Patient Instructions: Preparing Gerber Extensive HA from Powder 22 kcal/oz.

Patient Instructions: Preparing Gerber Extensive HA from Powder 22 kcal/oz.

These instructions are for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients that receive Gerber® Extensive HA® from powder (22 kcal/oz.) to meet nutritional needs.

Your child receives an infant formula that needs to be prepared in a different way from the mixing instructions found on the formula can. Infant formulas provide instructions on the can to mix to 20 calories per ounce (kcal/oz.). Your child has been prescribed 22 kcal/oz. by a healthcare provider. Use the mixing chart and instructions in this handout instead of the one found on the formula can. Your child’s health depends on following these instructions.

Supplies

Mixing chart for using scoops

Note: There are 30 milliliters (mL) in 1 fluid (fl.) oz. Use the scoop that comes in the can of formula. Scoops from different cans of formula cannot be used.

Amount of Water + Formula Powder
(Leveled, Unpacked)		 Approx. Amount
4.5 fl. oz. (135 mL) + 5 scoops = 5 fl. oz. (150 mL)
7.5 fl. oz. (225 mL) + 8 scoops = 8.4 fl. oz. (250 mL)

Mixing chart for using household measurements

Note: All household measurements are estimates.

Amount of Water + Formula Powder
(Leveled, Unpacked)		 Approx. Amount
8.5 fl. oz. (255 mL) + 1/3 cup = 9.5 fl. oz. (285 mL)
12.5 fl. oz. (375 mL) + 1/2 cup = 14 fl. oz. (420 mL)

Instructions

  1. Gather your supplies.
  2. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  3. Measure the water into a clean, dry bottle or clear liquid measuring cup. Pour the required amount of water into a bottle or pitcher.
  4. Open the can of powder formula. Use the right scoop or household tool to measure. Formula powder should be unpacked and leveled.
  5. Add the powder formula to the water and mix together. Gently shake formula into a closed bottle or stir with a whisk in a pitcher until lumps are gone.

Feeding and storage of prepared formula

To prevent bacteria growth:

  • Feed formula to your child or cover container and store in the refrigerator.
  • Throw away formula that is still in the bottle 1 hour after the start of a feeding.
  • Throw away formula that has been out of the refrigerator for more than 4 hours when given through a feeding tube.
  • Throw away unused formula 24 hours after making it.

Your child is receiving a high calorie formula, it is important to watch for:

  • Less than six wet diapers in 24 hours
  • Dark colored urine
  • Loose or watery bowel movements
  • Vomiting
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Poor feeding
  • Fast breathing

If your child has these signs, call their healthcare provider.

If you have any questions about your child’s health, please contact your child’s healthcare provider. This document is intended only to provide general educational information and is not intended as medical advice or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider prior to use, as some of this information may need to be adapted for your child’s specific needs. It is the responsibility of your healthcare provider to advise you on the appropriate use of this information. If you/your child are not already a CHOP patient, this document does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you/your child and CHOP. CHOP is not responsible for any outcomes you/your child might experience from your use of this document. This document is provided "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, express or implied. If this document refers to any drugs or medical devices, it is the responsibility of your healthcare provider to check the FDA status prior to use. If this document includes references to drug dosing, please do not rely on this document. Your healthcare provider should check the package insert for each drug before use. Hyperlinks used within this document may not be translated into other languages.

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