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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