To keep baby's food safe, follow these easy guidelines

Babies and young children are more susceptible to food-borne illness. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers on food safety for babies.

Q: Can I microwave my infant's baby bottle?

It is safer to heat the bottle in a pan filled with hot (not boiling) water. The water in the pan can be heated on the stove. The bottle should be warm to the touch, but not hot. Shake well and test milk temperature before feeding.

If you heat the bottle in the microwave, make sure the bottle is not too hot. Microwaves cause hot spots in food and liquid. Test the formula before you feed it to your baby. It might feel warm, but as the baby drinks, he might burn his tongue or throat. To be safe, heat 6- to 8-ounce refrigerated bottles for 30-45 seconds and 4-ounce refrigerated bottles for 25-30 seconds. In addition, shake the bottle after heating and let it sit a minute or two before testing it and giving it to your infant.

Q: How long can I keep bottles of formula or breast milk?

The made-up bottles of formula must be refrigerated at between 35 degrees and 40 degrees until ready to use. If they are not used within 24 hours, discard. It's best to fill each bottle with formula for just one feeding to avoid leftovers. Leftover formula should be discarded immediately because bacteria from the baby's mouth can contaminate the formula. The bacteria can grow and multiply and cause illness.

Store breast milk in sterilized bottles in the refrigerator or freezer. Label each container with the name of the child, the date and the time the milk was pumped. Refrigerate promptly and use within two days, or freeze and use within two weeks.

Q: What do I need to consider when handling jars of baby food?

Check the "use by" dates on baby foods. If the date has passed, throw it out. Check to see that the safety button on the lid is down. If the jar lid doesn't pop when opened or is not sealed completely, don't use it. Don't heat baby foods in jars in the microwave. Again, the heat is uneven and can cause hot spots that can scald the baby's mouth and throat.

To store opened or freshly made baby food: Store strained fruits and vegetables for two to three days in the refrigerator or for six to eight months in the freezer. Store strained meats and eggs for one day in the refrigerator or for up to two months in the freezer. Store meat and vegetable combinations for up to two days in the refrigerator or for up to two months in the freezer.

Q: What is the safe way to handle baby bottles?

Clean bottles by washing all parts in the dishwasher or hand wash, rinse and boil for 5 minutes or more just before refilling. Keep filled bottles of formula or breast milk in the refrigerator until just before feeding.

What about giving honey to an infant?

It's best to not give honey to children younger than 1 year of age because of the possibility that the honey contains botulinum spores. Of the many foods tested from the homes of babies with infant botulism, only honey has been found to contain the botulinum spores. About one-third of the infants who have been reported to have infant botulism were given honey before the symptoms appeared.

Q: What else do I need to know to protect my baby from foodborne illness?

Cleanliness is one of your best defenses. Wash your hands with hot, soapy water for 20 seconds before handling baby's food, feeding your baby, after using the bathroom, changing diapers and handling pets. Wash kitchen cloth towels often in the hot cycle of your washing machine. Keep your kitchen and refrigerator clean.

Refrigerate baby food quickly because cold temperatures (below 40 degrees) keep harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying. Any baby food left outside the refrigerator for more than two hours should be discarded. Defrost baby food in the refrigerator or in cold running water, not at room temperature.

- Ryan is a consumer and family-education agent for Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. Contact the Springs extension office: 636-8920

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