Good hygiene and safe practices are vital when making up formula feeds. There are a couple of methods that you can use. Please also always check the manufacturers’ specific guidelines for any changes to methodology.

Making powdered formula at home

This is the most common formula that most parents use. This method works well when your baby is in a routine and they need feeds at a predictable time.

Boil one litre of fresh tap water (don’t re-boil previously boiled water). Mineral water is not recommended for baby feeds as it may have too much salt (sodium).
Leave the boiled kettle to cool for around 30 minutes (this should leave the water at approximately 70 degrees C).

Adaptation 1: some kettles can boil directly to 70 degrees, which would remove the need to wait 30 mins.
Adaptation 2: Boil water and add to a good quality 1 litre flask. This should hold at approximately 70 degrees for a few hours – leaving you able to make up a feed on demand.

Ensure the prep area and your hands are clean.
Pour the 70 degree water into your bottle in the required amount. Check this carefully as too much or too little water can be dangerous for your baby.
Scoop powdered formula from the tin and level off with the back of a knife. Carefully check the required number of scoops for the volume of water. Only use the provided scoop from this tin of formula. Add the required number of scoops to the water.
Put the teat back on the bottle and close. Carefully swirl the bottle to thoroughly combine the powder and water together. Avoid shaking to prevent air bubbles forming.
Cool the bottle to the desired temperature. This is most easily done by running the closed bottle under a cold tap.
Check carefully the temperature before feeding the baby – it should feel neutral to the inside of your wrist.
Discard any unused formula and wash up and sterilise the bottle (see article 30 for methods of sterilisation).

Making up ready-to-feed formula

This is less complex to prepare, but tends to be a more expensive option.

Ensure the prep area and your hands are clean.
Open a fresh container of ready to feed formula (or remove open container from the fridge).
Pour the required volume into the clean bottle.
If the container holds more formula than needed, you can reseal the container and place it in the fridge for use in the next feed.
Warm the formula by placing the closed bottle into a cup or bowl of hot (not boiling) water.
Check carefully the temperature before feeding the baby – it should feel neutral to the inside of your wrist.
Discard any unused formula and wash up and sterilise the bottle (see article 30 for methods of sterilisation).

Why do we need to use 70 degree water?

Commercial formula is a factory-manufactured product, and even when the tins and packets are sealed they can sometimes contain potentially harmful bacteria. These bacteria can multiply very fast – more so in warm temperatures and more slowly in the fridge.

Water at a temperature of 70 degrees will kill any of these harmful bacteria, making the feed safe to give to your baby. Water that is hotter than this (boiling) can destroy some of the vital nutrients in the formula, and water that is cooler than this (tap) won’t kill the bacteria.

Can I make multiple feeds at once?

To reduce the risk of infection, it is preferable to make up feeds one at a time, as your baby needs them. However, if this is not possible, it is acceptable to make up multiple bottles, then immediately cool and place in the fridge. Feeds can then be taken from the fridge and warmed just prior to use.

What about preparation machines?

There is no independent (non-manufacturer) research on these products, so it isn’t possible to guarantee their safety. Concerns have been raised about the small volume of ‘hot shot’ not being sufficient to kill all bacteria, and the presence of mold in the pipes of older machines.

Important Additional Points:

Always check the manufacturers’ instructions very carefully. Brands can vary as to how much water and powder to use. Check each new pack carefully.
Do not add additional powder to ‘fill them up’. This can lead to constipation, dehydration and more serious health problems.
Do not dilute the feed with additional water. This can lead to faltering growth and water intoxication (a dangerous and rarely fatal condition).
Do not add sugar, vanilla, cereal or anything else to your baby’s formula.
Never heat formula in the microwave – this can lead to hotspots, which could burn your baby’s mouth.

How do I safely prepare and store formula?

Unii Expert Wendy Lever shares her tips for preparing and storing formula safely.