When making baby formula, how do i prepare them? should I boil the water? what about those premade cans?

Answer 1

What a debate you have started!

Premade cans are great, individual bottles are even better. But powder is convenient.

In my clinically proven opinion, it is safer to boil than not. Reason being--- methemologlobinemi, a blood disorder caused by high levels of nitrates in water. It has nothing to do with ecoli or fluoride!!!! This disease makes a baby very sick and gives him or her a bluish color to the skin. It does not happen to every baby, but if your baby is going to consume a large amount of water (like most formula fed babies) it is better safe then sorry.

After 6 months your baby's body should be able to handle any high levels of nitrate, so the concern is no longer applicable.

Please be cautious!! And best of luck!

Answer 2

I would definetly boil the water. You don't want your baby to get sick from the tap water...even adults do. They won't build up an immunity like another responder said...they will just get sick...could get very sick. Definetly boil the water for atleast the first six months. The premade cans are easier and more sterile, but cost a lot more. Boil some water for ten minutes. Boil the bottles in another pan for the same time. Take the bottles out and let the other water cool also. When cooled, fill the bottles with water. If using powder fill with like four ounces to start. Then add the powder as directed. If using concentrate it is easiest to use a big container. Put the can of concentrate in the container and add an equal amount of water. With the Ready to Use you just need to put it in the bottles with no water. I have found that I liked the powder best. It is easier when on the go. It does not spoil as fast. You can keep bottles of boiled water in the diaper bag, and keep formula in a little container, and just add the formula when it is time. That way it does not spoil. With the powder I used to fill the bottles with water and leave them out at room temperature. Then add the powder as needed. That way there is no need to heat the bottle. Also spoils less.

Answer 3

Generally under 6 months you boil the water, whoever said to boil up immunity is wrong. E. Coli is the #1 contaminant of water and that can make even adults very ill.

DO NOT use fluoridated water to make formula! Buy non-fluoridated water if you local water supply is fluoridated, boil it and then you can refridgerate it until you need it:

http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/fluoride_infants.asp
ADA Interim Guidance: Infant Formula

The ADA offers these recommendations so parents, caregivers and health care professionals who are concerned have some simple and effective ways to reduce fluoride intake from reconstituted infant formula.

Breast milk is widely acknowledged as the most complete form of nutrition for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends human milk for all infants (except for the few for whom breastfeeding is determined to be harmful).


For infants who get most of their nutrition from formula during the first 12 months, ready-to-feed formula is preferred to help ensure that infants do not exceed the optimal amount of fluoride intake.


If liquid concentrate or powdered infant formula is the primary source of nutrition, it can be mixed with water that is fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride to reduce the risk of fluorosis. Examples are water that is labeled purified, demineralized, deionized, distilled or reverse osmosis filtered water. Many grocery stores sell these types of drinking water for less than $1 per gallon.


The occasional use of water containing optimal levels of fluoride should not appreciably increase a child’s risk for fluorosis.
Parents and caregivers should consult with their pediatrician, family physician or dentist on the most appropriate water to use in their area to reconstitute infant formula. Ask your pediatrician or family physician whether water used in infant formula should be sterilized first (sterilization, however, will not remove fluoride).

Answer 4

You don't need to boil the water. If you want, you can get a simple faucet purifier, but even that's unnecessary. You could always get your child's pediatricians advice.

Depending on what state/area you live in, you might want to buy the bottled water that has added fluoride in it. Some states don't have fluoride already added, and most kids end up with lots of cavities. You can find it in the baby area of your grocery store.

I have always had good luck with powdered/canned enfamil baby formula.

Answer 5

NO! NO! NO!
Boil the water! Let it boil for a full minute and cool off before giving it to baby. The chemicals that are put in the water to treat it can make baby sick. He/she cannot break them down.
Boil the water please,
The premade cans, don't worry about, you don't need to do anything to them, just warm it up in the bottle first. and not in the microwave. Sit the bottle in a jug of hot water till its warm.

Answer 6

If you are at home, follow the mixing guide on the formula can. It's easy to do. Don't boil the water, you will usually heat the bottle before giving it to the baby, so that takes care of anything lingering. The premade cans are wonderful if you are traveling or visiting, or just out for the day. I used them for such occassions. I'm mom to 3.

Answer 7

Do NOT boil the water! Microwave the water for 30 seconds to a minute...until it's warm...or at the temp the baby likes (some like lukewarm, some like warm-warm)

Depending on how many ounces you use it's typically one scoop of formula for every 2 ounces of water. Put the formula in the bottle after the water has been warmed. Put a lid or bottle nipple on and shake well.

As far as pre-made formula. Some babies like it some don't. Mine baby didn't care for it but loves powdered formula.

Answer 8

We used the powered kind and mixed it with filtered water from our cooler. You can use tap water. The best way is to use cold water and then you can warm it up in the microwave, leaving the lid off. The nipple will get damaged. Just about 35-50 seconds depending on how high you have it. Test it on your wrist. If it burns you its way too hot.

Answer 9

I wouldn't boil the water because you won't be helping your child build up his/her immunity. The premixed ones you mean? They're no better than the powder and expire sooner. Plus, they're more expensive. I'd stick to the powder and mix your own using tap water. Tap water is safe for you to drink and it's safe for your baby to drink.