The first step is to make sure all parts of the bottle are clean and sterile. If you have a dishwasher, you can clean and sterilize bottle parts and nipples by using hot water and the hot drying cycle.

If you do not have a dishwasher with hot water and a hot drying cycle, follow these steps:

✔ Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water.

✔ Take the bottles apart and wash all the pieces, including the bottle, nipples, caps, rings and valves with hot, soapy water. Be sure to have a bottle brush that you use only for cleaning bottles and not for the rest of the dishes. Run clean water through each nipple, and then rinse them completely. Dry everything on a clean cloth or paper towel.

✔ At least once a day, boil everything to kill germs. Put the bottle parts and nipples in a large pot, cover with water and boil for 5 minutes. Carefully take the pieces out of the pot and place them upside-down on a clean cloth or paper towel to air dry. If you are not using the parts right away, cover them or put them in a covered contain

Some babies need a little extra protection. If your baby is younger than 3 months of age, was born prematurely or has a weakened immune system, you’ll need to take these steps to protect against bacteria that may be in the formula.

1. Powdered formula: Powdered formula is not sterile, so you need very hot water to kill any bacteria that may be present. Make sure to heat the water to AT LEAST 158 degrees F or 70 degrees C. To do this, boil the water, then let it cool for 5 minutes.
2. Be careful not to spill and burn yourself! Wear an oven mitt for protection. Pour the hot water into a clean, sterile bottle. Add the correct amount of formula, attach a nipple and ring to the bottle and shake well to mix.
3. Quickly cool the hot formula by holding the bottle under cold running water or by placing it in a bowl of cold water. This will bring it to a safe temperature for your baby. Be sure to test the temperature of the formula on your wrist before feeding to your baby.

Liquid concentrate formula: Liquid formula is sterile, so the water you use does not need to be heated. Using safe water, follow the mixing instructions on the can. Attach a nipple and ring to a clean and sterile bottle, then shake well to mix.

To warm a cold bottle of formula, place the bottle in warm water for several minutes. Never microwave formula — microwaves heat liquids unevenly and can create hot “pockets” that can burn your baby.

It’s important to store unopened infant formula cans in a cool, dry, indoor place — not in cars, garages or outdoors.

✔ Don’t let the lid and scoop touch anything or get dirty.

✔ Be sure to close the lid as quickly as possible.

✔ Try to use formula within two hours of when you mix it. If you’re not going to use the bottle right away, put it in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours.

✔ When in doubt, throw it out. If you can’t remember when you made the formula or you think it might be old, it is safer to throw it out than to feed it to your baby.