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How to Make Baby Formula & Formula Storage Tips
Read time: 7 minutes
What should I know about preparing and storing baby formula?
Learn how to prepare powdered, concentrated, and ready-to-feed baby formulas
Understand how to properly store prepared baby formula
Even though baby formulas come with instructions on how prepare a bottle, you might still be left with questions. How far in advance can I prepare formula? Can I make formula with room temp water?
With all these factors, making baby formula can be a daunting task when you’re a sleep-deprived parent.
Well, you’ve come to the right place! As a registered dietitian nutritionist certified in maternal and infant nutrition, I’m here to provide a step-by-step guide to help answer all your formula-making questions.
Let’s jump right in!
How to make baby formula
Most importantly: Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should use only the amount of water as directed on the formula packaging.
Following the preparation instructions exactly is important to ensure your baby receives proper nutrients. Too much water will dilute the formula, and too little water will concentrate it, and either can undermine the nutrition your baby might otherwise receive.12 This can also be very dangerous to your baby’s health.2
Read more: How Much Formula Does Your Baby Need?
1. Check the Expiration or Use By date
Note the ‘Expiration Date’ and/or ‘Use By’ date on the formula packaging. It is not recommended to use formula after this date as the quality and content of the nutrients may not be guaranteed.23 Make sure the cans or containers are not dented or rusted.4
2. Work in a clean area with clean bottles and equipment
Wash your hands and countertop thoroughly before handling baby bottles and formula. 5
If you’re using the bottles for the first time, sterilizing the bottles along with their parts is a good precautionary measure.2 Simply boil the items for 5 minutes and then let cool before handling.
Otherwise, clean the bottles, bottle liners, and nipples in hot soapy water and rinse well.5 You can use a special bottlebrush to clean any hard-to-reach spots.
Read more: Choosing the Right Bottles and Nipples for Your Baby
3. Always add the water to the bottle first
Prepare the water first if necessary. Remember to only use the amounts of water listed on the baby formula package instructions.23
Pour the water into the bottle before adding the baby formula powder.
Note that some brands recommend using warmed water to help the powder better mix into the water. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for their guidance.
There are specific instances when it may be recommended to boil water before mixing with powdered formula. Speak with your baby’s pediatrician if you have questions about what strategy is best for your baby.
Read more: Preparing Formula: What Type of Water Should I Use?
4. Add the formula to the bottle second
Tap the scoop lightly on the side of the canister to even it out or use a knife to scrape off the top. You don’t want to pack it down or have it overflowing.6
Only use the scoop from the container of formula you are currently using; each brand of formula may have a slightly different size scoop.3
How many ounces of water and scoops of formula are needed to make baby formula?
Some baby formulas require you to mix 2 ounces of water with 1 scoop of powder to make 2 fluid ounces of formula.
Other baby formulas require you to mix 2 ounces of water with 2 scoops of powder to make 2 fluid ounces of formula.
Read the packaging carefully and follow the brand’s specific mixing instructions.
**Note that if your formula requires 1 scoop of powder to be added to 2 ounces of water, you must prepare the formula in even-numbered ounces only (for example, 2 ounces, 4 ounces, 6 ounces; and NOT 1 ounce, 3 ounces, etc.). This is because you cannot get an exact half-scoop measurement of powdered formula, and you may end up over- or under-concentrating the formula.6
If you want 3 fluid ounces of formula, make 6 ounces (6 ounces of water plus 3 scoops of formula) and split it into two bottles. Save one (or both) in the fridge until your baby is ready.
5. After capping the bottle, gently shake until well-mixed
Some formulas may be more sudsy or foamy than others, but this is normal. Feed to baby or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
How to batch-make powdered baby formula
If necessary, powdered formula can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead of time. Each bottle should be prepared separately, covered, and stored in the refrigerator until your little one is ready.
After 24 hours, any remaining formula should be thrown out.
1. Wash your hands and the bottles
Use hot soapy water to help avoid unwanted germs!
2. Measure and mix your formula
Measure the correct amount into each bottle. Remember to measure the water first, then add the correct amount of formula.
Shake bottles to mix the formula well.
3. Cover and refrigerate
Cover the bottles or pitcher and refrigerate immediately.
Special considerations for batch making baby formula
If your baby has special medical needs or is premature, your doctor or dietitian may recommend a different recipe for formula preparation.
If you are mixing formula with breast milk, most of the time you prepare the formula first, then mix with the breast milk. Do NOT make formula using breast milk as the liquid, unless directed otherwise.
Have questions about formula preparation? Our Happy Experts are registered dietitian nutritionists and infant feeding specialists who can help guide you. They’re here to help on our free live chat from Monday - Friday 8am-6pm (ET). Chat now!
How to make liquid concentrate baby formula
Concentrate formula is often prepared using a one-to-one ratio (equal amounts of water and formula).37 But always make sure to read the directions on the side of the container of concentrate formula you are using to double-check preparation instructions.
1. Wash and dry the top of the concentrated baby formula can. Shake the can well before opening.
2. Pour concentrated formula into a clean bottle. If you would like a 4-ounce bottle, use 2 ounces concentrated formula and 2 ounces water.
3. Add the appropriate amount of water. Shake the bottle well. Feed to baby immediately or refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
4. Cover the concentrate canister and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
How to batch make liquid concentrate baby formula
You can batch prepare concentrate formula ahead of time, which you can then store in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.6
Simply pour the concentrated formula into a clean and sterile storage container or pitcher, and then pour an equal amount of water in.7 Keep the container covered and use within 48 hours.7
After 48 hours, any leftover formula must be discarded.
How to make ready-to-feed baby formula
Ready-to-feed formula is the easiest option when it comes to formula; it is also the most expensive! These come in single-serve containers, usually in 2-, 6-, or 8-ounces; or a larger 1-quart (32 ounce) container.7
Open single-serve bottle and attach the enclosed bottle nipple, or pour into a clean bottle. Feed to baby or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. OR
Open larger 1-quart container, pour required amount into a clean bottle. Feed baby immediately or refrigerate bottle for up to 24 hours. Re-cap the ready-to-feed formula container and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
How to batch make ready-to-feed baby formula
You can separate out the large container of ready-to-feed formula into individual bottles to prepare for the day.
Pour the amount needed into separate bottles, cover, and refrigerate until your little one is ready. These can be stored for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
After 24 hours they must be discarded.
Tips for storing baby formula
Once you've prepared formula, here are guidelines on how to keep it safe
Storage tips for prepared formula
Powdered Baby formula: Prepared powdered baby formula bottles can refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Concentrated Baby formula: Prepared concentrated baby formula bottles can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
Additional baby formula storage tips for prepared formula
Do not freeze prepared formula.
Prepared formula (that has not been given to baby yet) should not be without refrigeration for more than 2 hours.
Once baby begins to drink a formula bottle, it must be used within 1 hour. Any remaining formula after the hour must be thrown out.1237
Storage tips for unprepared containers of powdered, ready-to-feed, or concentrated formula:
Do not use formula past the “Use By” date on the container.
Powdered formula can be used for one month after it has been opened. Manufacturers don’t recommend using the formula after 30 days of opening because the nutrients start to degrade. Store powdered formula with the lid tightly shut in a cool, dry place – but NOT in the refrigerator.
Open ready-to-feed or concentrate formula (unprepared) can be refrigerated for 48 hours. After this time it must be thrown out.12
If you can’t remember how long you have kept formula in the refrigerator, it is safer to throw it out than to feed it to your baby.
For more information, see the CDC’s formula preparation and storage instructions at: https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/formula-feeding/preparation-and-storage.html
Let's Chat!
We know parenting often means sleepless nights, stressful days, and countless questions and confusion, and we want to support you in your feeding journey and beyond.
Our Happy Experts are a team of lactation consultants and registered dietitian nutritionists certified in infant and maternal nutrition – and they’re all moms, too! They’re here to offer personalized support on our free, one-on-one, live chat platform Monday - Friday 8am-6pm (ET). No appointment needed, no email or sign-up required. Chat Now!
Read more about the experts who help write our content!
For more on this topic, check out the following articles:
Introducing Formula to a Breastfed Baby
Feeding Tips for Healthy Weight Gain in Babies and Toddlers
How do I Supplement my Breastfed Baby with Formula?
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