Infant Formulas come in 3 basic forms; ready-to-use, concentrate, and powdered form.
Ready-To-Use Infant Formula
If you want no mixing or measuring the Ready-to-Use infant formula would be your best choice. It's quick and easy, especially if you are traveling,all you have to do is open it and viola your baby is eating. It's convenient if you have no access to safe water,if your baby is premie or low weight this might also make a great alternative for you, because it's sterile. It is more expensive so you'll need toconsider the cost and compare it with the concentrate and powder form. Once the Ready-to-Use Formula is open, you have 48 hours to use it up. This type of formula is also darker in color, many mothers do complain that it's likely to stain clothes more.
Concentrate Formula
You need to mix 1:1 ratio; equal parts of water and formula when using liquid concentrate formula. The concentrate is less expensive than Ready-to-use. It takes up less storage space, too.
Powdered Infant Formula
Powdered Infant Formula is the most economical choice. It alsotakes up less space in your cupboards, it takes a bit more time to prepare the formula than the previous two,it has a one month shelf life after the container is open. This actually means less waste.
Before Buying Infant Formula
When purchasing your formula check the expiration date. If it has expired, you don't want to use it. You don't want to purchase a can with bulges, dents, leaks, or rust spots, the formula has been damaged. You don't want to jeopardize your baby's health. Be sure you tell the store manager of the damaged goods and/or expired product.
Preparing Infant Formula
Make sure you always wash your hands. Before proceeding further, read the directions. Each formula brand can have different directions. This is a step you don't want to miss. It is very important that you do exactly as they say so your baby will get the nutrients he/she needs.
Before opening the can, wipe the lid with a wet wash cloth to make sure there isn't any dust. If you're using Ready-to-Use all you have to do is pour it unless it's cold then you'll want to heat it first. Baby's don't care for cold milk. You can use a bottle warmer or heat it in a pan of hot water not boiling water for a few minutes. Do not microwave. There will be hot spots and will burn the baby's mouth.
Turn the cold tap water on and allow it to run for 30 seconds to one minute before preparing the baby formula. The reason for this is toallow any contaminants to run through. The plumbing may have lead or lead solder and hot water can concentrate the lead, so use tap water. Boiling the water doesn't get rid of the lead either, but you can use water filters which do remove lead from the drinking water.
You should boil the water for 5 minutes, that is, if you need too. Only boil for 5 minutes, not any longer because it will change the concentration of the minerals in the water.
Fill the baby bottle with warm water and then add the powder formula. If you add the powder first, you'll have formula stuck to the bottom.
Shake the bottle after heating it, then turn the bottle upside down and let a few drops fall on your wrist. The infant formula should feel warm on your arm,
Throw away the leftover formula when you're done with it. You don't want to save it for a later time, because the bacteria from your baby's mouth is mixed in with the formula. It's not safe to reuse.
Ready-To-Use Infant Formula
If you want no mixing or measuring the Ready-to-Use infant formula would be your best choice. It's quick and easy, especially if you are traveling,all you have to do is open it and viola your baby is eating. It's convenient if you have no access to safe water,if your baby is premie or low weight this might also make a great alternative for you, because it's sterile. It is more expensive so you'll need toconsider the cost and compare it with the concentrate and powder form. Once the Ready-to-Use Formula is open, you have 48 hours to use it up. This type of formula is also darker in color, many mothers do complain that it's likely to stain clothes more.
Concentrate Formula
You need to mix 1:1 ratio; equal parts of water and formula when using liquid concentrate formula. The concentrate is less expensive than Ready-to-use. It takes up less storage space, too.
Powdered Infant Formula
Powdered Infant Formula is the most economical choice. It alsotakes up less space in your cupboards, it takes a bit more time to prepare the formula than the previous two,it has a one month shelf life after the container is open. This actually means less waste.
Before Buying Infant Formula
When purchasing your formula check the expiration date. If it has expired, you don't want to use it. You don't want to purchase a can with bulges, dents, leaks, or rust spots, the formula has been damaged. You don't want to jeopardize your baby's health. Be sure you tell the store manager of the damaged goods and/or expired product.
Preparing Infant Formula
Make sure you always wash your hands. Before proceeding further, read the directions. Each formula brand can have different directions. This is a step you don't want to miss. It is very important that you do exactly as they say so your baby will get the nutrients he/she needs.
Before opening the can, wipe the lid with a wet wash cloth to make sure there isn't any dust. If you're using Ready-to-Use all you have to do is pour it unless it's cold then you'll want to heat it first. Baby's don't care for cold milk. You can use a bottle warmer or heat it in a pan of hot water not boiling water for a few minutes. Do not microwave. There will be hot spots and will burn the baby's mouth.
Turn the cold tap water on and allow it to run for 30 seconds to one minute before preparing the baby formula. The reason for this is toallow any contaminants to run through. The plumbing may have lead or lead solder and hot water can concentrate the lead, so use tap water. Boiling the water doesn't get rid of the lead either, but you can use water filters which do remove lead from the drinking water.
You should boil the water for 5 minutes, that is, if you need too. Only boil for 5 minutes, not any longer because it will change the concentration of the minerals in the water.
Fill the baby bottle with warm water and then add the powder formula. If you add the powder first, you'll have formula stuck to the bottom.
Shake the bottle after heating it, then turn the bottle upside down and let a few drops fall on your wrist. The infant formula should feel warm on your arm,
Throw away the leftover formula when you're done with it. You don't want to save it for a later time, because the bacteria from your baby's mouth is mixed in with the formula. It's not safe to reuse.
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