Breast Milk and Formula Temperature Data Collection

Overland Park, KS (July 21, 2008) – Creche Innovations announces the results of a year long data collection of feeding temperatures of breast milk or formula to babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The data was collected from multiple hospitals across the U.S. and measured the temperature of the milk fed to NICU babies both using the hospital’s current warming methods. The results show that the majority of breast milk or formula is fed at temperatures well below the optimal temperature range.

The ideal feeding temperature is in body temperature range which helps the baby conserve energy to heal and grow. The study found that almost fifty-five percent (55%) of the feedings in the NICU (using the hospitals current warming methods) were below body temperature with readings as low as 52.7°F. Twenty-three percent (23%) of the feedings were above body temperature with readings as high as 118.2°F. All the feedings that were too warm occurred in situations where the warming water was heated in a hot water tap, a microwave or brought to a boil. Only twenty-two (22%) of the feedings were in body temperature range of 95° to 99°F. Overall, within every hospital system, the feeding temperatures were inconsistent.

The Penguin™ Nutritional Warmer consistently warms refrigerated or frozen breast milk or formula to body temperature. The study found after the Penguin™ is calibrated it will deliver milk consistently and accurately to body temperature range over ninety-eight percent (98%) of the time.

For more information on conducting your own milk temperature trial, click here.

Download PDF of study here.