Preparation of Infant Formula for Babies Under the Age of One Year
Breast milk is the natural and best food for all babies, including preterm infants, at least until age two.
If you cannot breastfeed, choose not to breastfeed, or combine breastfeeding with infant formula, make sure your baby is fed infant formula based on cow’s milk protein, unless a different type of formula is needed.
The choice not to breastfeed is yours. However, it is important to know that if you do not breastfeed from the start and later change your mind, it may be difficult to return to breastfeeding. If you do reconsider, you can get help from a nurse at a family care center (Tipat Halav) or a lactation consultant, as needed.
Infant formula contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals to meet babies’ nutritional needs. However, formula cannot match the full range of health benefits found in breast milk. Infant formula has not been proven to support development, prevent disease, or strengthen the immune system in the same way as breast milk.
Infant formula powder is not sterile. When preparing a bottle, follow instructions and food safety guidelines to prevent contamination with germs and illness. It is important to sterilize equipment and use boiled water that has been cooled to the appropriate temperature.
Babies may have more difficulty regulating how much milk they need when feeding from a bottle. This may be one reason why formula feeding is associated, according to studies, with overweight and obesity in infants.
There is no need to choose a special formula unless directed by a healthcare professional. Remember that formula manufacturers are commercial companies. If you have not received specific medical guidance, you can use a standard product for your baby.
Note
Note
Make sure you get information about infant feeding and parenting from reliable sources such as the Ministry of Health. If you have questions, you can also call the family care center (Tipat Halav) nurses’ hotline at *5400, extension 9. Phone hours: Sunday–Thursday 16:00–21:00, Friday 08:00–13:00.
Emphases when preparing infant formula
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1What to look for when buying infant formula
- Buy infant formula from a reputable retailer that has a valid business license.
- Before first use, make sure the container is not damaged, leaking, rusted, or expired. If you have even the slightest concern, do not use the contents.
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2How to store infant formula safely
- Store the infant formula container in a cool, dry place and close it according to the manufacturer’s instructions (do not store in the refrigerator or freezer).
- Avoid using powder that has been left for a long time in heat or in a car.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package, such as how long the formula can be used after opening.
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3Choosing and using safe feeding equipment
- Use plastic (no BPA) or glass bottles and nipples that are not torn, cracked or scratched.
- Replace any worn or damaged equipment.
- Only use the special measuring spoon that comes with the box to prepare the infant formula.
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4Work environment for preparing the infant formula
- Prepare the infant formula on a clean countertop in the kitchen.
- Before preparing the formula, thoroughly wash hands with soap and water. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
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5Cleaning bottles and equipment
- Clean bottles thoroughly after every feed.
- Thoroughly clean bottles, nipples, caps and rings. Wash all utensils used to prepare the formula with a special cleaning brush, hot water and soap or in a dishwasher at 65 degrees or higher and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Make sure that the nipples are not clogged and that the holes are open by streaming clean water through them.
- Sterilization: after washing, boil the bottles and nipples in a pot, immerse them in hot water for five minutes or in a sterilizer according to instructions.
- Remove the bottles from the boiling water, dry them in the air under sterile conditions to prevent infection.
- Avoid drying bottles with a kitchen towel or other towel that has been used. Only use a clean, laundered towel that has not yet been used.
- Bottles used to feed babies infant formula must be sterilized until the babies are one year old.
- Sterilization does not eliminate the need for thorough cleaning but only supplements it.
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6Boiling water
To prepare infant formula, you can use cold tap water, mineral water or water from water bars that bear the Israeli standard and are maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions, after boiling. We emphasize it is mandatory to boil all types of water for two consecutive minutes in a covered container (kettle).
If you chose to use mineral water, make sure it was bought from a business licensed to sell food. Pay attention to the expiration date and store it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid buying water bottles from places where the bottles are exposed to heat and sun for a prolonged period of time. Avoid leaving the kettle or the container used for boiling open and cool the water to room temperature.
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7Using the spoon, measuring device and meal dispenser
- Only use the measuring spoon attached to the infant formula package.
- Before using the spoon, make sure that it is completely dry.
- Avoid returning the spoon to the box after use.
- Wash the spoon and meal dispenser with hot water and soap. Air dry before using again.
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8Mixing infant formula
- Mix the infant formula powder according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Assemble the nipple, shake thoroughly and give it to your infant only after you feel the heat of the formula on your wrist.
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9Serving infant formula
- Give your baby the prepared formula immediately after you prepare it.
- Prepared infant formula can remain at room temperature for up to one hour. Try to complete the feed within this hour.
- Prepared infant formula that has been heated – cannot be returned to the refrigerator or eaten after more than one hour has passed.
- Avoid using prepared infant formula beyond the time and conditions written here.
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10Heating infant formula
- If necessary, prepared infant formula can be heated. Place the bottle or container in which you prepared the infant formula in another vessel with hot water or in a bottle heater, for up to 15 minutes.
- Avoid heating infant formula in the microwave, as it may cause burns.
- In any case, it is important to check the temperature of the liquid before feeding the baby. Check the temperature by dripping the liquid on your hand to make sure that it is not too hot.
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11Freezing infant formula
Do not freeze prepared formula, and do not use formula that has been frozen and thawed.
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12Leftover infant formula
At the end of the meal, discard the leftover formula in the bottle. Initially wash and clean the bottle. Do not use the residual formula later.
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13Preparing infant formula outside the house
To feed your baby with infant formula outside the house, dilute the powder in boiling water that were cooled immediately before serving.
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14Expiration date of the infant formula
- Avoid using infant formula after the expiration date written on the package.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the expiration date and period of time during which you can use the product after the package has been opened.
Note
Note
Infant formula is not a sterile product, and since babies and toddlers are particularly sensitive to infections, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when preparing the formula, adhere to the guidelines specified here, and of course maintain cleanliness and hygiene.