Bottle Feeding a Baby: Safe Formula Feeding Tips

September 12, 2018

Bottle feeding can take some practice, whether your baby is exclusively formula-fed, combination-fed or transitioning from breastfeeding. Choosing an appropriate bottle, preparing formula correctly and learning your baby's feeding cues can make each feed calmer and more predictable.

The most important rule is simple: always follow the preparation and storage instructions printed on the formula packaging unless your pediatrician gives you different instructions for your baby.

1. Prepare the bottle exactly as directed

When preparing powdered infant formula, use the exact amount of water and powder specified by the manufacturer. Do not add extra powder to make the formula more concentrated and do not add extra water to make it last longer.

For powdered formula, water should generally be measured first and the correct amount of powder added afterward.

Incorrect dilution can change the amount of nutrients and electrolytes your baby receives. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes following the formula manufacturer's measurements precisely. See its guidance on safe formula preparation with water.

2. Wash your hands and use clean feeding equipment

Wash your hands before preparing a bottle and prepare formula on a clean surface.

Bottles, nipples, caps and other feeding equipment should be thoroughly cleaned after use. Babies who are very young, premature or have a weakened immune system may require additional precautions when bottles or powdered formula are prepared.

Because powdered infant formula is not sterile, additional preparation precautions may be recommended for higher-risk infants. If your baby falls into one of these groups, ask your pediatrician which preparation method is appropriate.

3. You do not have to warm every bottle

Infant formula does not need to be served warm unless your baby prefers it.

If you choose to warm a bottle, place it in warm water or use an appropriate bottle warmer. Avoid microwaving formula because microwaves can create hot spots that may burn a baby's mouth.

Before feeding, test the temperature on the inside of your wrist.

4. Find a comfortable feeding position

Hold your baby close and support their head during feeding.

Keep the bottle angled so that the nipple stays filled with milk while allowing your baby to control the pace of feeding. Avoid leaving a bottle propped in your baby's mouth.

Holding your baby during feeds also gives you a better opportunity to observe when they need a pause or have had enough.

5. Follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues

Babies do not necessarily drink the same amount at every feeding.

Signs that a baby may be hungry can include bringing their hands toward their mouth, turning toward the bottle or becoming more alert.

During the feed, allow pauses. If your baby turns away, closes their mouth, relaxes their hands or stops sucking, they may be telling you that they have had enough.

Do not force a baby to finish a bottle simply because formula remains.

6. Know how long prepared formula can be kept

Formula safety does not stop after preparation.

According to CDC guidance, prepared infant formula should be used within 2 hours of preparation and within 1 hour from the beginning of a feeding.

If a prepared bottle has not been used and will not be needed within two hours, refrigerate it immediately and use it within 24 hours.

Once your baby has started drinking from a bottle, discard any formula that remains after the feeding. Saliva can introduce bacteria into the bottle, so leftovers from a feed should not be refrigerated for later use. See the CDC's formula preparation and storage guidance.

7. Burping can help, but every baby is different

Some babies swallow more air than others during bottle feeding.

You can pause periodically and give your baby an opportunity to burp, particularly if they seem uncomfortable or become restless during the feed.

There is no need to force a burp every time. Feeding patterns vary between babies, and what works well for one child may not work for another.

8. Do not make homemade infant formula

Infant formula is designed to provide a specific balance of nutrients.

Homemade formula recipes can contain too much or too little of essential nutrients and may create serious health risks. The FDA advises parents and caregivers not to make or feed homemade infant formula. See the FDA's infant formula information for parents and caregivers.

What if your baby refuses the bottle?

Bottle refusal can happen when a baby is learning a new feeding method.

Try feeding when your baby is calm rather than extremely hungry. Experimenting with feeding position or having another caregiver offer the bottle can sometimes make the transition easier.

Avoid repeatedly forcing the nipple into your baby's mouth or pressuring them to finish a feed.

Persistent feeding difficulty, poor weight gain, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration or other health concerns should be discussed with your pediatrician.

Choosing an infant formula

There is no single formula that is best for every baby.

Formula choice can depend on age, nutritional requirements, tolerance and medical needs. For infants with allergies, metabolic disorders, prematurity or persistent feeding symptoms, formula selection should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

For U.S. consumers, infant formula sold in the United States is subject to FDA requirements covering areas including nutritional composition, manufacturing, labeling and safety.

Always check that the product you intend to use is appropriate for your baby's age and complies with the requirements applicable where you live.

Bottle-feeding checklist

Wash your hands and use clean feeding equipment.
Follow the exact preparation instructions on the formula packaging.
Never dilute formula to make it last longer.
Avoid microwaving bottles.
Hold your baby and the bottle during feeding.
Allow your baby to pause and stop when they show signs of fullness.
Discard formula left in a bottle after a feeding.
Ask your pediatrician when feeding problems persist or when your baby has special nutritional or medical needs.

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Browse our current formula collections or contact us if you need assistance with product availability, case quantities or wholesale ordering.

Important: Feeding and preparation requirements vary by product and market. Always follow the instructions on the individual product packaging and applicable local health guidance.