How to prepare infant formula safely

How to prepare infant formula safely

Making formula for your baby is simple, but it is important to do it the right way to keep your baby safe and healthy. Follow these steps each time you make a bottle. 

Start clean to keep your baby safe from germs

• Clean hands: always wash your hands with soap, then dry them well
• Clean all feeding items: wash bottles, teats, lids and the knife to level the formula scoop 

How to sterilise: 

Read more about how to sterilise baby bottles or learn how to use the boiling method by looking at pictures

Making formula milk

Make one bottle at a time: It is best to only make what your baby will drink right away. 

1. Boil then cool water

• Use tap water that has been boiled and cooled down to room temperature.
• Do not boil the same water many times. It can increase the amount of salt in the water.
• Pour the right amount of water into the bottle first before adding the formula powder.

2. Add the formula powder

• Only use the scoop that came with the formula tin.
• Follow the formula tin instructions to see how many scoops are needed for the amount of water. 
• Gently tap the scoop, and then level it off with a clean knife. Do not pack it down or over fill the scoop.
• Close the formula tin tightly and keep it in a cool, dry place.

3. Do not add extra stuff to the bottle 

• Do not add extra formula powder 
• Do not add foods such as honey, cereal or biscuits, into the bottle.
• Do not dip bottle teats in honey or other sweet foods.

4. Mix the formula

• Put the lid on the bottle and shake it. Keep shaking until the powder is all dissolved.

5. Before feeding you baby

• Check the temperature: put a little formula on your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot.
• Never use a microwave to warm the bottle. It can heat unevenly and burn your baby.

6. After feeding

• Throw away any leftover formula after a feed 
• Throw away any made up formula that has been kept at room temperature for 1 hour or more.

Safety tips for parents

Check dates: always look at the "use by" date on the formula tin.

Keep it fresh: if a formula tin has been open for more than a month, it's time to throw it away.

Follow instructions: Always follow the instructions on the formula tin exactly.

• If you use too much or too little water or formula powder, this can affect your baby’s growth.
• Bottles that have not been sterilised properly or tap water that has not been boiled, can have germs that make your baby sick.

Remember, it is always best to be safe and follow these steps. Your baby's health comes first.