Ready-to-feed formula | Where to buy it, when to use it, and more

Where to get ready-made formula and which brand to use

In most cases, premixed or ready-to-drink formulas are used in hospital settings. That said, some brands, such as Novalac, Similac, S26, or NAN (for premature babies), can be found in retail outlets.

Here’s a quick look at each brand, their benefits, and which RTF formula is best for each stage of your baby’s development.

Alula S26 Gold Ready-to-Feed Formula

You can find the S26 Gold premix in any major store. These formulas generally come in 200ml (6.7 oz) Tetra Pak cartons and must be decanted into a bottle. Fortunately, they can be resealed, so you don’t waste any of the premixture.

They also offer formulas for various points of your child’s development, including stage 1 (0 to 6 months old), stage 2 (6 months to 1 year old), and stage 3 (1 to 3 years old). 

Alula (Aspen) S26 Gold Stage 1 ready-to-feed infant starter formula

Novalac Ready-to-Feed Formula

It’s worth noting that Novalac’s RTF product is only available in hospitals. It comes with an ultra-convenient teat connector so that babies can be fed directly from the product without decanting, thus maintaining sterile conditions. 

These 90ml (3 0z) ready-to-use bottles are generally used for premature babies in the NICU to ensure a sterile and safe feeding method for these vulnerable babies. The only time you will really be able to use this premixed bottle outside of the hospital is when your baby has been discharged, and your doctor recommends using this brand.

Novalac Premature ready-to-feed infant milk

NAN Optipro 1 Ready-to-Feed Formula

Generally sold in packs of six, the Nan ready-to-drink formula is especially suitable for healthy babies. It’s best for moms who have a short maternity leave and don’t have the chance to breast pump before work.

You will need to decant these into a feeding bottle, but each carton has 70ml (2.4 oz) of milk, which is the standard amount a baby needs in one sitting. At the moment, you’ll only find the powdered versions in stores, with the ready-to-eat formulas available to purchase online. 

NAN Optipro Stage 1 ready-to-feed formula

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Powdered vs. liquid concentrate vs. ready-to-feed formulas

In 2004, a World Health Organisation study into microbiological hazards in infant formulas found that powdered formulas are not sterile. 

As a result of the study, the WHO stated, “After reviewing the available scientific information, the expert meeting concluded that intrinsic contamination of powdered infant formula with E. sakazakii and Salmonella has been a cause of infection and illness in infants, including severe disease which can lead to serious developmental sequelae and death.” 

Liquid formula, however, is sterile, presenting a viable option if there is a medical reason why your child may need extra precautions and formula feeding. Don’t panic if you only have access to powdered formula — the risks are low. Just keep preparing it with all the safety precautions you should usually be taking. But if you are worried and have a fragile baby, discuss switching to RTF with your doctor.

While less convenient, the liquid concentrates are also sterile and slightly better than the powdered alternatives. Just remember to follow the same safety precautions when preparing liquid concentrates as you would for powdered formulas.

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When to use an RTF formula

The most common time you’ll find yourself needing to use RTF baby formula is when your infant has to have a hospital stay. Let’s take a moment to empathise with any mother who’s had to leave her baby in the NICU. 

There is some kind of problem with your baby — that’s why you are in hospital, after all. You may not have the opportunity to provide your baby with expressed breast milk while they are at the hospital — even though you know it’s best for them. Whether you have a job to get to, other kids to look after, or any other reason, this is usually when a ready-to-drink formula is needed.

Other instances are when your baby has a medical condition and needs particular nutrients. While you may still be able to provide breast milk for your baby, their meals will regularly be interchanged with the RTF formulas.

With this in mind and the fact powdered formulas are unsterile, it’s no surprise hospitals have started using premixed versions of baby formula. Doctors have to prescribe formula feeding when it’s necessary in the NICU, so several private hospitals use the RTF formula in these instances.

Verena Bolton, National Coordinator for Netcare Ncelisa Human Milk Banks, says that Netcare hospitals are all working towards Mother and Baby Friendly Initiative (MBFI) accreditation and actively support and promote breastfeeding unless there is a compelling medical reason against it. Breast milk has numerous proven benefits for the healthy development of babies. 

In addition, Netcare Ncelisa Human Milk Banks were established in several of their hospitals to enable them to provide strictly regulated donor breast milk for babies whose mothers may not be able to provide it.

A note of RTF formula use in hospitals

While the use of RTF formulas in hospitals is steadily increasing, it’s important to note that they won’t entirely replace milk kitchens. While Nan’s producer Nestle, suggested RTF formula is the more affordable option that will replace milk kitchens, Netcare’s Verena Bolton quickly dismissed this claim. 

Bolton suggested that milk kitchens will always be necessary, stating that, “When mothers bring their own expressed breast milk for their babies, it needs to be stored and decanted in accordance with the baby’s requirements, and so you need a temperature-controlled environment where aseptic management of mother’s own milk can be performed.”

The milk kitchens are also used for decanting the RTF formulas under aseptic conditions. The kitchens are also used for donor milk, which is the first alternative used by hospitals before RTF food.

In other words, while the use of ready-mixed formula is increasing, breast milk will usually take precedence unless the doctor recommends otherwise for medical reasons.

FAQs about ready-to-drink baby formula

While I’ve covered a lot in this post, you may still have some questions about the RTF formula. Here are the most common questions and answers about premixed baby milk.

How long is ready-to-feed baby formula good for?

It is generally best to finish your ready-to-feed formula within 24 hours of opening. That said, you can store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours.

At what age do you stop using ready-to-feed formula?

Generally, your baby should start to wean off ready-made formula at the 12-month mark. Around this time, they’ll start getting used to solid foods. It would also be best to breastfeed your baby if possible unless specifically recommended that you continue with RTF formula by your doctor. 

Does cold formula upset the baby’s stomach?

Just like breast milk, cold formula can cause gas and discomfort if your baby has a sensitive stomach. This is quite rare, though, but as a general rule of thumb, it may be better to warm up the milk slightly so it imitates fresh breast milk. 

Final thoughts on ready-made baby formula

Who knows what the formula landscape will look like in 50 years? What we do know is that RTF formulations are, at least, as safe as and probably safer than powdered formulas. We predict that their use, especially for follow-on milk and in the retail space, is set to grow.

With all this said, it’s important to remember that breastfeeding is still the best thing for your baby. As such, breastfeeding should be your go-to food for your baby, with ready-to-feed formulas as a backup if needed. 

Please also follow your doctor’s guidance regarding formula feeding. They will always make recommendations that are healthy for your baby.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post and is based on the personal experience and personal brand preference of the content author. BabyYumYum reserves the right to its opinions and fully supports the notion of promotion that breastfeeding is best in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) infant feeding guidelines. Breast milk is the best food for infants. Good maternal nutrition is essential to prepare and maintain breastfeeding. If breastfeeding is not applied, an infant formula may be used according to the advice of health professionals. Preparation and storage of any infant formula should be performed as directed on the tin in order not to pose any health hazards.

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