You’ll find a basic guide for how to make your baby’s bottle on the back of the tub and the general rule is to make each bottle up as you need it, in a clean, sterile bottle. 

Before you begin: thoroughly wash your hands (singing Happy Birthday twice is optional, but fun) and give your work surfaces a wee clean.

The gold standard formula prep method

Step 1: Add the water

When your baby is showing signs of hunger or is due a feed, take a clean, sterile bottle and add the required amount of once boiled water that is at least 70 degrees Celsius. To achieve this temperature, boil tap water in the kettle (or a pan) and leave to cool for approximately 30 minutes. 

The science bit: it is important the water is at least 70 degrees when the powder is added in order to sterilise the formula powder. Hot water will kill of any bacteria that may be lurking, such as Cronobacter or Salmonella. Note that water will cool quicker in a pan as compared to the kettle because of the larger surface area. Don’t use bottled water (unless advised) as the mineral content is too high for babies.

Step 2: Add the formula powder

Following the manufacturers guidelines on the back of the tub, add the correct number of scoops of formula powder. 

Top tip: Only use the scoop supplied as different manufacturers scoops may be different sizes. Make sure the scoop is not tightly packed with powder and that you level off the formula to get the right amount. Too much formula can lead to constipation and dehydration and too little can lead to malnourishment.

Don’t add anything else to the bottle unless advised to by your Health Visitor or Doctor.

Step 3: Shake it like a polaroid picture

Give the bottle a gentle shake to ensure the formula powder is completely dissolved in the water.

Remember it’s formula and not a Mojito so you don’t want to be too vigorous so as to avoid making the formula too bubbly or foamy. Some brands and formula types can be bubblier than others.

Step 4: Check the temperature

Check the temperature of the milk by pouring a few drops on the inside of your wrist. The milk shouldn’t be hotter than body temperature. To cool the milk you can run the bottle under the cold tap, stand in a jug of cold water, or stick it in the fridge for a few minutes.

Step 5: Snuggle up for a feed

Get comfortable, snuggle up and enjoy a lovely bottle bonding session with your baby. See our additional resources for successful bottle feeding tips and troubleshooting issues.

Step 6: Leftovers down the sink

When your baby has finished feeding, discard any formula they haven’t drank. 

Feeling naughty?

While it is recommended to prepare a bottle of formula when required, we know that it’s common to develop different methods in an attempt to make bottle feeding more efficient, especially when you’re dealing with a hungry, screaming baby at 3am.

While we completely understand the need, it’s important to ensure whatever method you choose is as safe as possible. Therefore, we have prepared a guide on some alternative formula preparation techniques that can help reduce the risks of using these methods.

Please note this information is provided for information only and we do not recommend preparing formula using these methods.