There are several key issues to consider when preparing baby formula during a power failure :
- Cool storage temperature – for storing bottles of prepared formula
- Safe water supply – for cleaning baby bottles and for mixing powdered formula
Cool Storage Temperatures
Prepare only what your baby will drink in a day and keep it stored at cool temperatures. The safest temperature for bottles of prepared formula is 4°C or less.
Safe Water Supply
- Safe water is needed both for preparing powdered formula and for cleaning the baby bottles.
- " If you are not sure about the safety of the water supply, use an alternate water source such as commercially bottled water. Due to the particular susceptibilities of infants to illness, even commercially bottled water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least 2 minutes to ensure that it is pathogen-free before use in making baby formula. Check the commercially bottled water for nitrates and sodium, choose a product with the lowest possible sodium and nitrate content.
- If an alternative water supply is not available, disinfect the water yourself by using one of the following methods :
- Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least two minutes (water should be bubbling and rolling).
If you are using a gas barbecue to boil water, use it only outdoors.
During a power outage, never use gasoline or charcoal-burning devices, such as generators, grills, or camp stoves, inside your home, basement, or garage; or near a window. Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up in your home and poison the people and animals inside.
- If water cannot be boiled, then add six drops of newly purchased liquid household bleach (unscented, 4-6% chlorine) per gallon (4.55 Litres) of water. Stir well and then let the water stand overnight, covered with a clean paper towel or a loose lid, in a cooler or refrigerator before use. This will allow the bleach to do its job and then dissipate before you use the water to make formula.
- You may also use water purification tablets from your local pharmacy to treat tap water. Follow the directions on the label. Let the water stand overnight, uncovered, in a cooler or refrigerator. This will allow the purification tablet to do its job and then dissipate before you use the water to make formula.
Also remember the following :
- All formula should be fed to your baby at room temperature, or not higher than body temperature (37°C / 98°F).
- Use a heat source to warm the formula to the required temperature. Some bottle warmers have adapters to use in a car lighter socket.
- Always clean baby bottles with boiled or "safe" water before re-using.
- Mothers who are breast-feeding should keep warm, eat well, drink plenty of fluids and snuggle babies close to them.
See also :
For more information on food safety please refer to the following linked web pages :
Or, contact your local public health unit.
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