If you decide to bottlefeed, it is important to know how to prepare your baby's bottle. Because powdered milks are not sterile, failure to follow instructions may make your baby ill.
- Wash hands, clean work surfaces, and sterilise all utensils according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Empty kettle and refill with freshly run tap water and boil in a kettle (or other suitable covered container). When boiled, leave the water to cool in the kettle (or other suitable covered container) for 30 minutes but no longer. This will ensure that the water is not too hot but is also no less than 70°C. Do not use artificially softened or repeatedly boiled water.
- Measure the required amount of water into a sterilised bottle. Water that is 70°C is hot enough to scald so be careful. (Refer to feeding guide on pack or the feeding guide included in this booklet)
- Using the scoop provided, level off the powder with the built in leveller. Alternatively, level with a clean dry knife. Do not press/ heap the powder.
- Add one scoop to every 30ml (1 fl 0z) of water using the clean scoop provided.
- Re-assemble the bottle tightly and carefully according to manufacturer’s instructions. Shake well (for 10 seconds) to dissolve the powder.
- Cool the feed quickly to feeding temperature by holding the bottle under cold running tap water, making sure that the cold water does not reach above the neck of the bottle during cooling. Check temperature of the feed; it should feel lukewarm, not hot. Feed immediately.
For hygiene reasons, do not store made-up feeds. Make up each feed as required and always discard unfinished feeds after 2 hours.
- Do not heat in a microwave. hot spots may occur and cause scalding.
- Do not add cereal, rusks or biscuits to bottles.
- Babies should be supervised at all times during feeding.
Using bottled water for making up feeds
If your tap water is not suitable for drinking, you have a water softener system, or are on holiday abroad, you can use bottled water to prepare your baby’s bottlefeed by following the instructions above.
Note: You must boil bottled water before using it to prepare feeds. Only use still bottled water (do not use sparkling or fizzy water). Choose a bottled water that has a sodium content of less than 20mg per bottle (check the label).
