Friday, October 14, 2016

HOW TO KEEP CRONOBACTER OUT OF YOUR BABY'S FORMULA

           
Cronobacter is a germ that can live in very dry places, like powdered baby formula, and in sewer water. Cronobacter infections can kill babies. 

How Formula can become contaminated
Formula can become contaminated from the environment, the factory or in your home. In the factory, Cronobacter can get into formula powder if dirty ingredients are used or if the ingredients touch a Cronobacter-covered surface. At home, the formula may become contaminated if the formula lids or scoops are placed on contaminated surfaces (such as a counter) then touch the formula. Another way to transmit Cronobacter in the home is to mix the formula with contaminated water or a bottle that is not properly cleaned.

Symptoms of Cronobacter Infections
Babies under a year old can get Cronobacter in their blood causing the lining of the brain and spine swell (meningitis).
Symptoms in babies include but are not limited to:
fever
poor feeding
crying
very low energy
seizures.
Babies with meningitis may develop serious, life-long brain damage.
4 out of 10 babies with meningitis from Cronobacter can die.

If your baby is exhibiting any of these symptoms or you suspect your baby maybe sick seek medical attention immediately!

How to reduce the risk of contamination
Dry formula is not sterile, and when possible, breastfeeding is best. If you use formula, try to choose formula sold in liquid form (especially if your baby is a newborn, very young, or has a compromised immune system) because it is made to be sterile. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Preparing Dry Formula safely
Clean all work areas, (countertops, sinks etc.) that may come in contact with the bottle or formula
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water while scrubbing for at least 20 seconds
Clean bottles in the dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle
Keep formula lids and scoops clean (be careful about what they touch), and close containers of formula and bottled water as soon as possible
Use hot water (158° F/70° C and above) to make formula
Shake, don’t stir, formula in the bottle
Make sure the formula is cool before feeding the baby. You may cool the bottle by running the prepared, capped bottle under cold water or placing it into an ice bath, making sure not to get the cool water into the bottle or on the nipple, as it could contaminate the bottle. You can assure the bottle is cool by shaking a few drops on your wrist before feeding the baby
.
Storing the bottle
Use formula within 2 hours of preparation or touching the babies lips. If the baby does not finish the entire bottle throw the formula out.
If you do not plan to use the prepared formula right away, refrigerate it immediately and do not let it touch the baby’s lips/mouth. Use it within 24 hours. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth and increases safety. (The mouth is full of bacteria and the second it touches your baby’s lips the countdown begins to use the bottle within 2 hours. Do not refrigerate the bottle after your baby has touched it.)
If in doubt, throw it out. If you don’t remember how long formula has been in the fridge throw it away. It is better to waste a small amount of formula than to make your child sick. A helpful tip is to write the date you made the formula directly on the bottle so you can always know how long the bottle has been in the fridge.



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www.smartsittersco.com

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