Concentrated Liquid Formula

Preparing Similac® concentrated liquid formula is easy. Directions are on each container.

Boiling Water

Ask your baby's doctor about the need to use cooled, boiled water for mixing and the need to boil clean utensils, bottles and nipples in water before use.

If you choose to boil the water, follow these steps:

1. Bring cold water to a rolling boil, and then turn off the heat. Any longer and you'll actually increase the concentration of impurities.

2. Let the water cool to room temperature before adding to formula. Making formula with boiling water can hurt the nutritional value.

3. Once mixed, sprinkle a few drops on the inside of your wrist to make sure it's not too hot (or cold).

Note: Bottled or filtered water is not a suitable replacement for water that has been boiled. But it may be a better alternative to tap water in some areas. If you're concerned about lead or other harmful substances in your water, talk to your health care professional before making formula with tap water.

Mixing

For proper mixing, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

2. Fill the bottle with water in the specified amount.

3. Clean the lid of the container, and shake well before opening.

4. Add concentrated formula in the specified amount.

5. Put the cap on the bottle and shake, shake, shake.

Heating

Formula doesn't need to be heated. If you choose to feed warmed formula, don't microwave it. It can cause "hot spots" that could burn your baby. Instead, heat the water in the microwave or on the stove, and then place the bottle of formula in the hot water until it's warm. Sprinkle a few drops on the inside of your wrist to make sure it's not too hot (or cold).

Storing

You can store opened containers of concentrated liquid formula in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Be sure to cover the can with a tight-fitting lid or foil.

Once mixed, feed immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container and use within 48 hours. See the label for specific instructions.

Don't leave prepared formula at room temperature. And don't freeze it, because doing so can cause the fat to separate.

Reusing

If your baby doesn't finish a bottle of formula within one hour, toss the leftover. Don't save it for later. During a feeding, your baby's saliva can contaminate the formula in the bottle. Once this occurs, reheating or refrigerating won't kill the bacteria.

If you heat the formula, and your baby decides not to take it, don't refrigerate it and reheat it again later. Throw it out instead.