If you are feeding your baby with infant formula it is important to make it up safely. The formula powder isn’t sterile, and reconstituted formula milk is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. So it is vital that it is made up in such a way as this doesn’t happen.
Here are the NHS guidelines on making up formula milk from powder.
- Fill the kettle with fresh water and boil. Leave to cool for 15-20 minutes. The water should be above 70℃.
- Clean the preparation area, wash your hands and makes sure bottles are sterilised
- Pour the required amount of hot water into the bottle and add the powder, following manufacturers instructions on amount. Always put the water in first, making sure the level is correct. Loosely fill the scoop and level the top. Only use the scoop that comes with the formula as different formulas have different scoops.
- Pull the teat into the ring of the bottle top. Screw on tightly. Cover with the cap and shake until well mixed.
- Cool the formula by holding the bottle (with the lid on) under cold running water. The temperature of the formula can be tested on the inside of your wrist before giving it to your baby. It should be body temperature, which means it should feel warm or cool, but not hot.
- If there is any made-up formula left in the bottle after a feed, throw it away.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does the water have to be at 70℃? Powdered infant formula is not sterile! Bacteria, which can be present in the powder, multiply at temperatures of between 5 and 65℃, but are killed at 70℃ or above. If the water isn’t hot enough to kill any bacteria present it may make your baby ill.
- How do I make sure the water is at 70℃? 1 litre of water boiled, and left to cool for 15-20 minutes, will still have a temperature of 70℃.
- Can I use a small amount of hot water, then top up with cool water? When formula powder is added to a small amount of hot water it cools down too quickly to make sure any bacteria are killed. ALL of the water needs to be a 70℃.
- Can I take boiled water with me to make up formula when I’m out and about? If the water is put into a normal baby bottle it will cool down. I may not be at 70℃ when you add the powder. Water stored in a vacuum flask will keep hotter for longer; 500mls of water will still be above 70℃ for about 3 hours.
- Are baby milk-making machines safe to make up baby formula milk? Research from the University of Swansea showed that the majority (85%) of formula preparation machines do not produce water at 70℃. There is no independent evidence to show that they make up formula safely for your baby.
Sources
NHS How to make up formula safely
First Steps Nutrition Trust – Bacterial Contamination of Powdered Infant Formula
The safety of at home powdered infant formula preparation: A community science project