Infant Formulas come in 3 basic forms; ready-to-use, concentrate, and powdered form.
Out of the 3, the powdered form is a safer choice because it contains far less BPA (bisphenol A).
Ready-To-Use If you want no mixing or measuring, the Ready-to-Use infant formula would be your best choice.
The preparation is 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 choice for you, because it's sterile.
It is more expensive so you'll need to consider 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.
Ready-to Use Infant Formula Specifications and Features • Quick.
• No safe water, great alternative.
• Good for premies and low weight babies.
• Sterile.
• More expensive.
• Must use up within 48 hours.
• May stain more.
Preparation of Ready-To-Use Infant Formula •Always wash your hands.
This seems pretty logical.
•Make sure you follow the directions.
•Wipe the lid with a wet cloth to remove dust and dirt before you open it.
•Refrigerate.
•You have 48 hours to use the rest.
•Warm the milk; one way you can do this is to place it in a pan of hot water or buy a bottle warmer.
•After feeding, throw out the left over from the bottle.
Bacteria may grow in left over formula.
Liquid Concentrate Formula You need to mix equal parts of water and formula when using liquid concentrate formula.
The concentrate is less expensive than Ready-To-Use and takes up less storage space.
When compared to the powdered formula, it's easier to prepare but more expensive.
Liquid Concentrate Formula Specifications and Features Mix 1:1 ratio Less expensive than Ready-to Use Formula.
Takes up less storage space.
More expensive than powdered formula.
Preparing Liquid Concentrate Wash your hands.
Make sure you follow the directions.
Wipe the lid with a wet cloth to remove dust and dirt before you open it.
Refrigerate.
You have 48 hours to use the rest.
Warm the milk; one way you can place it in a pan of hot water or buy a bottle warmer.
After feeding, throw out the left over from the bottle.
Bacteria may growin left over formula.
Powdered Infant Formula Powdered Infant Formula is the most economical choice.
It also takes 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.
Powdered Infant Formula Specifications and Features • Economical Choice.
• Takes up less space.
• Takes a little bit more time to prepare.
• Has a one month shelf life once opened.
• Less waste.
Preparing Powered Infant Formula • Wash your hands • Make sure you follow the directions.
• Wipe the lid with a wet cloth to remove dust and dirt before you open it.
• Refrigerate • You have 48 hours to use the rest • Warm the milk; one way you can place it in a pan of hot water or buy a bottle warmer • After feeding, throw out the left over from the bottle.
Bacteria may grow.
Adding Water to the Infant Formula Always use cold tap water and allow it to run for 30 seconds to one minute before making the baby formula.
It's important to allow any contaminants to run through, you should never cook or mix infant formula using hot water from the tap, according to U.
S.
Enviromental Protection Agency.
The pipes might have lead or lead solder, the hot water can concentrate the lead.
Boiling the water doesn't get rid of the lead, but using a water filter will remove lead from the drinking water.
Boiling Water for Infant Formula • Boil for 5 minutes.
• Only boil the water once - if you boil it more it will change the concentration of the minerals in the water.
• Allow to cool before pouring into the baby bottle.
• Heat formula.
• Use a pan of hot water, not boiling water.
• Use a bottle warmer.
• Never heat formula in microwave (there will be hot spots).
Adding Formula to the Bottle • Follow directions of how much powder formula to add.
• Add powder formula after you've added the water (otherwise the formula will stick to the bottom).
Check the warmth of the formula • Shake bottle after heating it.
• Let a few drops fall on your wrist (formula should feel warm-ready to serve).
What to do with the rest of the formula? • Throw it away.
• Bacteria from baby's mouth is mixed with the formula.
• Not Safe.