How Many Scoops Of Formula For 3 oz?

Many parents think that once they’ve had their babies, preparing formula will become second nature in a short time. But as the baby grows, so do their tummy needs. And their portion size changes. It’s crucial to stay on top of your little one’s formula requirements to ensure they get all the nutrients they need in the proper proportions.

So, how many scoops of formula should you use to make 3 oz of milk? That’s not difficult to calculate. But before that, here’s a little information about infant formula. Infant formula is produced as a breast milk alternative and contains essential nutrients your child needs for healthy development.

The nutrients in infant formulas closely resemble those found in breast milk. Thus it’s vital to know the correct formula and water measurements needed. Too much formula can result in nutrient overload that may cause your baby digestive issues. In contrast, too much water will dilute the formula and make it low in nutrients, leading to deficiencies.

How Many Scoops Of Formula For 3 oz?

There are general guidelines used when preparing infant formula. They include:

Clean the equipment and the surface used to prepare the formula. You can clean the surface with warm soapy water and rinse with clean water. Wash equipment and bottles with hot soapy water and rinse with clean water. Then sterilize the equipment and bottles by putting them in a pot of boiling water for a minute.
Wash your hands with water and soap and dry with a clean towel.
The water used to prepare the formula should be safe.
Rinse and dry the top of the milk container before opening it.
Then check the expiration date. Don’t use formula past its use by or expiration date. Also, avoid using formula whose container has rust or is dented.
Read all the instructions stated about how to make the formula.
Once you’ve prepared the formula, test its temperature before feeding your child. You can do so by shaking a few drops of the formula on your wrist. It should be warm, not hot.

Powdered formula is mainly prepared using 2 ounces of water for every scoop. So, to make 3 ounces of milk formula, you’ll need one and a half scoops of powdered formula. Now, there are two ways of doing this.

You can use one and a half scoops of powdered formula and three ounces of water to make 3 oz of formula milk directly. Or, you can use three scoops of formula and six ounces of water to make 6 oz of formula milk and then divide this by two.

The former is not recommended, and it’s always advisable to avoid using half-scoops of powder. That’s so because you cannot get the exact half a scoop measurement of powdered formula. You may either under or over-concentrate the formula. As such, we’re preparing a 6 oz formula milk using 3 scoops of formula and then dividing this by two. Here are the steps:

Always begin with the water and not the formula powder. Boil your water for a minute and cool it slightly, but not more than 20-30 minutes. The water needs to be hot enough to kill germs.
Pour the hot water into a clean bottle. Since we are making 6 0z formula, ensure you fill the bottle precisely at the 6 oz line on the bottle.
Use only the scoop in the formula container when measuring the powdered formula and not any other scoop. Fill the scoop up, and level it with a knife, but don’t pack it down. Add the powder to water. Remember we are adding 3 scoops, so you’ll do this thrice. Once done, return the clean scoop to the can.
Put the nipples and caps on the bottles and shake the formula well until properly mixed. Some formula brands may be more foamy or sudsy than others, but that’s normal.
Divide the prepared formula by pouring 3 oz of the formula into another clean bottle, and store it well for later use.
Test the temperature of the remaining formula; it should feel warm, not hot.
Feed your baby with one bottle and store the other 3 oz bottle in the fridge for 24 hours. Remember to label the bottle you’re about to store with the date and time prepared to avoid feeding your little one expired milk.

Special Consideration When Preparing Baby Formula

If your child is premature or has special medical needs or conditions, your doctor or dietician may recommend a different procedure for preparing formula. So, ensure you consult them.
If you prefer mixing formula with breast milk, it’s advisable to prepare the formula first, then mix it with breast milk. Don’t use breast milk as the liquid for mixing with powdered formula unless you were directed to do so by your healthcare provider.

How To Store Prepared Formula

Once you’re done preparing baby formula, how long should it take you before it becomes unsafe for consumption? Here are general guidelines on how long to store infant formula:

Use prepared formula within two hours of preparation and within one hour from the initial feeding time.
If you’re not using the formula immediately after preparing it, store it in the fridge for 24 hours.
Avoid storing and using the formula from your kid’s unfinished bottle. Your baby’s saliva contains natural micro-organisms which may facilitate bacterial growth.
Store formula in a cool and dry place with a cap lid that’s airtight and fits appropriately.
Remember to check the formula label to know how long you should use the powdered formula after opening the container. Most formulas should be used within one month after opening the can.
Don’t use powdered formula after the expiration or “Use By” dates.

Conclusion

Appropriate formula measurements is crucial when preparing your baby’s formula. It prevents you from adding too little or too much water, leading to nutrient overload or deficiencies. This article discussed general guidelines on preparing formula, storing formula, and how many scoops you’ll need to make 3 oz formula for your baby. So, ensure you follow the guidelines, and in case you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.