How to Prepare Formula Milk for Newborns

Bringing a newborn home is a time of joy, wonder, and… a lot of learning! Feeding your baby is one of the most important tasks you’ll do, and if you’re using formula, doing it correctly is key for your baby’s health and safety. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed the first time I had to mix a bottle, double-checking every step. It’s completely normal to feel that way!

Preparing formula seems simple – just add water to powder, right? But following specific steps ensures the formula has the right nutrients and, critically, is free from harmful bacteria. This guide will walk you through the process simply and clearly.

Why Proper Preparation Matters

Formula powder isn’t sterile. It can sometimes contain bacteria that can make a newborn sick. Also, getting the water-to-powder ratio wrong can mean your baby isn’t getting the right nutrition or hydration. Accurate preparation minimizes these risks.

Getting Started: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have everything ready.

• The specific infant formula recommended for your baby.
• Clean, safe water.
• Sterilized bottles, nipples, rings, and caps.
• The scoop that came with the formula can.
• A bottle brush and detergent for cleaning.
• A clean kettle or pot for boiling water.
• A clean, flat workspace.

Step 1: Clean Everything Thoroughly

Hygiene is the first and most important step.

1. Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands well with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Clean Your Workspace: Make sure the surface where you’ll prepare the formula is clean and dry.

Step 2: Sterilize Feeding Equipment

Sterilizing bottles and equipment kills germs that could harm your baby. This is especially important for newborns and infants with weaker immune systems.

• After every feed: Rinse bottles, nipples, and other parts under running cold water to remove milk residue.
• Before preparing formula: Wash everything thoroughly using hot, soapy water and a bottle brush. Squeeze water through the nipple holes to clear them. Rinse everything completely.
• Sterilize: You need to sterilize after washing. Common methods include:
  • Boiling: Place cleaned bottles, nipples, etc., in a large pot. Cover with water. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 5 minutes. Carefully remove items using clean tongs.
  • Steam Sterilizers: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your electric or microwave steam sterilizer.
  • Cold Water Sterilizing Solution: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sterilizing tablets or liquid. Ensure items are fully submerged and no air bubbles are trapped.
• Dry and Store: Remove sterilized items using clean tongs. Place them on a clean, dry paper towel or a clean drying rack away from dust and pests. Do not use a cloth towel, as it can reintroduce germs. Assemble bottles with caps loosely to keep the inside sterile until use, or store components in a clean, covered container.

Step 3: Prepare the Water

The water you use and its temperature are critical for safety, especially with powdered formula.

1. Use Safe Water: Use tap water if your local water supply is safe for drinking. In some areas, or if you’re unsure, you might choose bottled water. However, even safe tap or bottled water must be boiled for powdered formula.
2. Boil the Water: Fill a clean kettle or pot with cold water from the tap. Boil the water fully.
3. Cool the Water (Crucial Step for Powder): The boiled water needs to cool down, but not for too long before mixing with powder. Using water that is at least 70°C (158°F) helps kill any bacteria that might be in the formula powder.
   • Let the boiled water cool for no more than 30 minutes. The water should still feel very hot, but not be at a full boil. Using water that’s too cool might not kill bacteria; using water that’s boiling hot can destroy some nutrients in the formula and melt the bottle.
   • An easy way is to set a timer for 30 minutes after the kettle clicks off.

Step 4: Mix the Formula Accurately

Follow the instructions on the formula can precisely. This is where getting the ratio right matters for nutrition.

1. Pour Water First: Pour the correct amount of the cooled, boiled water into the sterilized bottle. Use the markings on the bottle to measure. Always put the water in FIRST. This ensures the ratio is accurate.
2. Add Formula Powder: Use only the scoop provided in the formula can. Fill the scoop loosely and level it off with a clean, dry knife or the leveling rim on the can without packing the powder down.
3. Add Powder to Water: Add the measured powder to the water in the bottle.
4. Mix Gently: Put the sterilized nipple, ring, and cap on the bottle. Swirl the bottle gently between your hands to mix the powder into the water. Do NOT shake vigorously. Shaking creates air bubbles, which can make your baby gassy.

Step 5: Cool to Feeding Temperature

The formula is now mixed, but it’s too hot to feed your baby.

1. Cool Quickly: Hold the bottle under cool running water or place it in a container of ice or cold water. Swirl the bottle occasionally to help it cool evenly.
2. Check Temperature: Test the temperature of the formula on the inside of your wrist before giving it to your baby. It should feel lukewarm, not hot.

Step 6: Feeding and Storage

Feed your baby right away once the formula is at the correct temperature.

• Discard Leftovers: Once your baby starts feeding from a bottle, bacteria can enter the milk from their mouth. Any formula left in the bottle after a feed must be discarded within 1 hour.
• Prepared Formula Storage (Unused):
  • Formula mixed with hot water and cooled rapidly can be stored in the refrigerator (4°C / 40°F) for up to 24 hours.
  • Formula kept at room temperature (below 25°C / 77°F) must be used within 2 hours.
• Opened Formula Can Storage: Once opened, store powdered formula in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed. Do not store it in the refrigerator. Most opened cans should be used within one month. Check the specific instructions on the can.

Preparing Different Types of Formula

While powdered formula is common, you might use other types:

• Liquid Concentrate Formula: This requires mixing with water, usually equal parts concentrate and boiled, cooled water. Follow the specific instructions on the can carefully.
• Ready-to-Feed Formula: This is the most convenient. It’s already mixed and sterile. Just open the container and pour it into a clean, sterilized bottle. You can feed it at room temperature or warm it slightly (do not microwave).

In Summary

Preparing formula safely for your newborn involves careful steps: cleaning and sterilizing equipment, using correctly prepared water (boiled and cooled for powder), accurate measurement, gentle mixing, and proper storage. It might seem like a lot at first, but it quickly becomes a routine. Always follow the specific instructions on your formula can, as guidelines can vary slightly between brands. You’ve got this!