Transitioning your Formula-fed Baby to…

Whether your baby just started drinking formula or has been on formula for months, preparing to transition them to child care can feel a little scary. With knowledge and action steps in this guide, you will feel more prepared for this change, and your baby will have what they need to start off on the right formula.

Child Care Provider Responsibilities

Some child care providers offer at least one type of infant formula on site. If your provider offers formula and uses a different brand than you use at home, this list is helpful for deciding on formula substitutes. Your pediatrician is a great resource too!

You may decide that you would rather provide your own formula. Talk with your child care provider about their policies and procedures for bringing your own formula. Whether your child care supplies the formula or you bring in your own, some providers will prepare the formula for your child, following the instructions on the back of the package. Other providers may require that you prepare formula bottles at home and send them to child care labeled according to their instructions.

The provider must use prepared formula within two hours or can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Once your baby begins feeding, the formula must be consumed within an hour and any leftovers thrown away. Also, child care providers cannot use formula after the “use by” date.

Work with your child care provider to develop a feeding plan
Some providers must have one on file in writing for each baby. As you co-create this plan, it is helpful to keep in mind:
- Your baby is growing faster this year than they ever will!
- Your baby needs the same nutrients as children and adults: water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
- Before 6 months of age, your baby does not need foods or vitamin supplements outside of formula unless recommended by a doctor.
- Your baby’s bottles should be labeled with the baby’s name and date. Some child care providers will sanitize bottles after use. You may decide to sanitize them again when you get home.
- If pre-prepared, your baby’s formula should be stored in the refrigerator and warmed using tap water or a bottle warmer instead of the microwave. It is never safe to use a microwave for warming bottles!
- Your baby’s provider will feed them when they seem hungry, and it is best practice to hold them while they do so.

Child Care Emergency Plan

Every child care program should have an emergency plan in place if there is ever a need to evacuate. Check with your provider to learn more about their emergency plan and how your baby will be fed. Child care providers may have back up ready- to-use formula in place for such emergencies.

Parent Preparation for Formula in Child Care

Tips to Prepare:

1. Communication – Learn your provider’s feeding policy on bottles. Do they need to be premade or unopened/sealed powder formula?

2. Buy What You Need – If possible, make sure you have enough bottles for child care as well as another set for home. This will help when needing to take clean bottles to the program and pick up the dirty bottles at the end of the day.

3. Label – Programs may have ask for specific information for labeling bottles. Formula bottles should be clearly marked to identify who the bottle is for. Basic information will include the child’s name, current date and time prepared.

Keep in mind

Formula must be given to an infant as directed and not watered down in any way. Infants require a specific amount of nutrients provided by the formula. They should not be exposed to or introduced to water or other liquids of any kind within 6 months of birth (unless prescribed by your pediatrician). Even after 6 months of age, formula or breastmilk should remain their main source of nutrition. Formula should be given as directed unless advised by your pediatrician for specific health needs.