Formula worries (a bit long sorry)

WowHey · July 2015

I'm going to be formula feeding my baby and have received powdered formula from various people. I hadn't given any thought to powder vs. liquid concentrate but lately I've been reading that powdered formula poses a health risk and should not be given to newborns under 2 months because it can't be sterilized. I'm looking for opinions/reassurance from mothers who have used either but no harsh words or any words about breastfeeding over formula. I've made up my mind already and am quite content with my decision I am just wanting to be well informed.
Also we have kept the powdered formula in a room that gets quite hot and I am worried that it has ruined the formula.

whitjweaver · July 2015

My son never used liquid formula, always powdered. He's now six, and perfectly healthy.

Jmitch8 · July 2015

My son also used powdered formula, and he's almost five and perfectly healthy. We only used the liquid when we were released from the hospital because they gave it to us.

LibbyC730 · July 2015

We supplemented with the liquid at the hospital and used a powder of the same version at home for the first week. I did learn something interesting at a new mommy class the other day. If babies are primarily formula fed it's recommended to use bottled water (versus tap water with fluoride) to make bottles so they don't get too much fluoride. The liquid bottles were super convenient at the hospital, but seem like they'd be more expensive and harder to store at home.

hay1122 · July 2015

Yes, powdered infant formula cannot be sterilized and can contain a harmful bacteria. To properly make infant formula, you'll have to boil water first, mix in the powder, then cool until it's safe for baby to drink. Look up directions on mixing powdered infant formula for all the step by step details.

Bugs1718 · July 2015

We used powdered with DD and she's 3, perfectly healthy. I asked her doc about it way back then and he said it's fine (and he's big on organic, etc). This time, we're seeing a different pediatrician (we moved to another state) and met with them ahead of time. They said it's just fine and actually gave us powdered samples. If you're really concerned about it, you can do liquid concentrate for the first couple of months (it's a bit more expensive ) and then switch to powdered. As long as it's the same kind, baby won't even notice. We used to use liquid for DD when we traveled or on occasion if we got a really good deal but only because it's a bit more convenient. We used Similac Advance and one of the nice things is its available in powder, liquid concentrate and liquid ready to drink. You have lots of options.

halo&wings · July 2015

DD is 11 days old and we are feeding her a combo of breastmilk and formula. Up until now we have only given her liquid formula, not the powder, and we will continue with only liquid formula until she is at least 2 months. Every doctor and nurse I've talked to has mentioned that newborns can't find off the bacteria that can be found in powdered formula until they are 2 months. We may be overly cautious, but I personally don't want to take that risk. We are just holding on to the powdered formula until that point.

mnj05 · July 2015

We did formula early on too with no problems. I recently heard about the boiling thing but had never heard of it before. I've been around babies my entire life and fed them formula, never ever did we or anyone I know boil water and go through all of that.