Preparing a Bottlefeed for baby
Preparing a Bottlefeed for baby
How to prepare our milk from powder
Our easy-to-follow guide shows you how to prepare a bottle safely using our powder formula or watch our step by step video below.
Please note that feeding instructions can vary if you are using a specialised milk. Always refer to the on-pack instructions.
Wash hands and sterilise all utensils according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Boil 1 litre of freshly run water. Leave kettle to cool for 30 mins and no longer, unless otherwise indicated on pack. Measure required amount of water (refer to on-pack instructions) into a sterilised bottle. Do not use artificially softened or repeatedly boiled water.
Using the scoop provided, level off the powder with the built-in leveller on the edge of the pack. Do not press/heap extra powder into scoop.
Place the sterilised teat and cap on the bottle and shake immediately, vertically and vigorously for at least 10 seconds, until the powder is fully dissolved. Cool feed under cold running tap.
Test temperature of milk by allowing some drops to fall on your wrist. If it feels comfortable, it should be just right for your baby. Do not heat feeds in a microwave as hot spots can occur and cause scalding.
Feed immediately. Discard unfinished feeds within 2 hours.
How to make a batch of prepared feeds
It is safest to prepare a fresh feed each time you need one. However, sometimes you may need to make a batch of feeds that will last you 24 hours.
To safely store a batch of made-up bottles:
- Make up the number of feeds required following the steps above.
- Place the cooled bottles in the back of the fridge (not in the door of the fridge, to make sure the temperature of the feeds are kept stable).
- Make sure the temperature of the fridge is set to 5°C or less.
- The feeds stored at the back of the fridge will be fine to use for up to 24hours, throw away any feed not used after this.
Using a feed stored in the back of the fridge:
- Remove the bottle from the fridge just before you need it.
- You can feed it cold or if you prefer to warm it, place the bottle in a bowl of warm water, making sure the level of the water is below the neck of the bottle. You can also use a bottle-warmer.
- Do not warm the feed for more than 15 minutes.
- Check the temperature of the milk by dripping a little onto the inside of your wrist. It should feel lukewarm, not hot.
- Once you take a feed out of the fridge the same 2 hour rule mentioned above applies. So once out of the fridge, use the feed within 2 hours.
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Important notice
Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a varied, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breastmilk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using an infant formula should be considered. Improper use of an infant formula or inappropriate foods or feeding methods may present a health hazard. If you use an infant formula, you should follow manufacturer’s instructions for use carefully – failure to follow the instructions may make your baby ill. Always consult your doctor, midwife or health visitor for advice about feeding your baby.
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