Infant formula is a food made for babies and infants under 12 months of age. The most common type are those that come in powder or liquid form, but there’s also infant milk definite foods like soy-based options available too.
Follow These Safety Tips When Giving Formula To Your Baby
Baby formula is not a substitute for breast milk; it is an alternate food source for infants whose moms are unable to nurse. Here are some things to remember when using organic baby formula.
- Before starting a new infant formula or switching to another, always visit your paediatrician.
- To avoid overfeeding the infant, master the tempo feeding technique.
- Read all of the contents carefully and look for anything that could trigger an allergic reaction in your kid.
- Before feeding the formula through a bottle, conduct an allergy test by providing small volumes of the formula.
- If your infant develops symptoms of allergies, such as rashes, diarrhoea, or constipation, stop using the formula and switch to a different one after three to four days.
- Check the packet’s expiration date.
- Follow the mixing table’s instructions to the letter and make sure everything is mixed properly.
- Only give formulas that have been freshly blended.
- Refrigerate the already prepared formula bottles in an enclosed container if you want it a few hours later.
- Always use hot water to clean the bottles and nipples.
Baby formulae are classified into three categories based on their form:
- To make a powder concentration, combine the powder with boiled and chilled water: Fill the bottle halfway with water, then halfway with the formula. Gently combine the ingredients and feed your baby. Specific mixing instructions are included in the packaging.
- These formulae are liquid, and some of them require the addition of additional water. These, too, come with explicit directions for mixing.
- Ready-to-feed: The pre-mixed formula can be fed straight away without the need to mix or dilute it.
Formula for Infants should be Prepared and Used in a Safe Manner:
Formula in Powdered Form
Cronobacter sakazakii (formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii) and Salmonella are harmful germs that can be found in the environment and in numerous foods, including powdered baby formula. Powdered infant formula is not sterile, despite manufacturers’ best efforts to keep contamination to a minimum. To help limit the risk of sickness, take care when preparing and storing formula powder.
Formula Preparation
Hands and food contact surfaces (such as benchtops) should be washed completely with soap and warm water, then dried thoroughly with a disposable paper towel.
Bottles, teats, and utensils should all be washed and sterilised.
- To avoid recontaminating the equipment, remove bottles and other items with sterile tongs.
- Make a new batch of baby formula before each feeding if at all possible.
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions for making baby formula.
- Place a drop of liquid on the inside of your wrist to test the temperature of baby formula before feeding newborns. It should be warm to the touch.
- If carers are sick with vomiting or diarrhoea, don’t make infant formula and be especially careful with hygiene.
Keeping the Formula Ready to Use
When not in use right away, store infant formula in a sterilised bottle or container in the back of the fridge, in the centre, where it is coolest.
If refrigerated, discard any unopened baby formula after 24 hours.
Final Verdict:
When preparing a formula feed, cleanliness is crucial. The immune system of a baby is not as robust as that of an adult. Bottles, teats, and any other feeding equipment must be cleansed and sterilised before every feed. This will lower your baby’s chances of contracting an infection, particularly diarrhoea and vomiting.