Storing formula

How to store formula feeds safely to minimise the risk of infection. Bottles should be prepared as needed

What are the important things to remember when making up feeds?

Good hygiene is extremely important

Hands should be thoroughly washed before touching sterilised items
Wash each item thoroughly before sterilising and follow manufacturer’s guidelines
Use cool, boiled water to rinse items that have been cold water sterilised

Good hygiene is extremely important

Hands should be thoroughly washed before touching sterilised items
Wash each item thoroughly before sterilising and follow manufacturer’s guidelines
Use cool, boiled water to rinse items that have been cold water sterilised

How hot does the water need to be to make up feeds?

As infant formula powder is not sterile, the water you use to make up the feed needs to be 70^oC to kill any bacteria that may be present. Boil a kettle filled with fresh tap water and allow to cool for between 25-30 minutes before measuring the required amount of water. Please note feed will still be too hot to feed and will need to be cooled under cold running tap, or in a bowl of cold water

How long can a feed be kept once the baby has started to feed from it?

Up to 1 hour. After that time enzymes from the baby’s saliva may work on the ingredients in the milk causing it to deteriorate. The milk would therefore no longer be at its best after 1 hour

With my last baby I used to make up 6 feeds at a time. What has changed?

In line with the latest guidelines from the Department of Health, (November 2005), we recommend preparing each feed, in individual bottles, as required

It is important to follow good hygiene practices when making up infant formula and you should always prepare the milk in accordance with the instructions on the specific pack of infant formula

In line with the latest guidelines from the Department of Health, (November 2005), we recommend preparing each feed, in individual bottles, as required

It is important to follow good hygiene practices when making up infant formula and you should always prepare the milk in accordance with the instructions on the specific pack of infant formula

Can I make up bottles of water and store in the fridge for making up feeds later?

No. This is not recommended for the preparation of standard formula

Once I have made up a feed, how long have I got before I have to use it?

A freshly made feed can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours however, if your baby has started drinking from the bottle then it should be discarded after 1 hour

How do I make up powdered feeds when I am out and about?

At home, or out and about, boiling water can be put into a vacuum flask, as the flask will keep the water above 70^oC for several hours. Please note there is a risk of scalding as water still hot. Taking out cool, boiled water in bottles is no longer advised. Alternatively, take a sterilised bottle with you and use a ready to use milk

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breastfeeding is best for babies. Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breastfeeding. Introducing partial bottle-feeding may have a negative effect on breastfeeding and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding. Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding. Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed. Inappropriate foods or feeding methods, or improper use of infant formula, may present a health hazard.