Making a 6 ounce bottle of Enfamil infant formula is a simple process that many caregivers need to know. Enfamil is a popular brand of infant formula that provides complete nutrition for babies from birth to 12 months. With just a few steps, you can easily mix a 6 ounce bottle that is safe and nutritious for your little one.
What you’ll need
To make a 6 ounce bottle of Enfamil formula, you’ll need:
- 6 ounces of fresh tap water
- 2 level scoops of Enfamil formula powder
- 1 bottle with measurements
- 1 bottle nipple
Standard formulas like Enfamil Infant or Enfamil NeuroPro Infant require 2 scoops per 2 ounces of water. So for a 6 ounce bottle, you’ll need a total of 6 scoops or 3 level scoops.
Step 1: Start with clean equipment
Before making a bottle, make sure all your equipment – bottle, nipple, ring, and cap – are thoroughly washed in hot, soapy water. Proper cleaning removes any residues and helps prevent bacteria buildup.
You can wash bottle parts by hand or in the dishwasher. Dishwashers sanitize bottles and nipples at very high temperatures.
After washing, inspect bottles and nipples for any cracks or tears. Damaged equipment should be immediately discarded and replaced.
Step 2: Boil water
For optimal safety and to kill any potentially harmful bacteria, the water used to mix formula should be sterilized. The easiest way to do this is by boiling tap water.
Bring at least 6 ounces of water to a rolling boil. Let it continue boiling for 1 minute. This ensures the water reaches a high enough temperature to kill bacteria.
If you live in an area with unsafe tap water, use bottled distilled or nursery water instead. Still boil it before mixing formula.
Step 3: Cool boiled water
Formula powder should never be added to boiling hot water. It can destroy the nutrients in formula. So it’s important to let the boiled water cool first.
Cool the boiled water to room temperature. You can quicken the cooling process by placing the pot of boiled water in an ice bath.
Test that the water is no longer hot before moving to the next step. It should feel lukewarm or room temp.
Step 4: Pour cooled water into bottle
Once the boiled water has cooled, pour the desired 6 ounces into the clean bottle. Use the ounce markings on the side of the bottle for an accurate measurement.
Double check that you have the right amount of water before adding the formula powder. Having too much or too little water can affect the formula concentration.
Step 5: Add formula powder
With the right amount of water now in the bottle, you can add the formula powder. Using the provided scoop, measure out the correct amount of powder.
For a 6 ounce Enfamil bottle, add 2 level scoops of powder. Level off the scoop with a clean knife for an exact measurement.
Sprinkle the powder into the water and swirl the bottle gently to dissolve any lumps.
Step 6: Mix thoroughly
Once the powder is added, shake the bottle for at least 30 seconds to mix everything together. Make sure there are no remaining dry clumps of powder.
Shaking helps distribute the nutrients evenly and prevents your baby from ingesting concentrated chunks of formula powder.
If any powder sticks to the bottom or sides of the bottle, continue gently swirling until fully dissolved.
Step 7: Attach nipple and ring
With the formula fully mixed, securely screw the ring and nipple onto the bottle. Make sure the nipple’s ventilation holes are not blocked or clogged.
A tight seal between the nipple, ring, and bottle prevents leaks while your baby drinks. Check for gaps by tipping the bottle upside down.
Step 8: Warm bottle (if desired)
While some babies take cold bottles, others may prefer warm. To heat the bottle, place it in a container of warm water for several minutes.
Do not microwave formula bottles. Microwaving can create hot spots that burn your baby’s mouth. Warmers, slow cookers, and pots work better.
Before feeding, always test the temperature by dripping some milk onto your wrist. It should feel lukewarm, not hot.
Additional tips
Here are some additional recommendations when making bottles of Enfamil formula:
- Use purified boiled water that has cooled to room temperature.
- Always measure powder using the provided scoop.
- Mix 1 scoop with 2 ounces of water, unless directed differently.
- Shake bottle well for at least 30 seconds to mix thoroughly.
- Discard any unfinished formula within 1 hour.
- Do not save mixed formula to use later.
- Store opened cans of powder in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator.
Storing prepared formula safely
Proper storage and handling of prepared infant formula helps keep it safe and reduces the risk of illness. Here are some guidelines:
- Prepared bottles can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Cover prepared bottles and store towards the back of the fridge where it’s coldest.
- Discard any unused formula left in bottles after feeding.
- Label bottles with the date and time you prepared them.
- Discard formula if it smells sour or spoiled.
- Never freeze prepared formula.
With these simple steps and safety tips, you can easily mix a nutritious 6 ounce bottle of Enfamil infant formula. Making formula may seem intimidating at first, but you’ll quickly get the hang of measuring the water and powder.
Be sure to carefully follow preparation and storage instructions. Properly prepared, handled, and stored bottles will provide quality nutrition for your growing baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use bottled or tap water to mix Enfamil formula?
Unless your tap water is unsafe, tap water is fine to use with formula. Just make sure to boil it first to kill any potential bacteria before mixing. Bottled distilled or nursery water can also be used.
Is it okay to mix powder with hot water?
No, you should always mix formula with water that has been boiled and then cooled to room temperature. Hot water can destroy the nutrients in the formula powder.
Can I make a bottle in advance?
It’s best to make each bottle of formula fresh right before feeding. But if needed, you can prepare a bottle up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the back of the fridge until ready to use. Be sure to discard any leftover formula within 1 hour after the baby starts eating.
How long is prepared Enfamil formula good for?
An opened container of ready-to-use liquid formula must be used within 48 hours. Prepared powdered formula is good for only 24 hours if refrigerated. Any prepared formula left out at room temperature for more than 1 hour should be discarded.
Can I mix formula powder with breast milk?
Yes, Enfamil powder can be safely mixed with expressed breast milk if you are combination feeding. Follow the usual steps but replace the water with pumped milk. Make sure to use the correct scoops of powder per ounces of breast milk.
Conclusion
When making a 6 ounce bottle of Enfamil formula, the key steps include: sterilizing 6 ounces of water, letting it cool, adding 2 level scoops of powder, mixing thoroughly until dissolved, and attaching the nipple top. Following proper preparation, storage, and handling guidelines helps ensure your baby gets the full nutritional benefits of Enfamil in every bottle.
