Consumers should read all label instructions before preparing Parent's Choice Infant Formula. Sterilization of all equipment and water used in preparing baby formula is commonly recommended until a health professional decides it is unnecessary. Check with your physician. When you are preparing formula, personal cleanliness and the cleanliness of any utensils that you use is important.

Should I reheat a bottle after feeding a portion of its formula contents to my baby?

No. Once a baby has nursed from a bottle, microorganisms from the baby’s mouth are introduced into the formula. If any unused portion of baby formula is refrigerated and reheated, these microorganisms will have the opportunity to multiply. Refrigeration or reheating will not prevent the growth of these microorganisms. Therefore, you should fill each bottle with only the amount of baby formula needed for one feeding. After feeding, you should discard any baby formula that remains unused in your baby's bottle.

Why should I use boiled water when mixing powdered formula?

The manufacturers of infant formula provide directions for mixing their products with water and usually do not specify the source of water other than to indicate that the water should be safe to drink. In most situations, it is safe to mix formula using ordinary cold tap water that is brought to a boil and boiled for one minute or as directed on the label of the infant formula.

Some water companies offer water bottles marketed for infants and for use in mixing with infant formula. When manufacturers label their water as intended for infants, the water must meet the same standards established for tap water by the Environmental Protection Agency. The label must also indicate that the bottled water is not sterile.

As with tap water, consumers should boil bottled water one minute before mixing with infant formula. Consult your HCP if you have questions about using tap water.

Keep in mind the American Dietetic Association does not recommend preparing formula with boiling hot water because of possible problems with the physical stability of the baby formula (i.e. clumping or separation) and nutrient degradation.

How should I warm baby formula?

We only recommend that customers warm baby formula using a warm water bath. Bottles should be warmed in a pot of water heated on the stove. Never warm formula in the microwave.

Can I heat my baby’s formula in the microwave?

No. Microwaving causes "hot spots" and can therefore lead to serious burns. Because baby formula would be heated unevenly if placed in a microwave, parts of the formula that are heated extensively may have nutrient breakdown. Nutrients are destroyed by high temperatures.

How long can a bottle of baby formula remain unrefrigerated?

Baby formula that is removed from refrigeration should be used within two hours or discarded. Because of possible bacterial contamination, baby formula remaining in a bottle one hour after the start of feeding should also be discarded.

Can unused baby formula be refrigerated?

No, once baby formula is warmed it cannot be put back in the refrigerator.

Can powdered baby formula be frozen or stored in the refrigerator?

No. Moisture and bacteria from the refrigerator or freezer will get into the powder. Powdered baby formula will not mix well with water and may even separate, leaving an oily layer on top of the formula.

How long can powdered baby formula be used after it has been opened?

Powdered baby formula can be used for one month after it has been opened. After this time fats and oils oxidize. Please refer to the label for further clarification.

Should I freeze ready-to-feed baby formula?

No, you should not freeze ready-to-feed baby formula because it will change the composition of the product.

Should I use a baby formula product beyond its expiration date?

No, all baby formula containers have “use by” or “use before” dates to ensure that the consumer receives a wholesome, high-quality product. Baby formula should not be bought or fed beyond the expiration date. After the expiration date, some vitamin levels decrease and changes in physical properties, such as discoloration and separation of fat, may occur. Any baby formula that is out-of-date at the time of purchase should be returned to the store from which it was purchased for exchange or reimbursement.

How do I supplement baby formula feeding with breastfeeding?

A health-care professional should be contacted anytime you are switching baby formulas or feeding methods because he or she is the expert who knows the special needs of your baby.

How long can I keep baby formula in the refrigerator?

Cans of commercially prepared baby formulas (ready-to-feed or concentrate) may be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after opening.

According to the International Formula Council, baby formula that is prepared from powder and placed in bottles for feeding should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.