Correct practice for preparing formula feeds
- Clean the surface thoroughly on which to prepare the feed
- Wash hands with soap and water and then dry.
- Boil fresh tap water in a kettle. Alternatively, if you are in a country where tap water is not safe, bottled water that is suitable for infants can be used for making up feeds and should be boiled in the same way as tap water.
- Important: Allow the boiled water to cool to no less than 70º C. This means in practice using water that has been left covered, for less than 30 minutes after boiling.
- Pour the amount of boiled water required into the sterilized bottle. Check the level of water by placing the bottle on a flat surface and going down to see the water at eye level.
- Add the exact amount of formula as instructed on the label always using the scoop provided with the powdered formula by the manufacturer. Adding more or less powder than instructed could make your baby constipated and less milk means he won’t gain the correct amount of weight.
- Re-assemble the bottle following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Shake the bottle well to mix the contents.
- Cool quickly to feeding temperature by holding under a running tap, or placing in a container of cold water.
- Check the temperature by shaking a few drops onto the inside of your wrist – it should feel lukewarm, not hot.
- Discard any feed that has not been used within one hour. Some formula companies suggest 2 hours but it’s best to be cautious whenever possible.
