Breastfeeding is considered to be the best option for feeding babies. However, formula feeding is preferred when breastfeeding is not possible. Read on and find out how to prepare formula milk. Formula feed is a safe and healthy alternative to breastmilk. Although it can never be the same as breastmilk, formula feed can safely and adequately meet the dietary requirements of your newborn. Infant formulas are manufactured under very strict hygiene standards. These feeds are formulated according to recognised, international, nutritional standards. Hence, these are considered to be the best alternative to breastmilk.
You should pay particular attention to hygiene when you choose to bottle feed your infant. It is absolutely essential for you to use clean utensils, safe drinking water, and measure the exact proportions of water and powder to prepare formula feed.
The one thing that differentiates a healthy bottle fed baby and a sick one is proper preparation and storage of formula milk. You must also remember to hold your baby properly while feeding with a bottle to ensure that it is an enjoyable experience for both of you.
Here are some basic tips on how to prepare and store formula feed. In case you need any further clarifications please contact your health care provider who will be able to guide you appropriately. Also it is important to note that bottle feeding the baby with formula milk should be chosen only when breastfeeding is not possible.
Before Preparing the Feed
- Sterilise all the feeding equipments like the bottle, teats, retaining rings, lids and caps. You can do this by placing the bottles and other utensils in boiling water for five to ten minutes. You can also use electronic sterilisers specially made for sterilising baby’s bottles.
- Clean the surface which you are going to use for preparing the feed with a disinfectant. Most of us prepare feed in the same surface which we use for cooking. Hence, the entire place must be cleaned preferably with a disinfectant before preparing the feed.
- Wash your hands and dry it completely before you start preparing the feed.
Tips for Preparing Formula Milk
You must keep the following things in mind before preparing formula milk for your baby.
Use Clean Drinking Water
When preparing formula feed you must make use of safe, clean drinking water. In fact, it would be best to use boiled water. Bring water to boil and let it boil for at least a minute after it reaches the boiling point. Let the boiled water cool to body temperature before you mix the formula. Read and understand the manufacturer’s direction for mixing the formula. Remember unless you mix the formula in the correct proportion your baby may not get enough nutrients. For example, if you use very little water while mixing the formula it may cause dehydration in your baby.
Prepare Right Quantity
As far as possible prepare only one bottle at a time for immediate use. In case you have to prepare more than one bottle at a time you must store it immediately in the refrigerator after mixing. This stored milk must be used within 24 hours, failing which it should be thrown away. To keep a track of when you prepared the milk you can mark the date and time you mixed the formula with a piece of tape on the feeding bottle. However, it is advisable to always feed freshly prepared formula milk to your baby.
If you check the carton of the formula powder, you will find the number of feeds and quantity of water to be mixed with powder is clearly given. You will also find information on the feeds as per baby’s age.
It is best to discard small quantities of left over formula during each feeding.
Nowadays ready-made formula milk is available in cartons in most health food stores. In terms of cost these are more expensive than powder formula. However, it can save a lot of time involved in preparing the powder formula. Readymade formula milk is especially useful while travelling.
While feeding readymade formula make use of a sterilised feeding bottle. Wash your hands before opening the packet and make use of sterilised scissors. Leftover milk if any in the carton must be used within 24 hours. To store left over milk in the fridge fold the cut corner down and store the carton in the main part of the fridge where it is the coldest. The ideal temperature of the fridge should be approximately 5 degrees C or less.
When correctly stored and prepared formula feed can be a good alternative to breastmilk. Although not as good as breastmilk, if you pay attention to hygiene formula food can safely provide and meet the nutritional requirements of your infant up to the age of 12 months.
How to prepare a formula feed for the baby? Is ready-made formula milk a better option for the baby? Is it safe to feed the baby with formula milk which is stored in a refrigerator? Discuss here. 
