Baby formula comes in three preparations: ready-to-feed (also called ready-to-use, ready-made, or ready-to-serve), liquid concentrate, and powdered baby formula. Your baby can thrive with any of these options.
There are also different types of baby formula, such as cow’s-milk based, soy, and formula specially formulated for babies with allergies. You baby’s doctor will help you determine if your baby needs a special formula – but most babies do fine on the widely used cow’s-milk formula.
While each baby formula has the nutrients your baby needs, they come in different forms and packaging, and require different preparation. What you use will depend on what your baby needs, what’s available, your budget, and your personal preference.
Baby formula preparations
Ready-to-feed formula
Ready-to-feed baby formula is already prepared as a liquid and is ready to be fed to your baby. You don’t need to add any water to this kind of formula. Since it’s sterile, ready-to-feed formula is a good option for babies who are at risk for infection (like babies who are younger than 2 months old, born premature, or who have compromised immune systems). It’s also the most convenient, since it requires no preparation.
You can simply take the lid off the bottle and add a disposable bottle nipple to it, then feed your baby straight from the bottle the baby formula comes in. (Though if you’re not sure whether your baby will drink the whole bottle, it might be best to pour some in a smaller bottle so you can save the rest for later.)
Unopened ready-to-feed baby formula can be stored at room temperature. If it’s opened but not used, you can safely store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. If your baby has already had some directly from the bottle, throw out what’s left in the bottle once your baby drinks from it, since your baby’s saliva can cause bacteria to grow in the baby formula.
The downsides to ready-to-feed baby formula are that it’s more expensive than other options and isn’t as environmentally friendly, since it has more packaging.
Liquid concentrate formula
Liquid concentrate formula also comes in a liquid form, but you need to add water to it before you can give it to your baby.
Follow the instructions for adding water and use a safe water source to prepare your baby formula. Use the exact amount of water the instructions say – if you dilute it too much or not enough, it could lead to electrolyte imbalances in your baby and even malnutrition.
Once you add the water to the liquid concentrate formula, shake it well to mix it, then let it settle for a few minutes to let the bubbles die down (those bubbles can lead to a gassy baby). Then it will be ready to feed to your baby.
Powdered formula
Powdered formula is typically the most widely available formula – and the least expensive. It’s also more environmentally friendly, since it uses less packaging than the other two options. It’s not sterile, though, and requires more preparation than ready-to-feed and concentrated formula.
Make sure to wash your hands well, and use a clean surface to prepare your formula, being careful not to contaminate the scoop or the lid of the canister by placing it anywhere unclean. Prepare the powder formula with clean water.
To mix powder formula, measure the exact amount of clean water in the bottle first (follow the instructions), then add the correct amount of powder to it. The ratio of water to powder is typically one scoop of powder to two ounces of water, but this may not always be the case, so be sure to follow each formula maker’s directions. Also, only use the scoop included in the can you’re using, since different scoops may hold different amounts of powdered formula. Shake the bottle well or stir it to mix the formula powder and water completely.
When can you give babies powdered formula?
In most cases, it’s fine to give your baby powdered formula. But if your baby is younger than 2 months old, was born premature, had a low birthweight, or has weakened immunity, they’re at a higher risk of infection. It’s safer to give them ready-to-feed formula, since it’s sterile.
If you’re giving your baby ready-to-feed formula for any of those reasons, talk to your baby’s pediatrician before switching to powdered formula.
Once you do start giving your baby powdered formula, be sure to prepare it safely to protect your baby from food poisoning and bacteria.
Wash your hands well before preparing your baby’s bottle and feeding it to them; clean the surface you prepare the bottle on; and take care to keep the powder scoop and the canister lid clean during preparation.
For added protection, prepare powdered formula with hot water (at least 158 F/70 C) to kill any germs. Boil water and let it cool for about five minutes before making a bottle. Refrigerate the bottle right away or cool it and give it to your baby.
Switching from ready-made formula to powdered
Switching to a different kind of formula – like from ready-made to powdered – is fine as long as it’s the same type of formula (like cow’s milk-based or partially hydrolyzed formula – more on that below). The nutritional value in each of these will be the same.
If your baby’s doctor originally instructed you to use ready-made formula, talk to them before switching to powdered formula.
If your baby is struggling to switch formulas because it tastes different, it’s fine to mix the two formulas for a while to get them used to it (as long as neither formula is recalled or expired). To be sure you’re mixing the formulas correctly, prepare the powdered formula separately and then mix it with the ready-made formula.
Types of baby formula
While most infant formula is made from cow’s milk protein, there are other kinds for babies who have a milk allergy. There are also specialized formulas available for babies with certain medical conditions. Note: You may see recipes online for homemade baby formula. Don’t make or give your baby homemade formula – it isn’t safe. It won’t have the right balance of nutrients your baby needs and could make them very sick.
Cow’s milk formula
This is the most common type of baby formula and is made from cow’s milk, but altered to be like breast milk in order to give your baby the best nutrition for their needs, and be easy for them to digest. If your baby has a milk allergy, they may need to try a different type of formula.
Soy formula
This is a vegan option made without any animal protein. Experts typically don’t recommend giving babies soy-based formula, since most babies who are allergic to cow’s milk-based formulas are also allergic to soy. If your family is vegan, though, and you want to give your baby soy formula, talk to their pediatrician. Most soy formulas now are marketed as plant-based.
Protein hydrolysate formula
This type of formula is still made with cow’s milk, but the proteins are broken down so babies who are allergic to milk and soy can digest it. If you think your baby has a formula allergy, talk to their pediatrician and they can recommend a protein hydrolysate formula.
What are follow-up formulas, and should I switch to one?
Follow-up formulas (sometimes also called “follow-on” formulas) are specifically designed for babies 6 to 12 months old who are already eating some solids. Follow-up formulas contain nutrients in levels for older babies.
Most babies don’t need follow-up formula. Doctors encourage parents to introduce solid food (like baby cereal, pureed meats, fruits, and vegetables) to their babies around 6 months, rather than changing their formula.
Still, it depends on the individual child. Babies with food allergies, those who are very sensitive to different foods, and those with a history of poor growth may benefit from follow-up formula. If you have questions or think your baby might need a follow-up formula, talk to your doctor about what’s best for your baby.
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