WHO Guide on Safe Preparation of Formula or Cow’s Milk for Infants

For many families in the world, when a mother cannot produce sufficient breast milk, her child is at risk of malnutrition and starvation. Even one episode of starvation can compromise a child’s vital organs and brain development irreversibly. The World Health Organization has prepared this guide on SAFE preparation of breast milk substitutes for families who need to feed their babies with formula or cow’s milk, if formula is not available or affordable.

For those who can afford it, ready-to-feed formula may be safer for babies less than 3 months. But more important than ready-to-feed formula is having safe, uncontaminated water for formula preparation, hand-washing and bottle cleaning. For those whose water may be contaminated, it is safest to boil the water first and prepare the formula with boiled water. This should be cooled down before offering to your baby. Please read and download the following PDFs prepared by the World Health Organization.

WHO Guide on Safe Milk Preparation

WHO Guide on Formula Preparation


We believe all babies deserve to be protected from hunger and thirst every single day of their life and we believe that education on Safe Infant Feeding should be free. If you would like to make a donation to support the Fed is Best Foundation’s mission to teach every parent Safe Infant Feeding, please consider making a one-time or recurring donation to our organization.

Disclaimer:  This resource page does not replace in-person physician evaluation and treatment.  It  is meant to inform parents of the most recent data regarding infant feeding and to increase their knowledge on how to protect their newborns from hyperbilirubinemia, dehydration, hypernatremia, hypoglycemia and extended or repeat hospitalizations due to complications from underfeeding.  Earlier supplementation may be needed for babies who are premature or have medical conditions. It is recommended that a parent seeks evaluation by a physician trained in newborn care for any concerns regarding the health and safety of her baby if they arise.