Breastfeeding is best for baby; however, if you decide to formula feed it’s important that you don’t feel guilty about it, just follow the guidelines below. The brand of formula you choose is your decision, but it’s best to start with a first stage milk.

How do I make up a feed?

Wash your hands before you start any part the process of cleaning, sterilising or making a feed, in order to reduce the risk of infection. 

Start by washing the bottle in hot soapy water, paying extra attention to the teat, as small traces of milk can easily be missed.  Using a bottle and teat brush will help to ensure they are cleaned properly. Then rinse off the soap in hot water.

Next sterilize the bottle, but follow the instructions that come with it, as all are slightly different.

It is now advised that you make up the feed freshly each time your baby needs feeding.  This reduces the chances of baby getting sickness and diarrhoea. 

Use freshly boiled tap water that is still very hot (above 70 degrees Celsius).  Poor the water in the bottle before adding the powdered milk.  Using the scoop provided loosely fill it with milk and level it off with the back of a knife.  Make sure you add one scoop per 1 oz or 30ml of water.  Put the teat and lid on and shake well until all the powder has dissolved.

Holding it under a cold tap until it is the right temperature to give to baby can cool the milk.

What if baby needs a feed while we are out? 

If you’re going out, take the boiled water in a flask and add the milk when baby is ready for her feed.  You could use ready made feeds, but they do work out more expensive.

How much milk should my baby drink?

This varies considerably depending on the age and weight of baby.  In general be led by baby.  Babies are very good at letting you know when they’ve had enough.  Don’t worry too much about quantities; if baby appears satisfied and is gaining weight then she’s getting plenty.

How long should baby stay on formula milk?

It is recommended that baby stays on formula milk until she is 1 year old and then she can have full fat cow’s milk.  As cow’s milk does not have any added vitamins it is advised that you give baby vitamin A, C and D drops, up until the age of 5 years.

When to change to 2nd stage or follow on milk?

Some babies never progress to a second stage milk.  The time you might think about changing is if baby does not appear satisfied with the first stage milk or if she begins to feed more frequently and she’s too young for weaning.  The follow on milk is only for babies aged over 6 months.  If your baby has a well balanced diet there is no need to change to a follow on milk.  Follow on  milk has extra iron added, but it is important that baby has an iron rich diet and you don’t rely on the milk for it.