When breastfeeding isn't an option, some parents opt for powder infant formula to nourish their little bundle. Here are just a few things to know if you go that route:
1. If your house is on well water or you have concerns about the safety of your tap water, boil it for about one minute, then cool it until lukewarm (or room temperature) before adding the formula to it. You can also use bottled spring or purified water. Find out what's in your tap water at www.water.epa.gov/drink/local
2. Store any formula you prepare in advance in the refrigerator to keep bacteria from growing. If you don't use refrigerated formula within 24 hours, discard it. To warm bottles, either leave them out for an hour (but no longer or bacteria will grow) so the formula can reach room temperature, or warm the bottle in a pan of hot water. Do not microwave formula, the microwave won't heat it evenly, causing hot spots. If baby doesn't finish his bottle, discard the contents after two hours, timed from the beginning of baby's feeding.
3. Clean and sterilize bottles, nipples and other utensils used to prepare formula before their first use. After that, wash bottles, etc. in your dishwasher or by hand with hot, soapy water. Your pediatrician may recommend sterilizing your equipment for five to ten minutes after each use. Avoid using containers with bisphenol-A, a chemical in plastic that can leach into liquids. (Fortunately, most baby products no longer contain BPA).
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