Cronobacter is a type of bacteria that can cause rare but serious
infections in infants. These bacteria are germs that can live in the
environment or in dry foods, such as powdered infant formula. In
most cases, it is safe to mix powdered infant formula following
the manufacturer’s instructions on the container.
If your baby is younger than 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune
system, you may want to take extra precautions to protect them from getting sick with Cronobacter:
Breastfeed if you can. Very few cases of Cronobacter infections
have been reported among babies fed only breast milk.
Clean, sanitize, and store feeding items safely, such as baby bottles and
breast pump parts. This helps prevent contamination with germs and keeps
the milk you feed your baby safe.
Clean and sanitize infant feeding items (such as nipples, caps, rings, and valves)
and breast pump parts in a dishwasher or a clean wash basin that you use only for
washing these supplies. Do not place these items directly in the sink because germs
in sinks or drains could contaminate them. Allow items to air-dry thoroughly and
store them in a clean, protected area.
If your baby is fed with formula:
Use liquid infant formula if possible because it is sterile (without germs)
and is less likely to spread Cronobacter infection when handled carefully.
Powdered formula is not sterile and may contain some germs.
If you use powdered infant formula, prepare and store it safely. Make sure your
formula is not expired and the container is in good condition (no dents, puffy ends,
or rust spots). Keep lids and scoops clean, and close containers of formula as soon
as possible after using.
Keep powdered formula in the container dry to prevent germs from growing. Avoid
getting the formula scoop wet. There is no need to wash the scoop unless it becomes
wet or dirty (such as falling on the floor). If the scoop needs to be washed, clean it as
carefully as you would your baby’s bottles. The formula scoop must be completely
dry before putting it back into the container.
If your baby may be at higher risk, consider taking these extra steps to prepare your powdered formula with hot water (at least 158°F/70°C):
Clean work surfaces such
as countertops and sinks
with soap and water or
use a disinfectant wipe or
paper towel sprayed with
cleaning product.
Add the exact amount of
formula listed on the container.
Wash hands with
soap and water before
preparing infant formula.
Put a cap on the bottle and
shake to mix. Do not stir.
Boil water and let
it cool for about
5 minutes.
Cool the formula to body
temperature so it will not burn
your baby’s mouth. Hold the
capped bottle under cool water
or place it in an ice bath. Do not
let the cooling water get into the
bottle or on the nipple.
Pour into a clean bottle
or feeding cup.
Cool the formula to body
temperature so it will not burn
your baby’s mouth. Hold the
capped bottle under cool water
or place it in an ice bath. Do not
let the cooling water get into the
bottle or on the nipple.
Using and Storing Prepared Formula
Use prepared infant formula
within 1 hour from the start
of feeding and within 2
hours of preparing it.
If your baby does not
finish the entire bottle of
formula, throw away
leftover formula.
If you do not plan to start
feeding your baby with the
prepared formula right away,
put it in the refrigerator
immediately. Use formula
in the refrigerator within
24 hours.
Throw out formula if you
can’t remember how long
you have kept it in the
refrigerator. Do not feed
it to your baby.