Formula for Your Child
When staying overnight at Seattle Children’s
To keep your child safe when they stay overnight at Seattle Children’s, we ask that you use the formula we have in the hospital. It is Children’s policy to prepare all formulas in our Milk Lab.
What kind of formula does Seattle Children’s have?
Ask your healthcare team if we have your child’s brand. We cannot carry every brand of formula because there are so many formulas available. Many formulas are very similar to each other, and most children are able to tolerate different brands. Here are some of the most common formulas we have:
Infant:
- Earth’s Best Organic: standard-term infant formula made with organic ingredients
- Enfamil ProSobee: soy protein-based infant formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle: low-lactose infant formula
- Similac Advance or 360 Total Care: standard-term infant formula
- Similac Neosure: post-premature infant formula
- Similac Sensitive: low-lactose infant formula
Pediatric:
- PediaSure: standard cow milk-based formula for children over age 1
- Compleat Pediatric: standard cow milk-based formula, containing chicken, fruits and vegetables, for children over age 1
This is not a full list of formulas we have. Many other formulas available as well.
What do I do if Children’s does not have the formula I want?
If you have concerns about switching formulas due to allergies or sensitivities, please tell your healthcare team.
If your child cannot have any of the formulas we offer, we will work with you to find the best option for your child.
How will I know my child is getting the right formula?
The hospital’s milk management system keeps your child safe. All formula has a barcode that will be scanned before feeding to make sure it is the right formula for your child.
Can I bring my child’s formula from home while we are staying at Children’s?
You can bring a new, unopened container of formula with the manufacturer seal intact for us to prepare in the hospital Milk Lab. Please give the closed container to your nurse and do not open it in your child’s room. The formula will be labeled as yours and taken to our Milk Lab to be prepared in a clean environment.
The Milk Lab follows standard steps in order to make sure your child gets the formula they need, when they need it, and that it is safe to eat.
When your child goes home, you can take any remaining formula in the container back from our Milk Lab.
When we are at Children’s, can I mix my child’s formula like I do at home?
No. Hospitals have germs and mixing formula in patient rooms puts your child at risk for food-borne illness. Seattle Children’s policy is to prepare formula in our Milk Lab. We keep this area clean and safe to prevent the spread of germs or infections.
If there is formula in my child’s room, can I feed it whenever I want?
Please tell your nurse before you feed your child so the formula can be scanned to check that it matches your child’s feeding plan. As long as you stay at your child’s bedside, nurses can scan the formula for feeding up to 1 hour before a feeding.
How long can formula be at room temperature?
Prepared infant formula can go bad (spoil) if left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours
Shelf stable ready to feed formulas, once opened are good at room temperature for 4 hours if it has not touched your child’s lips.
For feedings by mouth:
Use the formula within 1 hour of starting a feeding. After 1 hour, throw it away.
For feedings by tube:
Throw away any formula that has been out of the refrigerator for more than 4 hours.
To Learn More
- Nutrition
206-987-4758 - Ask your child’s healthcare provider
- seattlechildrens.org/patient-education
Free Interpreter Services
- In the hospital, ask your nurse.
- From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
