Bottle feeding: how to make up formula safely
Water, temperature, cleaning bottles and how to bottle feed your baby by following their lead.
4 min read
In this article
Powdered formula is not sterile. That is why it is made with boiled water that is still at least 70°C, one bottle at a time, in bottles that have been washed and sterilised. Whatever is left after a feed is thrown away. These few rules protect your baby from infection.
Whether you bottle feed with formula or expressed breast milk, by choice or by necessity, your baby will grow well. There is nothing to feel guilty about.
Making up a bottle
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1
Wash your hands and clean the surface
The bottle and teat should be washed and sterilised.
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2
Boil the water
At least 1 litre of fresh water. Leave it to cool for no more than 30 minutes, so it stays at 70°C or above.
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3
Water first
Pour the amount of water shown on the pack into the bottle, then add the formula.
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4
Exact scoops
Use the scoop from the pack, levelled, and exactly the number of scoops shown. Too much powder can dehydrate your baby; too little does not feed them enough.
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5
Shake and cool
Close the bottle, shake until the powder dissolves and cool it under cold running water.
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6
Test on your wrist
A few drops on the inside of your wrist should feel warm, not hot.
Which water?
Use drinkable tap water, boiled. If tap water where you live is not safe to drink, ask your paediatrician about a low-sodium bottled water suitable for babies, and boil it anyway before use. Do not use water that has been boiled before and left to cool.
Rules that are often forgotten
- One bottle, one feed. Do not make up bottles for the whole night. Formula not drunk within 2 hours is thrown away.
- Do not use the microwave. It heats unevenly and can scald your baby’s mouth.
- Nothing else in the bottle: no sugar, tea or cereal.
- Sterilise bottles and teats until your baby is at least one year old: in boiling water, in a steam steriliser or with sterilising tablets.
- First infant formula is all your baby needs for the whole first year. After 12 months, your baby can move on to cows’ milk.
Following your baby’s lead
- Hold your baby close, semi-upright, so you can see their face. Talk to them during the feed.
- Keep the bottle slightly tilted so the milk does not flow too fast. Take short breaks.
- Your baby shows you when they are full: they slow down, turn their head, push the bottle away or spread their fingers. Do not make them finish.
- Never leave your baby alone with a propped-up bottle, as they could choke.
- Try to keep feeds mostly to you and your partner, so your baby bonds with you.
Are they getting enough?
Around 6 wet nappies a day with pale urine, at least one soft poo a day, and weight gain at check-ups are the best signs. The amounts on the pack are a guide: some babies drink more, some less.
Common questions
Why does the water need to be at least 70°C?
How long can made-up formula be kept?
How long do bottles need sterilising for?
Can I warm a bottle in the microwave?
Sources we consulted
- WHO: Safe preparation, storage and handling of powdered infant formula
- NHS: How to make up a feed
- NHS: Bottle feeding your baby
Written by the mam.al editors as general information. It does not replace advice from your doctor or paediatrician. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.