How to Make, Store and Heat Formula

Mixing The Formula

Once you have those three things, and you have done the fourth thing, all you need to do is put them together. Measure out the appropriate amount of cooled water in the bottle you’re using. Then add the amount of formula on the tin, making sure you do not add more or less than required, those numbers have been carefully tested for your baby’s needs. Once the formula is in with the water, put both the nipple and the cap on the bottle and shake it well, allowing the powder to mix fully with the water. Now, depending on your child’s preference, you can either heat the formula to serve it, or serve it direct.

Remember that when you feed your baby, any milk not drunk in the bottle must be thrown away. It cannot be put away to be used later. The reason for this is that bacteria moves from your child’s mouth when they feed, and it multiplies in the bottle. This makes it unsafe to drink.

Heating the Formula

Some babies prefer their formula warm, although there are no health benefits associated with having the formula warm. To babies, it is merely a matter of choice. However, if your baby likes their bottle warm, you need to know how to heat it.

Now, there are a few ways to do this. You can choose not to let the water that you’re using in the bottles cool all the way, and then mix the formula in with the warmer water to serve it. Alternatively, you can put the bottle (with the cap on) into a bowl of warm water for no longer than 15 minutes. The water should be hot, but not so hot that you cannot put your hand in it. Water that is too hot will cause bacteria growth.

Always, always, always test the milk before serving it to your child. Milk that is too hot could easily burn or scald your child’s mouth, which is definitely not what you want. To test the milk just shake a few drops out onto the skin on your inner wrist, which is thinner and more sensitive than in other spots on the body. The formula should feel warm, not hot.

Storing the Formula

Manufacturers recommend not making formula in advance, but rather making bottles up when you need them. Many parents choose to prepare a number of sterilised bottles with water in them, and then simply add the appropriate amount of formula on the go. The reason behind this is that bacteria can grow in the formula, even when kept in the fridge, that can make your child sick.

However, if you absolutely must store formula when it’s made up, keep it in the fridge at the back in the centre, where it is the coolest. Don’t store it near or in the door, as that area is warm, and don’t keep it longer than 24 hours. If you haven’t used it after 24 hours, throw it away.

Are you more confident in using formula now?