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formula feed... the flask method

29 replies

kri5ty · 04/09/2011 19:04

Hey girls

I am going to try a bf but if I can't I just wanted to get making up formula straight in my head.

I just wanted to know how many of you use the flask method that is mentioned on the governments website for making fresh feeds?

My question is... do you still have to wait for the water to cool a little before putting in the flask, then how long does it stay above 70 degrees for?

Or... do you put the boiling water in the flask, and hopefully its cooled down a little to use to make up the feed?

OP posts:

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sleepevader · 04/09/2011 19:08

In my experience the flask never retained the full temp so I would just put it in as boiling.

fraktious · 04/09/2011 19:15

IMO boiling.

Risk of slightly too hot water for the occasional feed, as you need to cool it anyway, is less than the risk of too cold.

kri5ty · 04/09/2011 19:20

Does the water damage the feed/ bottle in anyway?
And do you think it'd last most of the night to make up feeds?

Thanks x

OP posts:

kri5ty · 04/09/2011 19:26

If its too hot I ment to say*

OP posts:

DialMforMummy · 04/09/2011 19:36

I have used the flask, it worked very well for us. Yes it lasts easily the night, obviously it depends how big the flask and the feeds.
Apparently, water too hot can damage the feed as in kill the nutrients.
Mind you I have never been that strung up about the water temperature.
The other safe option would be to make the bottles up in advance and store them in the fridge and heat them up as/when needed. Quicker than cooling down a very hot bottle IMHO.

fraktious · 04/09/2011 20:12

It won't damage the bottle but it can impact on the nutritional value of the feed. That is, apparently, debateable though.

Personally overnight I'd prepared in advance, store in the back of the fridge and reheat. The flask method is best for out and about, when it would only be occasional use as the potential consequences for a less-than-nutritionally-perfect once in a while are fairly small. I'm not sure I'd systematically (all night every night) prepare a feed that way.

kri5ty · 04/09/2011 20:24

Hmm I may (if I ff) do fresh in the day and pre make the night ones. It's very confusing the advice says don't pre make anymore... but then it says if you have to store In the fridge! I guess if it came to it I could use cartons at night for the first month or so until his tummy got stronger!

OP posts:

MayDayChild · 04/09/2011 20:26

I never followed these new guidelines with either of my DC. They were mixed fed so not all bottles.
There's some real Pedantics on MN about mixing formula correctly.
In truth, I know of NO mothers who boiled then cooled then added Powder then cooled some more.
Bung powder in cold boiled water and pop in microwave for 30 secs, shake well!
If you don't feel happy with this, use ready made cartons at night and heat in microwave.

MayDayChild · 04/09/2011 20:27

Aha x post! See that's your solution! Cartons. Pricey tho!

AlwaysRocking · 04/09/2011 20:29

I would recommend using cartons in the night for the first few weeks simply because it is so much easier. Yes it is more expensive, but for the amount you will use at that age I think it is worth it.

AlwaysRocking · 04/09/2011 20:29

Sorry, x post!

kri5ty · 04/09/2011 20:30

Thanks for all the advice girls :) x

OP posts:

MooseyMoo · 04/09/2011 20:34

I ff my DD last year and did not prepare feeds and leave in fridge for night feeds. I used a thermos at night (boiled water, slightly cooled for say 5 mins) and would cool down in sink.

I was told that formula feeds, when prepared, only lasted 2 hours. You are supposed to use boiled water to kill off bacteria, it does not affect nutrients.

The water doesn't damage the bottle. You do need to replace your teats regularly, but this is from repeated use. Also there are different flows, ie small for newborn, medium for older baby.

HTH - a different angle to previous posters

kri5ty · 04/09/2011 20:37

Thanks hun, I have a massive flask, so there would be enough water... I was just un sure if u put the boiled water straight in or left it for a bit :)

I may test the flask n temp, see how long it stays over 70 for!

OP posts:

GiraffesHaveMoreFun · 04/09/2011 20:38

I make up - using hot water - in advance for the day. At night, I use cartons.

MooseyMoo · 04/09/2011 20:43

If you do go for formula feeding, I found a powder dispenser extermely handy. Especially when you forget what scoop number you are up to (morning or night!)

fraktious · 04/09/2011 20:49

It doesn't say 'don't prepare in advance'. It says fresh is best, if that's not possible then prepare as fresh, cool rapidly, store below 5C and use within 24 hours.

Formula feeds last 2 hours when kept at room temperature. Keeping them below 5C inhibits bacterial growth (assuming a reduction in the levels of bacteria from water above 70C) and they can be kept for up to 24 hours.

The WHO guidelines are much clearer than the NHS and say essentially the same thing. I don't know why the NHS seems to think we're all completely dimwitted and can't cope with that level of detail.

OnEdge · 04/09/2011 20:53

MAYDAYCHILD Your advice is dangerous. I followed the guidelines exactly as said on the side of the box. They are written there for very good reason.

DialMforMummy · 04/09/2011 20:53

Trouble with cartons in that when they are open, they need to be kept in the fridge for them to remain safe.
Forewarning: you will read a lot of stuff here and elsewhere that will make you very scared about the risks linked with poor ff preparation.

DialMforMummy · 04/09/2011 20:54

I rest my case!

OnEdge · 04/09/2011 20:55

Boiled water won't kill off bacteria that is in the powder, it has to be above 70 degrees to do that.

I don't see it as pedantic, just safe.

OnEdge · 04/09/2011 20:57

Dialformummy its not a case of being scared, just reducing the risks of your baby becoming ill, especially new borns.

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JarethTheGoblinKing · 04/09/2011 20:57

tbh I'd just use cartons at night.. it's SO much easier and believe me - anything that makes night feeding easier is worth doing.

One thing I thought of though - you won't use a whole carton at once in the early days, a small one would last at least 2 feeds, so you can keep the open carton in the fridge for up to 24 hours (IIRC!)

DialMforMummy · 04/09/2011 21:03

Yes Edge but try to follow the guidelines on the box in the middle of the night with a baby feeding every 2 hours, have you done it?
Making your baby ill with formula is not THAT common, but hey I am only basing my judgement on my family and friends.

fraktious · 04/09/2011 21:07

DialM I would concur that it's not that common but basing it on my family and friends it sure as hell is devastating if you do make your baby ill.

Risk is calculated from probability and potential consequence.

Probability low, consequence severe, makes taking chances like that a high risk strategy. So rather than taking the chance, I'd follow the not-perfect-but-considerably-less-risky route of making correctly in advance. Or use cartons.

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