HomeAnswersPediatricsbreast milk substitutesI am worried about giving reheated formula milk to our newborn as I feel it might have adverse effects on its health. Please help.

What adverse effects can reheating formula milk cause on a newborn baby's health?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At October 22, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 22, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I just have a basic query. We are currently giving our newborn infant formula milk 45 milliliters every three hours. Due to the heat, we sometimes put the infant formula milk back in the refrigerator and gently place it in a warm bowl of water prior to feeding. I now realize that reheating the formula milk might be causing harm to the child and have stopped this. Is there something I should be looking out for? Such as diarrhea or vomiting? I am concerned that this might lead to some problems but am not quite sure. I was basically bringing the formula milk out of the refrigerator, warming it up in a small warm bowl of water, and placing it back in the refrigerator. I have now stopped this but just want to make sure.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Formula feed is often known to give indigestion issues like diarrhea or vomiting by nature. Yes, a sudden change in temperature can add concerns. You can do the following tips:

  1. You can keep it in the refrigerator.

  2. Keep it at room temperature.

  3. You can use boiled water to bring it to normal and then prepare the feed as advised on the label. This will reduce sudden temperature variations and the side effects of formula milk. If the baby is having persistent vomiting or diarrhea on every feed, then the formula milk may not be suitable, in that case, you can try to change the brand.

  4. If possible try breastfeeding, this issue will not be there.

Feel free to connect if you have any other concerns. Happy to serve you.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the very quick reply.

I can confirm that the baby has not been vomiting or having diarrhea and the poop is normal (mustard color as per the milk). I just wanted to check for any adverse effects as I recognized the error in judgment from my end.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I appreciate, and the following providing important information:

1. In the early days of life baby's poop frequency and quality (change in color), are variable.

2. As the baby's gut is maturing these changes are normal.

3. Baby can have four to five times poop or may not have poop for three to four days, both are normal.

4. Vomiting is also subjective, if the baby does not burp properly after the feed, then the baby vomiting milk is normal. If the baby burps properly, this issue is resolved.

5. If the baby is having projectile vomiting irrespective of feed then it is concerning.

6. Same thing with poop, if the baby is having loose motions persistent irrespective of feeding plus having perianal rash then it is concerning.

7. In both of these situations you need to seek the doctor.

8. At present I believe the baby is fine, just focus on feeding. I hope I address your concern. Feel free to connect if you have any other concerns.

Happy to serve you.

Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Bhaisara Baraturam Bhagrati
Dr. Bhaisara Baraturam Bhagrati

Pediatrics

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