Following the recent recall of powdered infant formula made at the Abbott Nutrition facility in Michigan, there is now a nationwide shortage of baby formula. This baby formula shortage has received national attention.

AltaMed wants to take this opportunity to remind parents about the proper ways to prepare and store formula and breastmilk. A few simple steps will ensure your baby is as healthy as possible.

Preparing Formula

Always start with clean hands and a clean work surface when preparing infant formula. Bottles also need to be cleaned and sanitized.

It’s not necessary to warm formula before feeding. You might find your baby prefers it. Don’t microwave a bottle to warm it. Microwaves can warm foods unevenly and create hot spots that will burn a baby’s throat or mouth. It’s best to place the bottle under running warm water then test the formula on the back of your hand.

Use a safe water source to mix infant formula. Only use the recommended amount of formula. Using too much can reduce the amount of nutrition your baby gets. Not enough water can dehydrate your baby.

Use It or Lose It

Infant formula can spoil after two hours at room temperature. Refrigerate it if you don’t plan on using it in the next two hours and use it within 24 hours of preparation.

Throw out any formula your baby doesn’t finish. Bacteria can grow when the formula is combined with your baby’s saliva. Make sure to clean and sanitize the bottle before using it again.

Unopened containers of formula should be stored in cool, dry, indoor places. The same is true for opened containers. Make sure the lids are secure. Don’t store them in the refrigerator.

Try to use the formula within one month of opening it. Write on the lid the date you first opened it. Never use formula after the “use by” date.

Best Breast Milk Practices

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidelines for safely handling and storing expressed breast milk.

Always wash your hands with soap and water before expressing or handling breast milk. You can also use sanitizer if no soap or water are available.

If using a pump, inspect your pump and tubing to make sure everything is clean. Discard any moldy tubing. Use a disinfecting wipe to clean the pump dials, power switch, and countertop if using a shared pump.

Storing Breast Milk 

There are breast milk storage bags, but you can also use clean glass or plastic food-grade containers with tight-fitting lids. Try to avoid bottles with the recycle symbol number 7. These containers may contain harmful plastics. Don’t use disposable bottle liners.

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored:
 

• 4 hours at 77 degrees or colder (room temperature)
• 4 days in the refrigerator
• 6 to 12 months in the freezer

Clearly date expressed breast milk and always use the “oldest” milk first. Freeze it immediately if you don’t think you will use it within four days. Don’t store it in the door of your refrigerator or freezer to protect it from temperature changes when the door opens.

Breast milk expands when it freezes so leave some room at the top of the container. Thaw breast milk in a pot of warm water or run it under warm water. Never use a microwave. Also shake the bottle as the fat might have separated.

With You at the Start

At AltaMed, we care for all mothers and their babies. We know mothering is a big job and we’re here for you, so you don’t have to do it alone. If you are having difficulty finding formula, or breastfeeding, contact your provider. We want to help you and your baby to be as healthy as possible. Contact us at (888) 499-9303.