Essential Safety and Preparation Steps
It is critical to understand that PurAmino is a medical food that must be used under a healthcare professional's supervision. Carefully following manufacturer's instructions is crucial for the baby's health. Always confirm the mixing ratio and special instructions with the doctor, as scoop sizes can vary.
Required Equipment
To ensure a safe and successful mix, gather all your equipment and prepare your workspace in advance:
- PurAmino formula can
- Bottles, nipples, and caps
- Bottle brush and cleaning basin
- Fresh, safe water (boiled and cooled or purified)
- The scoop from the can
- A clean, dry knife for leveling powder
- A refrigerator for storage
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
- Wash Your Hands and Sterilize Equipment: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Sterilize all feeding equipment, including bottles, nipples, and mixing utensils. This can be done by boiling them in water for at least 2 minutes.
- Prepare Water: Boil fresh tap water for 2 minutes and allow it to cool down to room temperature (75°F and 100°F) before mixing. If recommended by a healthcare provider, and if tap water is safe, you can use unboiled water. Do not use softened water. Never use a microwave to heat water for formula preparation.
- Measure Water: Pour the required amount of cooled, boiled water into the sterilized bottle. For most standard preparations of PurAmino Infant formula (20 kcal/oz), this means adding 1 fluid ounce of water for every scoop of powder.
- Add Powder: Using the scoop provided in the can, add the correct number of unpacked, level scoops of powder to the water. Use a clean, dry knife to level off each scoop. Avoid packing the powder, as this can lead to an incorrect concentration. Some products may require packed scoops, so always check the specific can's instructions.
- Mix Thoroughly: Cap the bottle and shake well until all the powder is completely dissolved.
- Check Temperature: Before feeding, test the formula's temperature on your wrist. It should feel lukewarm, not hot.
How to Store Prepared PurAmino
- For Immediate Feeding: Feed the formula to your baby right away.
- Refrigerated Storage: If not feeding immediately, cover and refrigerate the prepared formula at 35–40°F (2–4°C) for no longer than 24 hours.
- Discarding Leftovers: Use formula within one hour after feeding has started. Throw away any formula left in the bottle.
- Heating Refrigerated Formula: Warm refrigerated formula in a bottle warmer or by placing it in a container of warm tap water. Never use a microwave.
PurAmino Mixing Comparison Table
| Preparation Type | Standard (20 kcal/oz) | Concentrated (30 kcal/oz) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixing Ratio | 1 unpacked level scoop per 1 fl oz water | 1 unpacked level scoop per ~1 fl oz water for PurAmino Jr | Always consult a healthcare professional for concentrated feeds |
| Example (20 oz mix) | 5 scoops powder to 5 fl oz water | 7 scoops powder to 7 fl oz water | Example for reference only. Consult your specific product and HCP. |
| Use Case | Most common dilution for infants | Used for children needing more calories; requires specific medical guidance |
Potential Mixing Issues and Troubleshooting
- Clumps or Undissolved Powder: Ensure you are using properly cooled water and shaking the bottle vigorously. Mixing too-hot water can damage nutrients, while mixing in cold water can make dissolving difficult.
- Incorrect Concentration: A gram scale can provide the most precise measurements, especially for concentrated formulas. Following the manufacturer's directions is crucial for safety and nutritional accuracy.
- Different Product Instructions: Different PurAmino products (Infant vs. Jr.) and manufacturing locations may have slightly different instructions regarding scoop type (packed vs. unpacked). Always read the label on the can you are using.
- Bad Odor/Taste: It's normal for amino acid-based formulas to have a different taste and smell than standard formulas. It may take some time for your baby to adjust.
Conclusion
Mixing PurAmino formula safely and accurately is essential for the health of infants with severe allergies. Following strict hygiene, using the correct water-to-powder ratio, and adhering to proper storage guidelines ensures each bottle provides the necessary nutrition without risk. Always use the manufacturer's specific instructions and consult with a healthcare professional to confirm any preparation details. For additional guidelines on formula preparation, refer to the CDC's recommendations.
