It is important to remember that powdered infant formula is
not sterile. It can contain bacteria called enterobacter sakazakii and salmonella.
These bacteria are everywhere in the environment and may be introduced in the
manufacturing process or when the feeds are made up from your worktops and surfaces.
Thus when making up your baby’s feeds it is important that the water you
use has been boiled as this will kill most of the bacteria present in the powdered
formula.
The current recommendations from the Department of Health and
the European food safety authority (2004) are to prepare a bottle fresh at each
feed. This is because bacteria will multiply quickly even when refrigerated.
If your baby leaves any of the formula do not safe this for later, always throw
any unused formula away as this could lead to infection.
If you are going out with your baby you should take boiled water
in a sealed vacuum flask and carry separately the required amount of powdered
formula. You can then make up a fresh feed as needed. Alternatively sterile,
ready to feed cartons of formula can be used.
A
Firstly, it is important to
keep your kitchen worktops and surfaces clean and of course make sure your bottles
and teats have been sterilized using your chosen method. Secondly, always wash
your hands before preparing formula feeds.
