Infant Formula

If you have made an informed decision to feed your baby infant formula the following information can help you prepare infant formula safely.

Infant formula comes in 3 forms:

Powder
Liquid concentrate
Ready-to feed

It is important to give your baby iron fortified infant formula. Instructions are different for each kind of infant formula. Be sure to read the direction on the label.

Talk to your baby’s health care provider first before changing formula.

To learn how to:

Powdered infant formula is not sterile and may contain bacteria that is harmful to very young babies. It is best NOT to give powdered formula to babies under 2 months of age.

Check expiry date on each can. Do not use after this expiry date. Make sure the packages are clean and not damaged. Cover opened cans with plastic lid. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 1 month.

Disinfect counter and wash hands with soap and water.

sterilized equipment on top of a clean paper towel

Have sterilized equipment ready on a clean paper towel (see How to sterilize equipment).

Run cold tap water for at least 2 minutes. Bring water to a rolling boil for 2 minutes. Let it cool and use within 30 minutes.

Read the label. It will tell you how much water and powder to use. Wash top of can with warm water.

Pour the amount of boiled water needed into a sterilized bottle.

measure a full scoop powdered formula and add to bottle of water

Fill scoop from can with powder. Level with a sterilized knife. Add the powder to the water.

using tongs to ick up nipple, rim and cap and put on bottle

Pick up nipple, rim and cap with sterilized tongs and put on bottle. Then tighten with your hands.

Shake bottle to mix. (If there is
clumping, use sterilized utensils to stir the formula.)

Quickly cool bottle under cold running water or in a container of cold water.

10.

Check temperature on your wrist. It should feel lukewarm.

11.

Feed baby (see How to feed your baby with a bottle)

12.

Throw away what your baby does not drink within 2 hours.

For more information, watch a formula preparation video “Safely Preparing Formula for your Baby” and download a series of infant formula tip sheets in multiple languages.

Powdered infant formula is not sterile and may contain bacteria that is harmful to very young babies. It is best NOT to give powdered formula to babies under 2 months of age.

Check expiry date on each can. Do not use after this expiry date. Make sure the cans are clean and have no dents. Cover opened cans of powdered infant formula with plastic lid. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 1 month.

Disinfect counter and wash hands with soap and water.

Have sterilized equipment ready on a clean paper towel (see How to sterilize equipment).

Run cold tap water for at least 2 minutes. Bring water to a rolling boil for 2 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature.

Infant formula comes in different packaging. Always read the label and instructions carefully.

Shake the formula and open it. Use a sterilized can opener, if needed.

Pour the amount of sterilized water needed into a glass measuring cup.

Add an equal amount of liquid concentrate formula to the sterilized water. Be sure to measure carefully. Stir well with sterile utensil.

pour formula from measuring cup to bottle

Pour the amount of formula for one feeding into each sterilized bottle.

Pick up nipples, rims and caps with sterile tongs and put on bottles. Then tighten with your hands.

10.

Put bottles in refrigerator. Use within 24 hours.

11.

Close or tightly cover open package of formula and put in the refrigerator. Use within 48 hours

For more information, watch a formula preparation video “Safely Preparing Formula for your Baby” and download a series of infant formula tip sheets in multiple languages.

Powdered infant formula is not sterile and may contain bacteria that is harmful to very young babies. It is best NOT to give powdered formula to babies under 2 months of age.

Disinfect counter and wash hands with soap and water.

Have sterilized equipment ready on a clean paper towel (see How to sterilize equipment).

Infant formula comes in different packaging. Always read the label carefully.

Wash the top of the formula package with warm water.

Shake the formula and open it. Use a sterilized can opener, if needed.

Pour amount of infant formula for one feeding into each bottle. DO NOT ADD WATER.

Pick up nipples, rims and caps with sterile tongs and put on bottles. Then tighten with your hands.

Put bottles in refrigerator. Use within 24 hours.

Close or tightly cover open package of formula and put in the refrigerator. Use within 48 hours.

For more information, watch a formula preparation video “Safely Preparing Formula for your Baby” and download a series of infant formula tip sheets in multiple languages.

Tips for Mixing Infant Formula

Tap water in Toronto is safe to use.
Use approved end-of-tap water filter to remove lead if you have lead pipes or alternatively you can use bottled spring water. Call 416-338-7600 for more information
Do not use carbonated, distilled or mineral water.
Always boil the water.
Do not use kettles that shut off before the water has boiled for 2 minutes.
Always sterilize equipment.
Use glass bottles if possible.
Read the directions on the label and measure carefully. It could harm your baby if you add too little or too much water.

Tips for Storing Prepared Infant Formula for Later Use

If more than one bottle is prepared, they should be placed in refrigerator.
Use prepared bottles within 24 hours.
Do not freeze any kind of infant formula.
If going away from home, take the prepared bottle out of the refrigerator and place in a cooler bag with ice packs.
Re-warm and use the formula within 2 hours.

Throw away any formula that is left at room temperature within 2 hours.