Powdered Baby Formula: The Hidden Danger

Recently, a serious illness called botulinum was in the news and brought awareness of the dangers of using powdered infant formula. But did you know that there is another very serious illness your baby can get from powdered formulas, and you can prevent it?

Cronobacter is a bacterium that can survive in powdered formulas. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has specific guidelines for preparing powdered formula for specific babies who are more likely to get seriously ill if the bacterium is ingested.

These babies include:

• Those less than 2 months old

• Those who were born prematurely, before 37 weeks gestation

• Those who have a weakened immune system.

If your baby falls into any of those categories- Listen Up!

Ready-to-feed or liquid formula is sterilized during the manufacturing process. But powdered formulas cannot be sterilized. Therefore, spore-producing bacteria can live in the powder and cause your baby to become seriously ill.

Symptoms of Cronobacter infection in babies include:

• Fever

• Poor feeding

• Excessive crying

• Low energy

Symptoms can progress to difficulty breathing, abnormal body movements, bloodstream infections (sepsis), meningitis, or seizures.

So how can you prevent your baby from ever contracting this illness?

Follow the CDC guidelines for preparing powdered formula:

Step 1- Clean work surfaces such as countertops and sinks with soap and water or disinfecting wipes.

Step 2- Wash hands with soap and water before preparing formula.

Step 3- Bring some water to a rolling boil then cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 4-Pour desired amount of cooled water into a clean bottle.

Step 5- Add the exact amount of formula listed on the container.

Step 6- Cap the bottle and shake to mix. Do not stir.

Step 7- Cool the formula to body temperature by holding the bottle under cool water or placing it in an ice bath. Do not let the water enter the bottle or come into contact with the nipple.

Step 8- Always test the formula’s temperature on your wrist before feeding to prevent burning your baby’s mouth. It should feel warm, not hot.

But what about the infant formula dispensers?

Unfortunately, most will not kill Cronobacter spores. The water in these machines does not come to a boil- the necessary temperature to kill the Chronobacter spores. The water must be at least 158F / 70°C.

These devices are best used after your full-term baby is 2 months old or your preterm baby is 2 months old corrected. They are not recommended for babies with weakened immune systems.

Were you told to never shake the formula bottle because it can cause your baby to have gas?

Stirring the formula into the bottle does not break the cell wall of the bacterium like shaking it does. While the bottle of formula sits and cools, air bubbles rise to the top, decreasing air throughout the formula and decreasing the chances of your baby getting gas from air.

What else can you do to protect your baby from bacteria in formula?

• •Consider exclusive breastfeeding.

• Use ready-made or liquid formula if able.

• Ensure your powdered formula has not expired and the container is in good condition.

• Close containers of formula as soon as possible after using.

• Do not put wet utensils into the powder as even a small amount of moisture can attract pathogens.