Whether you’re feeding your baby with formula only or are breastfeeding and supplementing with formula, it’s important to know the basics of formula preparation and storage. This not only saves time, but also helps keep your baby happy and healthy.
With all the mixing, storing, and warming dos and don’ts, there’s a lot to remember. We get it. And we’re here to help. If you have more questions, you can also talk to your doctor.
To start with, here are 3 easy steps that will help you choose the right formula, plus a few things to keep in mind before you prepare it.
Step 1: Choose the right formula for your baby. If you’re not sure what formula is best, talk with your pediatrician for advice. Use our Formula Finder to get tailored suggestions.
Step 2: Choose the type of formula that works best for you: powder, ready to feed, or concentrated liquid.
Tip: Use powder or concentrated liquid for everyday use and ready to feed for convenience when traveling.
Step 3: Read all the information below before making your first bottle. We hope this will answer any questions that may come up along the way.
Preparing Similac powdered formula is simple, but it’s still important to carefully follow the directions. Your baby's health depends on it. Proper formula preparation is important in order for your child to receive the necessary nutrition.
Formula-to-water ratio: 1 level scoop of formula (not packed down) per 2 fl oz of water. Be careful not to add too much water. Watered-down formula is not recommended, as it dilutes essential nutrients and can affect your child's nutrition.
Reminder: Powdered infant formula is not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants with immune problems unless directed and supervised by your doctor.
Preparing formula with boiled water
Ask your baby’s doctor if you need to use cooled, boiled water for mixing and if you need to boil (sterilize) bottles, nipples, and rings before use. If you choose to boil, follow these steps:
1. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute, then turn off the heat. Overboiling can increase the concentration of impurities.
2. Let the water cool to room temperature before adding formula. Making formula with boiling water can cause clumping and decrease the nutritional value.
3. Before feeding, sprinkle a few drops on the inside of your wrist to make sure it is not too hot.
4. Feed or refrigerate the prepared formula.
Note: If you are concerned about lead or other harmful substances in your water, talk to your healthcare professional before making formula with tap water. Bottled or filtered water can contain bacteria and should still be boiled.
Mixing Tips for Similac Powdered Formula
Single bottle instructions
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
2. Measure and pour desired amount of water into the baby bottle.
3. Add unpacked, level scoop(s) of powder formula to the bottle as directed. Return dry scoop to can. (1 scoop of formula per 2 fl oz of water.)
4. Put the cap on the bottle and shake.
Tip: Moving your wrist in a twisting motion helps powder formula mix more quickly and more thoroughly.
5. Feed or store immediately in refrigerator.
Multiple bottle instructions*
1. Measure 23 fl oz of water using a liquid measuring cup.
(NOTE: If using Similac NeoSure powder, use 21 fl oz of water instead of 23 fl oz of water for standard caloric density.)
(NOTE: If using Pure Bliss™ by Similac® powder, use 24 fl oz of water instead of 23 fl oz of water for standard caloric density.)
2. Add 1 cup (100 g†) of powder, unpacked and level, using a household measuring cup for dry ingredients.
3. Add powder to water and mix well.
4. Pour prepared formula into individual feeding bottles.
5. Put the cap on and store immediately in the refrigerator. Feed within 24 hours.
Formula does not need to be warmed. But, if you do want to feed warmed formula, do not microwave it. This can cause "hot spots" that could burn your baby. Instead, set the filled bottle in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water. You can also hold the bottle under warm tap water. Sprinkle a few drops of formula on the inside of your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot.
Preparing Similac Ready-to-Feed formula is easy. You don’t need to mix or measure anything. Just shake the bottle well before opening, twist off the cap, and pour into a baby bottle. Or, if you’re using a 2-fl-oz Ready-to-Feed bottle, just twist on a nipple and ring. This way, there’s no need to make anything in advance when you’re going out.
Similac powder formula storage
Similac Ready-to-Feed formula storage
See the product labels for more instructions.
How long is formula safe to use after being mixed or prepared?
Formula made from powder must be used within 24 hours. Ready-to-Feed formulas must be used within 48 to 72 hours after opening according to label directions. Once powder has been mixed with water or Ready-to-Feed bottles have been opened, they must be stored in the refrigerator until feeding.
Check the date
Never feed expired formula to your baby or use formula from a dented container.
Now that you know how to make the perfect bottle for your little one, visit Formula Feeding Basics for helpful feeding tips.
* Makes approximately 26 fl oz of prepared formula.
† For most accurate results, powder should be weighed on a scale that reads in grams.
‡ Avoid vigorous shaking right before feeding, which can cause air bubbles that can lead to gas in your baby.
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