Questions about choosing, switching and preparing Haven formula. For anything specific to your baby's health or development, your Plunket nurse, GP or paediatrician is always the best first call.
Choosing & switching formula
How do I choose the right formula for my baby?
The right formula is the one your baby settles well on. All formula sold in New Zealand - including Haven - is regulated to meet the same core nutritional standards, so the decision often comes down to milk source (cow or goat), your baby's individual needs, and what agrees with their digestion.
How do I switch from another formula to Haven?
Introduce it gradually rather than swapping overnight. Replace one feed a day with Haven - mornings are a good place to start, since you've got the rest of the day to see how your baby responds - and build up from there over several days. Avoid mixing two different formulas in the same bottle.
Can I combination feed with breast milk and formula?
If you're combination feeding alongside breastfeeding - by choice or necessity - Haven is formulated to sit as close to breast milk as regulation allows. A few practical things that help: keep breast milk and formula in separate bottles rather than mixing them together, space feeds out rather than offering both at once, and keep breastfeeding regularly if you want to protect your milk supply. Your Plunket nurse or GP can help you find a rhythm that works for you and your baby.
How do I move my baby onto the next stage as they grow?
Haven's stages are formulated to sit close together nutritionally, so most babies move between them without any adjustment period - you can switch directly rather than blending the two. If your baby was premature, is a fussy feeder, or you're considering moving stages earlier or later than the standard age range, check in with your healthcare provider first.
Do I need to move my baby onto Stage 2, or can I stay on Stage 1?
Stage 1 is formulated to support your baby right through their first year, so there's no strict need to move onto Stage 2 at 6 months if Stage 1 is working well for you both. Some parents move through the stages as their baby's needs and tastes change; others keep going with Stage 1 for longer. Both are perfectly fine nutritionally - go with whatever your baby is settling well on, and check in with your Plunket nurse or GP if you're ever unsure.
Preparing & storing formula
How do I prepare a bottle of Haven formula correctly?
Wash your hands and sterilise bottles and teats before every feed - boiling for five minutes or an approved steriliser both work. Measure the water first, then add the exact number of scoops stated on the can using the scoop provided, levelled off rather than heaped. Shake well, test the temperature on the inside of your wrist, and use within one hour of making it up.
What water should I use to make up a bottle?
For babies under 6 months, use water that's been brought to a rolling boil then cooled - make it up fresh each day and use within 24 hours. Once your baby's over 6 months, tap water is fine on town or city supply (run the tap for 10-15 seconds first); on tank or bore water, keep boiling it until your baby turns 18 months.
My baby isn't finishing the amount the feeding guide suggests - is that okay?
Every baby's appetite is different, and it naturally changes as they grow - especially once solids are introduced. The feeding guide on pack is a starting point, not a target, so it's normal for actual intake to vary. Follow your baby's hunger cues rather than the exact volume, and check in with your Plunket nurse or GP if you're ever concerned about how much they're taking.
Why is my formula clumpy, or foamy after shaking?
Both are easy fixes. Clumping usually happens when the can's been exposed to humidity or a damp scoop has touched the powder — keep the scoop dry and reseal the can straight after use. Foaminess is just air from shaking; let the bottle sit for 30 seconds to let the bubbles settle, then give it a gentle swirl rather than another shake.
How long can made up formula be kept, and can I freeze it?
Use made up formula within one hour at room temperature, or refrigerate it and use within 24 hours. We don't recommend freezing formula in powder or liquid form - freezing changes its texture and can affect the nutrition, so it's best to make up only what you need for each feed.
What's the shelf life of Haven formula?
Every Haven product has a shelf life of 24 months from its manufacture date, printed on the base of the can.
How should I store an unopened can?
Keep it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight - a pantry or cupboard is ideal. Once you open a can, reseal it tightly with the lid after every use.
How long can I use a can once it's opened?
Once opened, use the can within 4 weeks. After that, discard any remaining powder even if it looks and smells fine - its nutritional quality can't be guaranteed beyond that point.
Can I dilute the formula if my baby seems constipated?
We'd recommend against diluting formula beyond the instructions on the can, even if your baby seems constipated - the ratios are calculated to give them the right balance of nutrients for their growth. If constipation continues, it's worth speaking with your Plunket nurse or GP, who can help identify the actual cause.
