A New Beginning

FORMULA PACKAGE SAFETY You want to be sure that you’re giving your baby the safest formula available. Before giving your baby any formula: • Check the date – Make sure it’s not expired. If you buy by the case, make sure the “use by” dates on the container and on the box match up. • Check the container – Look for leaks, puffy ends, or rust spots. If you find any, don’t use it. Make sure the container is sealed and in good condition. • Check the formula – Inspect the formula itself, both powdered and liquid. Look for changes in color, smell, or taste. regulates formulas so they meet both nutritional and safety requirements. Each manufacturer is different and the exact ingredients will vary, but all must meet FDA standards. These standards help ensure the formula you buy is safe. The FDA regularly inspects the facilities where formulas are made as well as the products themselves. They also monitor the water used to make formula, according to safety standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Look for “Made in the USA” on formula labels as these products have the best safety record. HOW IS FORMULA REGULATED? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) UNSAFE MILK OPTIONS Milk from other sources doesn’t contain the important nutrients your baby needs. So don’t give your baby cow’s milk, other animal milk, or milk substitutes like almond or soy milk. These types of milk don’t have what your baby needs to grow and thrive. Your baby’s health care provider will advise you when you can add these to your baby’s diet. This is usually after your baby is 1 year old. Although most formulas are safe, it is important to understand there are other types of products. It can be easy to confuse a real product from a fake one. Be aware of products that claim to be equal to the regulated infant formula. HOMEMADE FORMULAS Although some parents like the idea of making their own baby formula, the AAP warns against this. Your baby’s nutritional needs are very specific, especially in the first year of life, and formulas are required by law to meet these needs. Homemade formulas may contain too little or too much of certain vitamins and minerals your baby needs to stay healthy.

Formula Feeding

FORMULA COMES IN 3 FORMS

Powder that you mix with water is the least expensive. Store the can of powder in a cool dry place, not the refrigerator. Use within 1 month of opening the can.

Generally, it’s safe to mix powdered infant formula exactly as the manufacturer directs on the label. Powdered formula isn’t sterile and has a small risk of contamination from bacteria called Cronobacter . See page 135. Liquid concentrate that you mix with water is less expensive than ready-to-feed. It’s sterilized during the manufacturing process. Know that once it’s opened, you must either use the formula or store it in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. After that, the formula is not safe and must be thrown out. Ready-to-feed formula is the most expensive. It comes in liquid form in bottles or cans. It’s the easiest formula to use. You do not have to mix. Pour the amount needed into the bottle and it’s ready. Once the can is opened, you must either use it or refrigerate it for no more than 24 hours. After that, the formula is not safe and must be thrown out.

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Chapter 10: Formula Feeding