The Scoop on Baby Formula

While the microwave oven is a quick way to heat your baby's formula, it's also very dangerous. Microwaves heat unevenly—from the inside out—and can leave hot spots in the formula. So while the bottle and outside formula may feel cool to your touch, the liquid in the middle may be scalding hot.

To be safe, run your infant's bottle under hot tap water or set it in a bowl of hot water for a couple of minutes. Shake the bottle gently to mix the formula and test the temperature by spilling a drop on the inside of your arm before giving it to your child.

If you have decided to formula-feed your child, either exclusively or as a supplement to breast milk, talk to your child's pediatrician to help you make the right formula choice for your baby. Your child's needs will evolve as he outgrows certain stages of development and moves on to solid foods. In this critical stage of his life, you can make sure that he thrives on what he likes and responds to best.