This one’s serious, so listen up. The CDC recommends boiling water for powdered baby formula because it kills Cronobacter, a rare but scary germ. Boil it for one minute, then let it cool to 158°F (70°C)—about 30 minutes—before mixing. That temperature kills any hitchhikers without cooking the formula.
Yes, you have to wait. I know, babies are impatient, but so is bacteria. Use a clean thermometer if you’re a Type A parent; otherwise, roughly 30 minutes of cooling does the trick. Or, just use ready-to-feed formula and skip the drama.
Once the formula is made, use it within two hours or refrigerate it. Germs love a lukewarm buffet. Don’t give them a party invitation.
