In this guide we look at how to make-up formula milk so that it’s safe from hazardous bacteria, and what sterilising equipment to use.
Formula Milk
After navigating your way through the several brands and varieties available, you will finally arrive at a recipe that satisfies your requirements, and then you will be confronted with the challenge of actually producing it. As long as you have a kettle that is up to the task, there is no reason for concern because the process of making formula milk is not complicated. Find out which of the kettles sold by Best Buy are so quiet that they won’t wake a sleeping baby, and read up on the four most important things you should keep in mind when preparing infant formula:
1. Ensure that the bottles and teats are spotless.
You should wash bottles, teats, and any other feeding equipment in hot, soapy water as soon as possible after using them. After washing them, you should rinse them with running water, and then you can sterilise them. You can sanitise equipment by using a cold water sterilising solution, by steam sterilising it (using an electric steriliser or microwave steriliser), or by boiling it in water for at least ten minutes. All of these methods are effective.
Always make sure to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer regarding how to use the equipment and how long it will remain sterile after being sterilised.
Because a baby’s immune system is not as developed as an adult’s, it is imperative that you always wash your hands before preparing a meal. This will help reduce the risk of contamination.
2. Baby bottle
Baby bottle
When preparing food, it is recommended to use water that has been boiled from the tap rather than bottled mineral water. The reason for this is that bottled water is not sanitary, and it also has the potential to contain an excessive amount of sodium (salt) or sulphate. According to recommendations provided by the NHS, it is recommended to prepare milk formula by first heating water in a kettle until it reaches a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius, then allowing the formula to cool to room temperature before administering it to the baby.
This is due to the fact that powdered formula is not a sterile product and may contain bacteria that might cause disease; however, water heated to 70 degrees Celsius will kill any bacteria that are present, hence reducing the likelihood of becoming ill.
The National Health Service (NHS) advises that you should only prepare meals when you need them. This is due to the fact that bacteria are capable of growing and multiplying in prepared formula, even when it is stored in the refrigerator.
Use bottled water that has sodium (Na) levels below 200mg per litre and sulphate (SO or SO4) levels below 250mg per litre while you are on vacation in a location where the tap water is not safe to drink. You should still boil the water to disinfect it. If you would rather, you can use cartons of ready-to-feed formula that has already been produced and is sterile; but, in comparison to powdered formula, this option is significantly more expensive.
3. Make use of the spoon.
When preparing feed, it is important to follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer, which are typically found on the container, because different brands prescribe different amounts.
Make sure to measure out the appropriate amount of powdered formula with the scoop that is provided, and resist the urge to add more powder—doing so can lead to constipation and lead to a loss of hydration.
Do not use fewer scoops than what is recommended, as this will prevent your baby from receiving the necessary nutrients. It is important to avoid putting anything that could be harmful to your baby’s teeth into their bottle. This includes sugar, cereal, and anything else.
4. Keep your distance from the microwave.
microwave
Instead of using a microwave to heat up a bottle of formula for your infant, you can satisfy their preference for warm milk by either placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water or running hot water over it.
The milk may heat up unevenly in the microwave, which may cause hot areas that will cause your infant’s mouth to become burned. Shaking a few drips on your wrist will give you an accurate reading of the temperature. When it feels warm on your wrist, but not hot, it is ready to be given to your baby.
