If you lost the scoop that came with your baby formula, do not guess the amount of powder and do not substitute a tablespoon, teaspoon, or scoop from another formula. Formula scoops and powder-to-water ratios can differ by product. The safest option is to follow the exact instructions on the current container and contact the manufacturer if the original scoop is unavailable.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises caregivers to use the amount of water and number of powder scoops listed on the formula label and to use the scoop provided by the manufacturer. Always measure the water first, then add the exact amount of powder specified on the label.
FDA: Infant Formula Safety Do’s and Don’ts
What to Do If the Original Scoop Is Missing
- Stop and check the current package. Look for the exact water-to-powder instructions for your specific formula, stage, and package version.
- Do not use a household spoon. A tablespoon or teaspoon is not a reliable substitute for a manufacturer scoop.
- Do not borrow a scoop from another formula. Scoop capacity and powder density can vary between brands, stages, and formulations.
- Check the manufacturer’s official instructions. If the manufacturer publishes an exact gram weight and specifically provides a method for measuring by weight, follow that instruction exactly. Do not create your own scoop-to-gram conversion.
- Contact the manufacturer if you are unsure. Ask for the correct scoop or an approved preparation method for the exact product you have.
If you cannot verify an approved measurement for your exact product, do not improvise a feeding. Ask the manufacturer, your pediatrician, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional for guidance.
Why the Mixing Ratio Matters
FDA guidance says to use the exact amount of water stated on the label. Formula mixed with too little water can be overly concentrated and may cause dehydration. Formula mixed with too much water may not provide adequate nutrition. Changing the ratio to make formula stronger, weaker, or last longer is not safe.
FDA: Handling Infant Formula Safely
Can You Measure Formula With a Kitchen Scale?
Do not assume that weighing powder is interchangeable with using the original scoop. Only use a gram measurement when the manufacturer of your exact formula provides that measurement and an approved preparation method. Powder density and scoop size can vary, so a conversion taken from another product or an unofficial website should not be used.
What Water Should You Use?
Use water from a safe source and follow the instructions on the formula container. FDA notes that ordinary bottled water is not sterile unless the label specifically says it is sterile; ordinary bottled water should not automatically be treated as safer than potable tap water.
Special precautions may be appropriate when the safety of the water supply is uncertain or for infants at higher risk. The CDC notes that powdered infant formula is not sterile. Parents of premature infants, very young infants, or babies with weakened immune systems should ask their healthcare professional whether additional preparation precautions are needed.
Safe Mixing Basics
- Wash your hands and use clean feeding equipment.
- Check that the formula is not expired and that the container is in good condition.
- Use water from a safe source.
- Measure the exact amount of water first.
- Add the exact amount of powder specified by the manufacturer.
- Mix according to the current package directions.
- Do not dilute formula with extra water.
- Formula does not need to be warmed before feeding.
- Never use a microwave to warm infant formula because it can create hot spots.
Brand-Specific Preparation Guides
Our preparation pages are intended to help you locate the instructions for the formula you use. The current package remains the primary instruction source because formulations and packaging can change.
- Baby Formula Preparation Guides
- Holle Formula Preparation Guide
- HiPP Formula Preparation Guide
- Lebenswert Formula Preparation Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a tablespoon instead of the formula scoop?
No. Do not assume a household tablespoon or teaspoon matches the scoop supplied with your formula. Use the manufacturer’s scoop and exact label instructions.
Are all formula scoops the same size?
No. Scoop size and mixing instructions can vary by brand, stage, and formulation.
Can I use a scoop from another can?
Only if the manufacturer confirms that the scoop is correct for the exact product and preparation instructions you are using. Do not assume two scoops are equivalent because they look similar.
Can I weigh formula powder instead?
Only when the manufacturer provides an exact gram amount and an approved method for the specific product. Do not calculate or estimate your own conversion.
What if I cannot verify the correct measurement?
Do not guess. Contact the formula manufacturer or a qualified healthcare professional before preparing the feeding.
This guide provides general safety information and does not replace the instructions on your formula container or advice from your child’s healthcare professional.