Powder Formula users

Sorry so long....


I have been using Similac Advance since Dominic was born and he has been very gassy and fussy, so the dr said I could switch to Enfamil Gentalease to see if that helps.

It only comes in the powder and I feel so clueless how to go about the whole thing!

If you can help..here are some questions I have...

The dr told me to boil water and let it cool...can I boil a big pot and leave it covered and use that to mix the powder as needed? So I don't have to refridgerate and then warm. Or is this a no-no?

If I make the bottles all at once and then warm..how long can I leave them for in the fridge before they go bad?

And, what do I do when out? Can I bring the room temp water in the bottle and mix the powder when I need it?

Sorry..but like I said I really am clueless about the powder!!! I have been spoiled and have been using the premade bottles like they use in the hospital!

Thanks so much!!!!!!

Message edited 9/24/2006 2:04:47 PM.

Re: Powder Formula users

I always boiled the water prepared the bottles and refridgerated them. Once the bottles are prepared you have to use them withing 24 hours. I believe it says it on the can. I was using powder in the beginning but I just couldn't stand it anymore! So now I use the ready to feed liquid. Yeah I know it's more expensive but I just couldn't stand mixing the powder anymore.



Only problem is we are using Goodstart and the liquid cans are kind of hard to find. So I have the powder as backup use only...

Re: Powder Formula users

And don't call yourself clueless. It's perfectly normal to feel that way when you are a new mom. As a new mom myself I know how you feel...

Re: Powder Formula users

The dr told me to boil water and let it cool...can I boil a big pot and leave it covered and use that to mix the powder as needed? So I don't have to refridgerate and then warm. Or is this a no-no?

I boil water each day in my tea kettle. Once it's cool enough, I make a pitcher of formula (the can gives directions to make a large amount). Since I am only making app. 23-26 ounces of formula in my pitcher, it's used in one day. I wouldn't make more than that because it says to use with in 24 hours once made. I think making the pitcher each day is easiest than trying to make a bottle each time you need to feed your son.

If I make the bottles all at once and then warm..how long can I leave them for in the fridge before they go bad?

No more than 24 hours.

And, what do I do when out? Can I bring the room temp water in the bottle and mix the powder when I need it?

Yes, I bought a little powder formula container at BRU that I use when I am out. I premeasure the formula for each bottle into the container (there's 3 spots, so I can get up to 3 bottles worth). I throw that in my diaper bag, as well as the bottles filled with the water I boiled in my tea kettle. Then I just dump the powder into the water and mix and the bottle is made while we are out. This saves you from having to bring ice packs to keep a bottle of formula cool.

Message edited 9/24/2006 2:38:46 PM.

Re: Powder Formula users

I wanted to add that I use a little coffee frothers blendery thingy to mix up the powder and water, it works great and my bottles never leak.

Also, I use tap water to make up my bottles now that Noah is older...I read it in parenting magazine that it was okay to do...

Re: Powder Formula users

I use Poland Spring bottled water. So far, Ava seems fine. I don't boil it or anything.

Re: Powder Formula users

i fill up all the bottles w/ boiled h2o and add the scoops of formula as i need to each bottle.

Re: Powder Formula users

My daughter got formula from about 2 weeks old on and I never boiled water. I used filtered water from the fridge and would warm it on the stove and she did fine.
When we were out I made her bottles with bottled water, again never had any problems.
As far as mixing it I believe formula is good for 24 hours in the fridge and up to four hours out if it has not been drank from.

HTH

Re: Powder Formula users

I dont even boil my water, I use the filtered stuff from the fridge dispenser. I make a days worth in a container. Once in awhile I get lazy and do it bottle by bottle (which is actually more work so Im not sure why Im calling it lazy )

When Im out I either use bottled water or I heat a bottle of water - hotter if its going to be awhile before his next feeding, otherwise the usual temp and then just dispense the formula into it from one of those 3 section formula containers.

Re: Powder Formula users

Thank you all!

We asked about bottled water and filtered, and the dr said for us only use boiled tap. I am sure the bottled would be fine, but I feel like since she said boiled tap, I should listen!

Bottled would make things alot easier though! There are 5 drs in my practice, maybe I'll ask another one.

Thanks again everyone for helping me out!