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WAHM- In This Feature
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- Formula for Success?
- Which Brand Should I Buy?
- Powdered, Liquid Concentrate, or Ready-to-Serve?
- Iron vs. Low-Iron
- Cow's Milk vs. Soy-Based
- DHA and ARA
- Heating Formula
Powdered, Liquid Concentrate, or Ready-to-Serve?
What type of formula to buy depends largely on your budget and time. Powdered formulas are the least expensive and take the most time to prepare. Once opened, a can of powdered formula will stay fresh for 30 days—much longer than any other formula type. On the road, powdered formula can be stored in a separate container and mixed only when needed into a bottle already filled with water.
Liquid concentrate, which is mixed with equal parts water, must be kept refrigerated once opened and expires in 48 hours. It's less expensive than ready-to-serve, takes up half the space, and is easy to mix. With either powdered or concentrate formula types, it is essential to follow the preparation proportions exactly to ensure proper nutrition for your baby.
Ready-to-serve formulas are convenient and require no preparation, but they are the most expensive. Once opened, these too must be refrigerated and used within 48 hours.