Higienska priprava mlečne formule za otroka

Verdinek, Tjaša (author), Jevšnik Podlesnik, Mojca (mentor), Zore, Anamarija (comentor)

Uvod: Mlečna formula v prahu ni sterilen izdelek, zato je pravilno in higiensko rokovanje z njo ključnega pomena za preprečevanje potencialnih okužb pri novorojenčkih in dojenčkih. Najbolj jih ogrožata Salmonella spp. in Cronobacter spp. Okužbe je možno preprečiti z natančnim upoštevanjem navodil na embalaži in smernic, ki so jih izdale različne svetovne strokovne organizacije. Vendar te smernice med seboj niso povsem usklajene in se pogosto ne skladajo z navodili proizvajalcev, kar pri starših vodi v negotovost. Namen: Z diplomskim delom želimo ugotoviti, ali se starši zavedajo tveganj, povezanih z uporabo mlečne formule, ter ali za njihovo preprečevanje natančno sledijo navodilom za higiensko pripravo. Odgovore slovenskih staršev smo primerjali z ugotovitvami nekaterih tujih raziskav s tega področja. Metode dela: Uporabili smo empirično metodo dela in z anketnim vprašalnikom preučili navade staršev v Sloveniji pri pripravi mlečne formule v domačem okolju. V raziskavo so bili vključeni starši, ki imajo otroka, starega do dveh let. Odgovore na izbrana vprašanja smo preverili tudi s statističnimi metodami. Rezultati: Za 149 anketiranih je bil v 70 % to prvi otrok. Izključno mlečno formulo uporablja za hranjenje 53 % staršev. Tri četrtine staršev je informacije o pripravi mlečne formule poiskalo samostojno, v večini so jih našli na embalaži mlečne formule. 42 % si roke pred pripravo vedno umije s toplo vodo in milom, 17 % pa zgolj s toplo vodo. Delovno površino vedno očisti 64 % staršev, stekleničko pa jih z detergentom umije 60 %. Različne sterilizacijske metode uporablja 69 % anketiranih. 79 % jih za pripravo uporablja vodo iz pipe, ne glede na vir pa jo prekuha dobre tri četrtine staršev. Največ staršev mlečno formulo pripravlja z vodo pri temperaturi približno 40 °C. Večina mlečne formule ne shranjuje dlje kot dve uri, ostanke pa zavrže 94 % anketiranih. Starši se pri pripravi mlečne formule počutijo precej samozavestne. Razprava in zaključek: Slovenski starši večinoma dobro sledijo navodilom, navedenim na embalaži mlečne formule. Najmanj jih upošteva priporočila Svetovne zdravstvene organizacije, da bi bilo treba uporabljati vodo s temperaturo nad 70 °C. To lahko skupaj z nekaterimi drugimi opuščenimi koraki pri pripravi mlečne formule, kot sta slabo umivanje rok in pripomočkov ter napačno rokovanje s pripravljeno mlečno formulo, vodi v veliko tveganje za okužbe otroka. Ugotovili smo izrazito potrebo po poenotenju smernic ter boljšem informiranju staršev s strani zdravstvenih delavcev glede pravilne priprave mlečne formule že v času bivanja v porodnišnici oziroma kasneje, če se odločijo za tovrsten način hranjenja svojega otroka.

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: mlečna formula, higiena, varna priprava, priprava v domačem okolju, navade staršev
• Work type: Bachelor thesis/paper
• Organization: ZF - Faculty of Health Sciences
• Year: 2026
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-182392
• Publication date in RUL: 09.05.2026

Secondary language

• Language: English
• Title: Hygienic preparation of milk formula for a child

Abstract

Introduction: Powdered infant formula is not a sterile product; therefore, proper and hygienic handling is crucial for preventing potential infections in newborns and infants. The greatest risks come from Salmonella spp. and Cronobacter spp. Infections can be prevented by strictly following the instructions on the packaging and the guidelines issued by various global organizations. These guidelines are not well standardized and do not align with manufacturers’ instructions, leading to uncertainty among parents. Purpose: The purpose of this work is to determine whether parents are aware of the risks associated with infant formula and whether they strictly follow the instructions for hygienic preparation to prevent these risks. We compared the responses of Slovenian parents with several foreign studies on this topic. Methods: We have employed an empirical research method using a questionnaire to examine the habits of parents in Slovenia regarding the preparation of infant formula in a home setting. The survey included parents of a child up to two years of age. We have verified the answers to some questions using statistical methods. Results: Of the 149 respondents, 70% were first-time parents. 53% fed their babies exclusively with infant formula. Three-quarters of the parents sought information on preparing infant formula on their own, and most of them found it on the formula packaging. 42% always wash their hands with warm water and soap before preparation, while 17% use only warm water. 64% always clean the work surface, and 60% of parents wash the bottle with detergent. 69% of respondents use various sterilization methods. 79% use tap water for preparation, and regardless of the source, a good three-quarters of parents boil it. Most parents prepare infant formula with water at temperatures around 40°C. Most parents do not store formula for more than two hours, and 94% discard any leftovers. Parents feel quite confident when preparing formula. Discussion and conclusion: Most Slovenian parents follow the instructions found on formula packaging well. The World Health Organization recommendation to use water hotter than 70°C is the least followed. This, combined with other skipped steps in formula preparation, such as poor hand and utensil washing and improper handling of prepared formula, can lead to a high risk of infection for the child. We have observed a significant need for standardizing guidelines and for healthcare professionals to provide parents with more information on proper preparation, both during their stay in the maternity ward and later, if they decide to feed their child in this manner.

• Keywords: infant formula, hygiene, safe preparation, preparation at home, parental habits