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.
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