher method” creates ease and sustainability, while maximizing formula safety.

The CDC recommends using boiled water to prepare powdered formula for the first two months of life for healthy infants and premature or immunocompromised infants. I default to recommending using boiled water to prepare formula as long as your baby drinks formula. 

1. Determine how much formula you plan to prepare for the next 24 hours.

2. Bring that much water to boil and allow to sit for about 5 minutes so the temperature drops to 158° F.  

3. Pour hot water into a “pitcher”.  

   • Mason style glass jars are at risk of shattering when adding hot water, especially if the jar is cold or sitting on a cold surface.  If mason glass storage is important to you, you can mitigate this risk by “tempering” the jar. Simply rinse the jar with hot tap water for a few moments prior to adding your hot formula water.

   • Using a borosilicate glass jar eliminates the risk of shatter with extreme temperature changes but is more expensive than a basic mason jar.

4. Mix in the appropriate amount of powdered formula.

5. Cool the formula.

   • Placing a hot pitcher of formula in the refrigerator is discouraged due to the risk of increasing the ambient temperature of your refrigerator which can lead to bacteria growth.

   • If you have an ice maker at home, an “ice bath” is the fastest way to cool prepared formula.  Fill a large bowl or stock pot with enough ice to submerge the bottom 2/3s of the pitcher.  Gentle swirl the pitcher for several minutes to cool the formula. 

   • If you don’t have access to an ice maker, running the pitcher under running cold tap water is effective for rapid cooling.

6. Store the prepared formula in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

7. You may prepare bottles in advance or prepare each bottle as needed.

I love this glass jar with a mixer attachment and pour spout!  This jar is made of borosilicate glass which is shatter resistant with extreme temperature shifts.

Infant Formula Preparation and Storage

https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/formula-feeding/preparation-and-storage.html

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I provide clinical lactation care locally in Tallahassee, Florida and via my secure telehealth portal from my screen to yours.  I offer holistic lactation care to you and your baby through the lens of health and wellness with a focus on creating ease and sustainability to reduce stress and bring more joy into raising your little one!