© Children’s Minnesota • Patient & Family Education Revised 11/20
Formula Adjustment
(standard 20 kcal/oz formula)
Formula Type: ________________________________________
Why do I need to adjust the calories in
my baby’s formula?
Most infant formulas have 20 calories in
each ounce. To grow, some babies may need
to get more calories in less volume.
How do I mix the formula?
1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
Wash the top of the formula can before
opening to prevent germs from getting
into the baby’s feeding. Use clean
measuring utensils and containers.
2. Let the cold tap water run for 30-60
seconds before mixing with the formula
to flush the water sitting in the pipes.
Well water may contain bacteria and
should not be used to make infant
formula.
3. Follow the instructions below for either
liquid concentrate or powdered formula.
Using liquid concentrate
1. Check the formula label. It should read
“concentrate,” not “ready-to-use.”
Shake the can before opening.
2. Check the recipe chart for liquid
concentrate on page 3. Pour the formula
concentrate from the can into another
container.
3. Measure the desired amount of water in
a clear liquid measuring cup. Add to the
concentrate and mix well.
Using powdered formula
1. Check the recipe chart for powdered
formula on page 2. Using a clear liquid
measuring cup, measure the desired
amount of water. Set the measuring cup
on a flat surface, and check the level of
the liquid at eye level.
2. Add unpacked, level scoops of formula
powder to the water. Use only the scoop
provided in the formula can.
3. Mix or shake well until all lumps are gone.
How long can I keep the formula?
Store prepared formula in a covered
container in the refrigerator. Throw away
any unused formula made from powder
after 24 hours.
Throw away any unused formula powder
one month after opening the can.
Preparing to feed your baby
1. Shake the formula well.
2. Warm the formula by setting the bottle
in warm water.
Do not use a microwave because it
heats unevenly, causing “hot spots” that
could burn the baby’s mouth.
3. After warming, shake the bottle again.
Always test the temperature of the
formula before feeding.
4. Throw away any formula left in the
baby’s bottle after a feeding.
Powdered Formula Recipe Chart
(Use only the scoop provided in the can)
Calories per
ounce
Water
Formula
powder
(unpacked, level)
Approximate final
volume
105 mL (3½ oz)
2 scoops
4 ounces
165 mL (5½ oz)
3 scoops
6 ounces
22
210 mL (7 oz)
4 scoops
8 ounces
270 mL (9 oz)
5 scoops
10 ounces
480 mL (16 oz)
9 scoops
18 ounces
630 mL (21 oz)
12 scoops
24 ounces
50 mL
1 scoop
2 ounces
150 mL (5 oz)
3 scoops
5½ ounces
240 mL (8 oz)
5 scoops
9 ounces
24
390 mL (13 oz)
8 scoops
15 ounces
540 mL (18 oz)
11 scoops
20½ ounces
630 mL (21 oz)
13 scoops
24 ounces
90 mL (3oz)
2 scoops
3½ ounces
270 mL (9 oz)
6 scoops
10½ ounces
26
450 mL (15 oz)
10 scoops
17 ounces
630 mL (21 oz)
14 scoops
24 ounces
720 mL (24 oz)
16 scoops
27½ ounces
120 mL (4 oz)
3 scoops
4½ ounces
200 mL
5 scoops
8 ounces
28
360 mL (12 oz)
9 scoops
14 ounces
400 mL
10 scoops
15½ ounces
480 mL (16 oz)
12 scoops
18½ ounces
___
Note: To make 20-Calorie-per-ounce formula, follow the directions on the can.
Liquid Concentrate Recipe Chart
Calories per
ounce
Concentrate Water Final volume
22
13 ounces (1 can)
11 ounces
24 ounces
24
13 ounces (1 can)
9 ounces
22 ounces
26
13 ounces (1 can)
7 ounces
20 ounces
27
13 ounces (1 can)
6 ounces (¾ cup)
19 ounces
___
13 ounces (1 can)
Note: To make 20-Calorie-per-ounce formula, follow the directions on the can.
Note: Formula made from liquid concentrate may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. See the
information on the can.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please call Nutrition Services at your hospital during daytime hours.
Children’s – Minneapolis
612-813-6865 or 612-813-6960
Children’s – St. Paul
651-220-5678
