As a new parent, you make it a point to do everything you can to research the type of formula you give your baby.
And since about 80% of baby formulas on the market today have been found to contain traces of arsenic, making the switch to organic and European formulas is always the right move.
However, it’s not just the type of formula you decide to purchase that makes a difference.
You also need to understand how to prepare formula milk.
This post will help you to learn how to make formula that’s safe, nutritious, and that your baby is able to keep down. You’ll learn how to properly feed your infant in just seven easy steps.
1. Inspect the Formula
The first step in learning how to make a formula bottle?
Inspect the bottle itself. Make sure there are no chips and cracks, and that you’ve checked the expiration date. Never use formula that is even a few days past its expiration date.
Not only is this a health risk to your baby. Using formula that’s past its prime also means that the nutrients have broken down and won’t give your baby the start they need.
So, how long does formula last?
In general, about a year if it’s unopened. Once you prepare the formula, however, your baby should consume it within the hour.
2. Prepare Yourself
The next step is a no-brainer — and the simplest one on our list!
Before you do any sort of formula preparation, always take the time to thoroughly wash and dry your hands.
Check out this guide from the CDC to ensure that you’re washing your hands in the proper way.
3. Sterilize the Bottles
When you want to learn how to prepare baby formula, you also need to ensure that you know how to properly clean and sterilize your baby’s bottle and all the other feeding accessories that go with it.
For best results, we suggest boiling the bottle itself, it’s nipples and caps, and even the rings around the bottle for about five minutes. In general, you don’t need to sterilize again after you’ve done it once.
After your initial sterilization, good old soap and water — or a cycle in your dishwasher — will work just fine.
4. Add Water
Of course, in learning how to make formula, you’ll also need to pay attention to the amount of water — and the type of water — that you include in any concentrated or powdered baby formula.
In general, we suggest that you use bottled water or water from the sink that’s been run through a filtration system.
To ensure that there are as few impurities — and bacteria — in your water as possible, we suggest that you boil it for about a minute. Do not serve the formula to the baby, or even use it to mix in with the formula, until it’s at 98 degrees.
You can use a small, hand-held thermometer to ensure that your water is at the correct temperature.
If you live in an area that you know has a higher rate of fluoride in the water (or if you’re just concerned about fluoride) then we suggest picking up distilled bottles of water. You can also look for ready-to-use formula that has been declared fluoride-free.
5. Measure it Correctly
Using concentrated formula?
If so, first shake the concentrate before you add any water. Then, add the concentrate to the bottle, which should already have the amount of water instructed by the packaging on it. Shake and serve.
If you’re using powdered formula, check out the instructions to ensure you’re getting the right amount.
Add the amount of water instructed to the bottle first, then put in the required number of scoops. (Your formula will usually come with its own scooper.) Then, all you need to do is screw the lid and nipple on the bottle, shake it up, and you’re good to go.
Remember that, if you’re feeding your baby ready-to-use formula, then all you need to do is shake and pour — adding water isn’t necessary.
6. Get the Right Temperature
In mastering how to make formula, you should also consider the temperature of the formula that you’re feeding baby — and the proper ways to heat it up.
Under no circumstances should you warm up your baby bottles in a microwave. Not only can this damage the bottle, it could also increase the likelihood of your baby getting burned.
Instead, heat up the formula to a lukewarm temperature by placing it in a bowl of warm water for about two to three minutes.
Remember that room temperature or even formula that’s colder than room temperature is totally fine.
7. Focus on Proper Storage
Once you’ve learned how to make a formula bottle, you also need to ensure that you know how to store it correctly.
If you haven’t added any water or if you’re using ready-to-use formula, then simply cover it and place it in your fridge. Bear in mind, however, that you should use this formula within two days.
If you’re making multiple bottles of concentrate or powdered formula, be sure to take the time to properly label the date that you mixed each bottle. Remember that you should make it a point to throw out prepared formula after a single day.
Once your baby has started to consume formula, however, throw it out if not finished in an hour — do not refrigerate.
You’ve Mastered How to Make Formula
We hope that this post has helped you to master the seven easy steps of learning how to make formula that’s safe and full of nutrients for your baby.
Remember that the most important thing is the overall quality of the formula you buy.
When you’re in the market for organic European baby formula, look no further than our online shop. In addition to popular formula brands like HiPP, we also sell organic shampoos, body wash, and other chemical-free baby care items.
Be sure to keep checking back with our blog for more tips and tricks on how to take the best possible care of your baby.
