Use of infant formula during illness or recovery from COVID-19

Close contact and early, exclusive breastfeeding help your baby to thrive. Breast milk provides antibodies that give babies everywhere a healthy boost and protect them against many infections and may fight against COVID-19 infection, if baby is exposed. In addition, the coronavirus has not been found in breast milk, and transmission via breastfeeding has not been demonstrated.  

Close contact and early, exclusive breastfeeding help your baby to thrive. Breast milk provides antibodies that give babies everywhere a healthy boost and protect them against many infections and may fight against COVID-19 infection, if baby is exposed. In addition, the coronavirus has not been found in breast milk, and transmission via breastfeeding has not been demonstrated.  

Giving infant formula may be recommended as a last resort while a mother is recovering from COVID-19, and until exclusive breastfeeding can be established or reestablished. See article on breastfeeding benefits for infant and child health and guidance on breastfeeding during COVID-19, if you would like to reconsider breastfeeding. 

Note: Feeding the baby any other foods or liquids, including cow’s milk, infant formula, tea, juice, or water increases the chances of the baby becoming ill. 

If you decide to use infant formula, safely mix the infant formula using this steps: 

  • Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds before starting to prepare infant formula. 
  • Wear a face mask or covering when preparing the infant formula if you have any signs of being infected by COVID-19 or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.  
  • Read and follow the instructions that are printed on the tin very carefully. Ask for more explanation if you do not understand. 
  • Carefully measure the amount of dry infant formula required to make the amount needed to feed the baby within one hour of preparation. 
  • Carefully measure the amount of clean boiled or treated water to mix with the dry infant formula that has been measured. 
  • Carefully mix the infant formula and water until all the powder is completely dissolved.  
  • Only prepare enough infant formula for one feed at a time and use the infant formula within one hour of preparation. 
  • Do not dilute the infant formula  

How to feed infant formula: 

  • Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds before starting to feed infant formula. 
  • Use a face mask or covering if you have any signs of being infected by COVID-19 or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.  
  • Give baby infant formula from a clean cup. Bring cup to the baby’s lower lip and allow baby to take small amounts of milk, lapping the milk with his or her tongue. Do not pour the milk into baby’s mouth.  
  • Bottles are unsafe to use because they are difficult to wash and can be easily contaminated.