Introduction
You may decide to feed your baby infant formula only or in combination with breastmilk. Feeding your baby infant formula can provide them with the nutrition they need.
Learn how to prepare, store and use infant formula. You’ll also find information on your baby’s behaviour, how often they feed, and how many wet and dirty diapers to expect over the first few weeks and beyond.
Formula feeding
- Choosing an infant formula
- Types of infant formula
- The first week and beyond with infant formula
In this Section:
Choosing an infant formula
You may decide to feed your baby infant formula only or in combination with breastmilk. Feeding your baby infant formula can provide them with the nutrition they need. Choose an infant formula that meets your baby’s needs. A cow’s milk-based infant formula is recommended until your baby is 9–12 months old.
Infant formula has iron in it to help your baby grow and develop. Only use soy protein or other specialized formulas such as lactose-free or hypo-allergenic if your health care provider tells you to. Talk to your health care provider about the formula that’s right for your baby.
Infant formula sold in Canada must meet Health Canada’s safety and nutrition standards. Buying infant formula over the Internet or from stores outside of Canada is not recommended. These formulas may not be safe or have the right nutrition for your baby.
Allergies?
Your child may be at risk of an allergy if either parent or one of their siblings has a confirmed food allergy. Call Health Link at 811 or talk with your health care provider to find out what infant formula is right for your baby.
Take care of baby's mouth
Wipe your baby’s mouth with a clean damp cloth. This will help them have healthy gums and prevent tooth decay.
Types of infant formula
Infant formula comes in three forms:
- ready-to-feed
- liquid concentrate
- powder
Liquid concentrate or ready-to-feed formulas are the safest types because they’re sterile until opened. Powdered infant formula is not sterile but can be used for healthy babies if it’s prepared and handled properly.
No matter what type of infant formula you use:
- Check the expiry date on the can before you use it.
- Check the formula can label carefully to make sure it’s the type of formula concentration you want to use (e.g., ready-to-feed or liquid concentrate).
- Before mixing, follow the preparation and handling instructions on the can.
- Add the correct amount of water to liquid concentrate or powdered infant formula so that your baby gets the right nutrition. Learn more about how to prepare the water for babies under 4 months old.
Do not give homemade formula
Homemade formula does not offer proper nutrition and can make your baby very sick. To learn more, visit Government of Canada – Safety of Homemade Infant Formulas in Canada.
The first week and beyond with infant formula
The first week of your baby’s life is full of changes for all of you. Your baby may not follow the same feeding pattern every day. Feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger and stop feeding when they show signs of fullness, even if there’s formula left in the bottle.
In the first week or so, if your baby is sleepy, massage them gently to help them wake up to feed. You can also do skin-to-skin cuddling. As your baby grows, you’ll get to know their feeding patterns. If you don’t notice feeding cues, ask for help. Learn more about the feeding relationship and cues.
Preparing & storing infant formula
- Overview
- Water used to prepare infant formula
- Boiling water for babies under 4 months old
- Ready-to-feed infant formula (do not add water)
- Liquid concentrate infant formula (add water)
- Powdered infant formula (add water)
In this Section:
Overview
When preparing infant formula, always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use the right amount of water. Not mixing infant formula properly can be dangerous and can make your baby very sick.
For ready-to-feed infant formula, do not add water. You’ll have to add water to liquid concentrate or powdered infant formula. It’s very important to follow the directions and use the correct amount of water:
- Adding too much water will dilute the formula—your baby will not get the right nutrients
- Adding too little water makes the formula too strong and can damage your baby’s kidneys
For babies under 4 months, boil the water, equipment and containers that will be used to prepare and store formula. Learn more about preparing equipment for babies under 4 months old.
For babies 4 months and older, the feeding equipment needs to be cleaned. Water no longer needs to be boiled. Learn more about preparing equipment for babies over 4 months old.
Download and print our step-by-step guides:
- Boiling water to prepare infant formula
- Preparation instructions: ready-to-feed infant formula
- Preparation instructions: liquid concentrate infant formula (Arabic | French | Punjabi | Spanish | Tagalog | Tigrinya | Traditional Chinese)
- Preparation instructions: powdered infant formula (Arabic | French | Punjabi | Spanish | Tagalog | Tigrinya | Traditional Chinese)
Water used to prepare infant formula
All water used to prepare infant formula for babies under 4 months old needs to be boiled to make it safe. Water does not have to be boiled for babies over 4 months old.
Here are some tips to make sure the water you use for your baby is safe:
- Use cold tap water. Hot tap water may have more metal contaminants from pipes such as copper or lead and should not be used.
- If the tap has not been used for more than 6 hours, run the water for 2–3 minutes before using it.
- Boil bottled water before using it to make sure it does not have any disease causing organisms in it.
- Do not use mineral, vitamin, carbonated or flavoured water to prepare infant formula.
Well water, water from a cistern or water from other sources should be tested before you use it to prepare infant formula. Learn more about water from a well.
Water
Boil water and then cool it before using it to prepare liquid concentrate or powdered infant formula for babies under 4 months old.
Boiling water for babies under 4 months old
Step 1:
Fill a pot with cold tap water.
Bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 2 minutes.
Step 2:
Remove the pot from the heat.
Cool the boiled water.
Step 3:
Pour the boiled, cooled water into a container that has been cleaned by boiling or in a dishwasher using a sanitize cycle.
Step 4:
Store the boiled, cooled water in a tightly closed container for 2–3 days in the refrigerator or for 24 hours at room temperature.
Ready-to-feed infant formula (do not add water)
You do not need to add water to ready-to-feed infant formula. Prepare the bottle using the steps below. If you’re leaving the prepared infant formula at room temperature, use it within 2 hours. If not being used, put the formula in the refrigerator right away. If you store formula in the refrigerator, make sure you use it within 48 hours, unless the formula can has different instructions. You may want to have a bottle ready so that you can respond quickly to your baby’s feeding cues.
Throw away any leftover formula from the feed—don’t re-heat or re-refrigerate used formula. After 2 hours, your baby’s saliva in the leftover formula can create growth of bacteria that can make your baby sick.
Step 1:
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Step 2:
Step 3:
Rinse the top of the can with water.
Step 4:
Shake the can.
Step 5:
Open the can with a clean can opener. Learn more about cleaning feeding equipment.
Step 6:
Pour the amount of formula needed into the bottle. DO NOT ADD WATER.
Step 7:
Use the formula right away or store in the refrigerator.
Step 8:
Tightly cover the open can.
Refrigerate and use within the time recommended on the can.
Liquid concentrate infant formula (add water)
You must add water to liquid concentrate infant formula. Read the directions on the can for the correct amount of liquid concentrate and water to use. Prepare the bottle using the steps below. Use formula within 2 hours of preparing it or put it in the refrigerator right away. If the formula is stored in the refrigerator, make sure you use it within 48 hours, unless the can has different instructions.
Once you have fed your baby, throw away any leftover formula from the feed after 2 hours—do not re-heat or re-refrigerate used formula. After 2 hours, your baby’s saliva in the leftover formula can create growth of bacteria that can make your baby sick.
Powdered infant formula (add water)
You must add water to powdered infant formula. Read the directions on the infant formula can for the correct amount of powder and water to use. It’s safest to prepare powdered infant formula and use it right away. If you’re preparing more than one bottle for use later on, store it in the refrigerator and make sure that you use it within 24 hours.
Once you have fed your baby, throw away any leftover formula from the feed after 2 hours—do not re-heat or re-refrigerate used formula. After 2 hours, your baby’s saliva in the leftover formula can create growth of bacteria that can make your baby sick.
If you need to prepare more than one bottle of powdered infant formula, follow these extra steps to stop any bacteria from growing:
- Use clean water (boiled for babies under 4 months old) that has been cooled to refrigerator temperature, 4 °C (39.2 °F).
- Put prepared formula that you’re not going to use in the refrigerator right away and store for up to 24 hours.
- If you don’t have access to a refrigerator, keep prepared formula cool in an insulated bag with an ice pack and use it within 2 hours.
Storing powdered infant formula:
- Store the powdered infant formula can in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed. Do not store the can in the refrigerator.
- Write the date you open the can on its lid. Throw out any unused formula 1 month after you open the can.
- Do not freeze the powdered infant formula. It can change the texture and may not mix well with water.
Warming formula
Your baby may prefer warm formula. Here’s how to warm it safely:
- Put the prepared bottle in a container of warm water for no more than 15 minutes.
- Do not cover the lid or nipple with water when you’re warming formula. This can contaminate the formula.
- Gently shake the bottle to mix the formula.
- Test the formula on the inside of your wrist to make sure it’s not too warm for your baby. It should feel lukewarm to the touch.
- Do not put the bottle nipple in your mouth to check the temperature or to clean it. This can pass germs on to your baby.
Microwaves
Do not microwave formula. Microwaves heat liquids unevenly and form hot spots. This can burn your baby’s mouth. Warm milk in a container of warm water instead.
Call Health Link at 811 or your health care provider if you’re wondering about any of the following:
- what kind of formula to feed your baby
- how to prepare the formula
- allergies
How much formula and how often?
- Birth–24 hours old
- 24–48 hours old
- 48–72 hours old
- 3–7 days
- 1–2 weeks
- 3–8 weeks
- 2–5 months
- 6–8 months
In this Section:
Expect your baby to eat often and small amounts at a time in the first week. Watch their cues and gradually increase the amount of formula you offer. Talk with your health care provider if you have questions.
Here’s what you may see during your baby’s first few days and beyond:
Birth–24 hours old
Baby’s behaviour:
- may be awake, alert and quiet during the first few hours
- may not want to feed right away as they recover after birth
How often they feed:
- will need to feed often because they have a small stomach
- feed at least 5 times in the first day (24 hours)
- drinks small amounts of formula at a time
- may only take 10–15 ml (1/3 – 1/2 oz) per feed
What you can do:
- follow your baby’s feeding cues
- do skin-to-skin cuddling
- massage your baby gently to help them wake up to feed
- if you don’t notice feeding cues or are not sure, ask for help
24–48 hours old
Baby’s behaviour:
- will wake and show feeding cues
- will need to feed often
- by the 2nd or 3rd day, they’ll be more alert during feedings
- they’ll have a strong sucking reflex, with their lower jaw moving
How often they feed:
- drinks small amounts of formula at a time
- feed about 6–8 times a day (24 hours), with no set schedule
What you can do:
- follow your baby’s feeding cues
- slowly increase the amount of formula you feed your baby at each feed
48–72 hours old
Baby’s behaviour:
- will wake and show feeding cues
- will need to feed often
How often they feed:
- drinks small amounts of formula at a time
- feed about 6–8 times a day (24 hours), with no set schedule
What you can do:
- follow your baby’s feeding cues
- slowly increase the amount of formula you feed your baby at each feed
3–7 days
Baby’s behaviour:
- will wake and show feeding cues
- will need to feed often
How often they feed:
- drinks small amounts of formula at a time
- will feed about 6–8 times a day (24 hours), with no set schedule
What you can do:
- follow your baby’s feeding cues
- slowly increase the amount of formula you feed your baby at each feed
1–2 weeks
Baby’s behaviour:
- will wake and show feeding cues
- will need to feed often
How often they feed:
- drinks about 60–90 ml (2–3 oz) at each feeding
- feed about 6–10 times a day (24 hours)
What you can do:
- follow your baby’s feeding cues
3–8 weeks
Baby’s behaviour:
- will wake and show feeding cues
- will need to feed often
How often they feed:
- drinks about 90–150 ml (3–5 oz) at each feeding
- feed about 5–8 times a day (24 hours)
What you can do:
- follow your baby’s feeding cues
2–5 months
Baby’s behaviour:
- will wake and show feeding cues
How often they feed:
- drinks about 120–180 ml (4–6 oz) at each feeding
- feed about 5–7 times a day (24 hours)
What you can do:
- follow your baby’s feeding cues
6–8 months
Baby’s behaviour:
- will wake and show feeding cues
How often they feed:
- drinks about 120–240 ml (4–8 oz) at each feeding
- feed about 4–5 times a day (24 hours)
What you can do:
- follow your baby’s feeding cues
Your baby’s appetite may vary from day-to-day and from feeding to feeding. Babies who need to feed more often may be having a growth spurt. This usually happens around 2–3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3–4 months of age. Growth spurts only last a few days. Your baby may also cluster feed, which can happen anytime, but is most common during the evening. When your baby starts to eat solid foods, at around 6 months, they’ll start to drink less formula.
Is my baby getting enough?
You can tell if your baby is getting enough infant formula by the number of wet and dirty diapers they have.
Birth–24 hours
Wet diapers in 24 hours:
- at least 1 small, wet diaper
- small amounts of dark orange or rusty brown urine
Stools in 24 hours:
- at least 1 meconium stool
24–48 hours
Wet diapers in 24 hours:
- at least 2 small, wet diapers
- small amounts of dark orange or rusty brown urine
Stools in 24 hours:
- at least 1 meconium stool, each the size of the palm of your baby’s hand or larger
48–72 hours
Wet diapers in 24 hours:
- at least 3 wet diapers
- small amounts of dark orange or rusty brown urine
Stools in 24 hours:
at least 1 green-brown (transitional) stool, the size of the palm of your baby’s hand or larger
3–5 days old
Wet diapers in 24 hours:
- at least 4 large, heavy, wet diapers every 24 hours
- amount of urine will increase and turn light yellow and clear
Stools in 24 hours:
- at least 1 yellow or pale green stool every 24 hours, each the size of the palm of your baby’s hand or larger
6–7 days and older
Wet diapers in 24 hours:
- at least 6 large, heavy, wet diapers every day
Stools in 24 hours:
- Day 6: at least 1 yellow or pale green stool, the size the palm of your baby’s hand or larger
- Day 7 and onwards: an average of 2–3 stools every day for the first 1–4 weeks. After this, the number will change with age.
Call Health Link at 811 or your health care provider NOW if your baby has any of the following:
- will feed if you wake them, but will not wake up on their own to feed
- is always sleepy
- will not feed or is not showing feeding cues
Call Health Link at 811 or your health care provider if your baby has any of the following:
- vomits most, or all of their feeding, 2 or more times in a row
- does not have the recommended number of wet or dirty diapers
- is fussy during or after feeding
- wants to feed all of the time—this is different than cluster feeding
- green, watery bowel movements that smell bad
- white, light grey, or very light yellowish bowel movements
- blood in their stool or urine
- urine that still looks dark orange or rusty after they’re 72 hours old
- any other signs that concern you