Feeding Your Baby Formula

Maybe you are not breastfeeding your baby but using formula. When you leave for work, make sure your baby’s caregiver knows how to prepare formula. There are three ways to prepare formula for your baby.

The three ways are:

• Powdered: This is the cheapest kind. You need to add water to it. First, boil the water. The water should be sterile. Just do what the label says.
• Concentrated: This is a thick liquid. You must also mix it with sterile (boiled) water.
• Ready-to-feed: This formula is already mixed with water. It’s the easiest to use. But it costs the most.

You should ask your doctor about what kind of formula to buy for your baby. Some formulas are sold for babies with special problems. Your doctor can tell you which formula is best for your baby.

There is a date on the formula. Do not use the formula after this date. The formula will not be safe to give to your baby after this date.

Prepare formula by carefully following instructions on the can. Opened cans of formula or prepared bottles can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Any formula left in the bottle after a feeding should be thrown away.

Generally, the baby is fed four to six ounces of warmed formula every three to four hours. To be sure that he gets enough formula, ask your doctor about how much is good for your baby.

Make sure your baby’s caregiver has enough formula to give to your baby. And be sure to tell the caregiver how much formula your baby takes.

You and your baby’s caregiver should not make up your own infant formula. Do not add honey, corn syrup or anything to the baby’s formula. This can make your baby sick.

Do not feed your baby:

• Cow’s milk
• Goat’s milk
• Evaporated milk
• Condensed milk

This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your Three-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.

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