Powder Formula

Preparing Similac® powdered formula is easy. You’ll find directions 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 cause clumping and 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. Add powder in specified amount.

4. Return dry scoop to the can.

5. Put the cap on the bottle and shake, shake, shake. (Tip: moving your wrist in a twisting motion helps powder formula mix more quickly and more thoroughly).

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

Store powdered formula containers, covered, in a cool, dry place, not in the refrigerator. Use contents within one month.

Once mixed, feed immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container and use within 24 hours. See the label for specific instructions.

Don’t leave prepared formula at room temperature. And don’t freeze, 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.