HOW TO MAKE UP A FORMULA FEED

Infant formula can sometimes contain harmful bacteria which is why your baby’s feed needs to be made up just before it is required, using boiled water at a temperature of 70 ^oC, this will ensure any harmful bacteria has been destroyed.

Boil tap water and allow it to cool slightly to 70 ^OC (approximately 30 minutes) prior to making up a feed. Bottled water and water that has been previously boiled should not be used.

Bottles should not be made up in advance and stored in the fridge for later use, as harmful bacteria can start to grow.

Some bottled waters are unsuitable for babies. Bottled water with a sodium level written (Na) on the bottle higher than 200 milligrams (mg) per litre should not be used.

Sulphate levels written as (SO₄) higher than 250 milligrams (mg) per litre should also not be used.

Bottled water is not suitable for making up formula feeds but if it is ever used it would still need to be boiled.

When making up a formula feed always add the freshly boiled and slightly cooled water into the bottle first, adding the formula powder after.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the preparation of their formula milk, as different formulas vary.

Ensure that the milk powder scoop that comes in the formula milk tin is only used for that particular milk as different formulas come with different size scoops depending on the manufacturer.

Incorrect measures of formula milk for example adding an extra scoop or reducing the scoops can cause harm to your baby. Adding too much or too little formula powder can make your baby constipated and may cause dehydration.

If less than the required formula powder is added to the bottle your baby could be at harm from inadequate nourishment.

Always check the temperature of the formula feed prior to feeding your baby by dropping some onto your wrist. This should feel like body temperature. If the formula feels too warm, it should be cooled down until it feels body temperature by running the bottle under cold running water.

Never warm up bottle feeds in a microwave, as this encourages hot spots in the milk which can burn your baby’s mouth.

It is important never to add anything into the formula feed such as sugar, cereal or chocolate powders.

Any feed that is left over after a feed should be thrown away immediately and not reheated or used at a later date due to the risk in growth of harmful bacteria which can lead to gastroenteritis and other infections.

 

For more information see the Unicef leaflet on bottle feeding. https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/leaflets-and-posters/guide-to-bottle-feeding/