Choosing the right formula will largely depend on your pediatrician’s guidance and your baby’s individual needs. Baby formulas are not “one-size-fits-all.” What’s best for one baby may not be best for yours! The right formula will be easy for your baby to digest and support their nutrition needs.
Check out our Formula Guide to learn more about the different Similac formula options. If you’re not sure which formula is best for your baby, ask your baby’s doctor. In addition, our Formula Finder can provide suggestions based on your baby’s needs!
Baby bottles: what kind should I use?
You can use any bottle that your baby prefers or is recommended by your pediatrician. For more advice on bottles and nipples, take a look at our Bottle Guide.
How to Prepare Similac Powder Formula
Follow these simple steps to protect your baby’s health and make sure they receive the nutrition they need. You can always refer to the specific preparation instructions that are printed on the side of your formula container.
Note: Before prepping your formula, remember to always check the date on your formula. Never feed your baby expired formula or formula from a dented can.
How to Mix a Bottle of Powder Formula
- CLEAN & SANITIZE: First, wash your hands well before preparing bottles or feeding your baby. Next, clean and sanitize the workspace where you will be preparing your formula.
- ADD WATER TO BOTTLE: Measure and pour the appropriate amount of water into a clean baby bottle.
- ADD POWDER FORMULA SCOOP(S) TO BOTTLE: Add an unpacked, level scoop(s) of powder formula to the bottle as directed (1 scoop of formula per 2 fl oz of water). Return the dry scoop to the can. Scoop sizes can vary, so it’s important to use the scoop that comes with your product.
- CAP & MIX BOTTLE: Put the cap on the bottle and shake.
- READY TO FEED: Feed or store immediately in the refrigerator.
- CLEAN YOUR BOTTLE: Baby bottles, nipples, and rings should be cleaned after every feeding. Make sure to take bottles fully apart and thoroughly clean each part.
Do I Need to Use Boiled Water to Make Baby Formula?
Ask your baby’s doctor if you need to use cooled boiled water for mixing and if you need to boil (sterilize) bottles, nipples, and rings before use.
Extra steps, such as sanitizing feeding equipment like bottles and nipples, may be necessary, especially if your baby is younger than 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system. For more information on cleaning and sterilizing bottles before use, refer to the CDC website.
Reminder: Powdered infant formula is not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants with immune problems unless directed and supervised by your doctor. Customers also check the offers Coupon Code.
Storing Similac Powder Formula Containers
Store unopened and opened formula containers in a cool, dry place. They should not be kept in places with extreme temperatures. Do not store your powder formula containers in the fridge.
Once opened, tightly close the lid of your container after each use, and make sure to use all of the product or discard the unused portion within 1 month of opening. Consider writing the date you opened your formula on the can to help you keep track!
Storing Prepared Powder Formula
Once mixed, feed immediately or refrigerate in a securely closed container. Do not freeze mixed formula—this can cause the protein and fat to separate. Once prepared, formulas should be used within 24 hours.
Formula-to-water Ratios
For the Similac formula, use 1 level scoop of powder (not packed down) per 2 fl oz of water. Your baby's health depends on carefully following these directions.
Remember: Scoop sizes can vary, so it’s important to use the scoop that comes with your product. Here’s an example of what your label may instruct you to do:
Supplementing Breast Milk With Formula
Supplementing breast milk with formula may be an option that supports your feeding goals. While you can alternate between breast milk and formula, it’s also okay to mix breast milk with prepared formula. See our article for more information on introducing formula to your breastfeeding baby.
How Much Should I Feed My Baby?
Your baby will need different amounts of formula at different stages in their development. Babies also give certain cues to tell you when they’re full! To learn more about how much formula your baby needs, see our article on formula feeding.
Similac Ready-to-feed Formula Instructions
Ready-to-feed formula is what it sounds like—ready to go when you need it! It’s a great option to make nighttime feeding or feeding while traveling more convenient.
There's no mixing required and only minimal prep work. Simply wash your hands, shake the ready-to-feed bottle before opening, and pour the formula into a clean baby bottle. Or, if you’re using a 2-fl-oz or 8-fl-oz ready-to-feed bottle, just twist on the nipple and ring. It’s that easy!
Note: If your baby doesn't finish a bottle of formula within 1 hour, throw it away. Buyers also shop Promo Code.
Storing Ready-to-feed Formula Once Opened
Storage of the opened ready-to-feed formula will depend on which formula you are using.
32-fl-oz bottles: Immediately store the open 32-fl-oz bottle in the refrigerator. Use the remainder of the formula within 72 hours of opening. If you pour the 32-fl-oz bottle into individual baby bottles, refrigerate them, and use them within 48 hours.
Alimentum 32-fl-oz and 8-fl-oz: Store capped, opened container immediately in the refrigerator and fed within 48 hours. If using an Alimentum 8-fl-oz ready-to-feed can, cover the opened container and store it immediately in the refrigerator. Feed within 48 hours.
2-fl-oz and 8-fl-oz nipple-ready bottles: Store immediately in the refrigerator and feed within 48 hours, unless otherwise stated on the label or carton.
Do not reuse ready-to-feed bottles. Protect opened bottles from light.
Appropriate Ways to Warm Formula
Water bath. Set the filled and capped bottle in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water. Make sure the top or neck of the bottle does not touch the water.
Before feeding, swirl or shake the bottle to distribute the warmed formula evenly, then sprinkle a few drops of formula on the inside of your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot.
Warm running water. Hold the capped bottle under warm running tap water. Make sure the top or neck of the bottle does not touch the water.
Before feeding, swirl or shake the bottle to distribute the warmed formula evenly, then sprinkle a few drops of formula on the inside of your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot.
