Crouse explains liquid ready-to-feed formula is just as safe as powdered, but may not be as popular. "A lot of people do typically use powdered formula. It's a cheaper option for most families that use a lot of formula," she said. Liquid formula also has a shorter shelf-life.
Environmental effect of baby formulas
If you are concerned about the environmental effect of formula packaging, powdered formula generally offers the lowest environmental impact. This is because it comes in much less packaging than liquid forms of infant formula.
If you feed your baby with formula, consider using liquid formula when possible, especially if your baby is at higher risk. Powdered infant formula is not sterile and might have germs in it. Liquid infant formula is made to be sterile (without germs).
Most parents who feed their babies artificial formula opt for powdered formula rather than ready-to-feed because it is significantly cheaper and can be stored longer. (Ready-to-feed infant formula can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours after opening then needs to be discarded.)
Ready-to-use formula is the most convenient type of formula. It's rich and thick, and you don't need to add any water to it before feeding. It's less likely to constipate babies than powder formula is, Dr. Shu says.
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).
Powdered formulas are not sterile. So, it's really important that you follow the preparation instructions on the pack carefully to help ensure the formula is safe and your baby doesn't become ill. RTF formulas are sterile so there is potentially less risk of infection.
Prepare Liquid Concentrate Infant Formula. Powdered infant formula is not sterile and may contain bacteria that is harmful to very young babies. It is best NOT to give powdered formula to babies under 2 months of age.
Because powdered formula is not sterile, babies under two months of age, or those who were born prematurely and not yet two months past their expected due date, and babies who have a compromised immune system should only be given concentrated liquid or ready-to-serve formula.
Why watering down formula is dangerous. News reports have found parents diluting formula to try and save money or feeding water in addition to breast milk or formula. This can lead to a dangerous condition called water intoxication.
Introduction to the powdered form as a sudden change has been noted to cause constipation. A gradual transition to the powdered formula has been noted to avoid this.
Gas in babies could be caused by a sensitivity to milk-based formula. Sometimes your baby's still-developing digestive tract can keep some nutrients from being digested, causing gas. However, other times gas in a baby could hint at an underlying issue, such as food allergies or sensitivities.
A gradual transition from liquid to powder is the standard protocol for all babies discharged home. This protocol was implemented following observations that an immediate swap from liquid to powder formulations in preterm infants may result in signs of discomfort and constipation.
Results: The groups that were fed only with ready-to-use formulas had significantly more regurgitations than those fed with powdered formulas. Within the group that received both types of formulas there were significantly more regurgitations following the ready-to-use than the powdered formula.
Yes. As long as the baby does not have a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, specialty formulas can help to reduce the frequency and amount of reflux.
Use Quickly or Store Safely
Use prepared infant formula within 2 hours of preparation and within one hour from when feeding begins. If you do not start to use the prepared infant formula within 2 hours, immediately store the bottle in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.
It's fine to give your baby room temperature or even cold formula. If your baby prefers warm formula, place a filled bottle in a bowl of warm water or run under warm water. Test the temperature by putting a couple of drops on the back of your hand or wrist. The formula should feel lukewarm — not hot.
Water that hasn't been boiled can also contain bacteria. Formula therefore needs to be made up with water hot enough to kill the bacteria, which is at least 70 degrees C. This means boiling the kettle and leaving it to cool for no longer than 30 minutes, so that it remains at a temperature of at least 70 degrees C.
You can use pre-made formula for up to 24 hours. Open containers of ready-made formula, concentrated formula, and formula prepared from concentrate can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Do not store unmixed powder in the refrigerator.
This tin has 50% less plastic than the other current Aptamil Profutura packs and has a triple safety seal to ensure product freshness and safety.
Why? Liquid products appear darker and thicker than those prepared from powder. These differences may be due to the heat sterilization that the liquids undergo during manufacturing and also the emulsifier ingredients in our liquid products.
Enfamil Enspire
Enfamil's Enspire is the brand's closest formula to breast milk, thanks to the inclusion of proteins found in colostrum, like lactoferrin. (In fact, Enspire is the first and only infant formula in the U.S. to include lactoferrin as an ingredient, according to the brand.)
Some babies have a higher risk of getting sick from powdered infant formula and should be fed ready-to-feed or liquid concentrate formula. These babies include those who: Were born premature, before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and are under 2 months of age (corrected age)