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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Formula

114 replies

Newmumma25 · 23/08/2021 23:47

Hi everyone I’m a first time (very confused mum) I recently stopped breastfeeding my 12 week old baby as I wasn’t producing enough due to having mastitis for the 3rd time and had to use bottles to get through which she ultimately got too used too so had to begin bottle feeding. My question is how do you actually make formula up? What does everyone do? I’ve been following the instructions letting it cool and making it fresh but it’s a mega faff! My HV said she personally boils water makes the bottle up adds the formula when needed and heat it a little. When asking everyone they tell me they made it up with fresh boiled water and put it in the fridge! Im so confused on how to make it. The way I’m doing it just now is a real hassle!

OP posts:
Wowcherarestalkingme · 23/08/2021 23:49

Tommee tippee perfect prep machine. Changed my life.

WithRosesAroundTheDoor · 23/08/2021 23:53

I use a perfect prep at home. I wouldn't be without it.

When out and about though I carry a flask of boiling water and a bottle of cooled boiled water. I copy how the prep works
2oz or so of boiling water into the bottle, add formula and shake well.
Top up with cooled boiled water.
It takes a bit of practice to get the right ratios.

Alternatively, make up with boiling water, flash cool under the tap and store in the back of the fridge. Reheat by standing in hot water.

Original poster
Newmumma25 · 23/08/2021 23:53

really? I was looking at these, But My HV told me not to use these because it heats up unevenly?

OP posts:
crazyguineapiglady · 23/08/2021 23:53

What your HV is doing is unsafe and I would feedback to her manager about this in case someone follows her advice and gives their baby food poisoning!

Safest way to make it is to follow the instructions on the tub. As the tub says, formula powder is not sterile and can harbour bacteria, so it is important it is added to very hot (70+ degree) water so any bugs are killed.

If you need to make in advance you can make up per instructions, cool the bottle quickly under cold running water or in ice water, and store at the back of the fridge until needed. You can then reheat and use as soon as possible but definitely within 24 hours.

Making up formula is a bit of a hassle but to be honest it is no more of a hassle than ensuring food is heated piping hot, using different chopping boards for raw meat, cooking chicken thoroughly so it isn't pink and all the other things we do to avoid food poisoning.

pecanmix · 23/08/2021 23:53

Perfect prep was honestly the best thing I bought when I had dd. Seriously

WithRosesAroundTheDoor · 23/08/2021 23:54

I always use cooked boiled water in the prep machine too.

crazyguineapiglady · 23/08/2021 23:54

@Newmumma25

really? I was looking at these, But My HV told me not to use these because it heats up unevenly?
Sounds like your HV is confusing the perfect prep with microwave reheating?

I would seriously pass on her comments to her manager as it sounds like her training needs a refresh.

Original poster
Newmumma25 · 23/08/2021 23:55

So you can store them ! Why do they tell you that you can’t ? I don’t understand why there’s so many rules! I feel they try and make using formula a pain to direct more mums to BF!

OP posts:
ifindoubtdoit · 23/08/2021 23:55

I always bought the pre made cartons. More expensive yes but easy to make, easy to clean the bottles and easy to store.

Never ever bought a ton of powder formula

Wowcherarestalkingme · 23/08/2021 23:55

Every hv I’ve ever spoken to has told me not to use them as that is what they are told to say. Don’t know why they are so dead against them to be honest but if that’s what they’re told they are only following advice. However it was hands down the best think I bought when I switched to formula

Original poster
Newmumma25 · 23/08/2021 23:59

Thank you everyone for your help!! I’m gonna start storing them until I get paid and buy a perfect prep machine sounds like just the thing I need !

OP posts:
AJ1425 · 23/08/2021 23:59

The safest way to make it is by following the instructions on the packet. The second safest way is by making it up as it says on the packet and quickly cooling and refrigerating until needed.

Original poster
Newmumma25 · 24/08/2021 00:03

I was looking at these! Although what would you do when baby starts to take more milk in? Sorry for the silly questions I’m just a bit confused and my HV hasn’t really been the most helpful😩

OP posts:
YouBringLightInToADarkPlace · 24/08/2021 00:12

I got a perfect prep machine on Facebook marketplace for a tenner and bought a new cartridge for it which was about another tenner. It's an absolute game changer, cannot recommend enough!

ahysh · 24/08/2021 00:16

Prefect prep every time. Make sure you use genuine filters and clean regularly. Used with both of mine with no issues.

crazyguineapiglady · 24/08/2021 00:17

@Newmumma25

So you can store them ! Why do they tell you that you can’t ? I don’t understand why there’s so many rules! I feel they try and make using formula a pain to direct more mums to BF!
It's nothing to do with breastfeeding or making it hard, it's just to prevent illness/deaths in small babies. Regulations became much tighter maybe 15 years ago when several babies in France & Belgium iirc became very ill and died from contaminated formula.

Formula fed babies are much more likely to be hospitalised with d&v because of unsafe practices when making up milk.

They tell you not to store formula because it is more risky than making and using fresh.

Merryoldgoat · 24/08/2021 00:18

When I had my first I used to boil the water, let it cool for 20 mins then use a thermos to keep it hot for a few hours.

The Perfect Prep was created by the time I had my second and it was a total game changer.

crazyguineapiglady · 24/08/2021 00:20

@Wowcherarestalkingme

Every hv I’ve ever spoken to has told me not to use them as that is what they are told to say. Don’t know why they are so dead against them to be honest but if that’s what they’re told they are only following advice. However it was hands down the best think I bought when I switched to formula
I understand the NHS don't recommend perfect prep because it doesn't conform to safe preparation guidelines - maybe there isn't enough research to say that dissolving 7 scoops of powder in 2oz hot water instead of 7oz is sufficient to kill bacteria.
whatswithtodaytoday · 24/08/2021 00:30

Prep machine. Everyone I know who formula fed had one and swears by it. If I went out I used to recreate the prep machine, like a pp.

Make sure you use the official filter and run a clean cycle regularly - I had a reminder set in my phone.

doingnothing · 24/08/2021 00:37

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possibleimpossible · 24/08/2021 00:37

Perfect prep machine at home but if we were out id take a flask of boiled water and a bottle of cooled boiled water, pour 2 ounces of boiling into bottle, add formula, shake then top up with cooled boiled. Makes the perfect temperature every time.

Original poster
Newmumma25 · 24/08/2021 00:40

Ah ok, that makes sense! I just felt like my HV gave me very little help to keep me breastfeeding in all honesty!

OP posts:
PumpkinKlNG · 24/08/2021 00:57

Oh great a BF bashing post, was wondering when there would be another one 🙄

WithRosesAroundTheDoor · 24/08/2021 01:36

In what way is anyone bf bashing?

AndTheReasonIsYou · 24/08/2021 01:40

Another vote for the perfect prep here. HVs don’t like them but never did I meet one who could give me a decent explanation as to why that was…

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