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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Pre making FF

20 replies

wibblyjelly · 10/02/2013 15:10

I know the advice is to not to, and make it fresh, but its not always practical.
The cartoons can be expensive, so I'd like to avoid using these.

People have advised one of two ways of pre making formula, but I'm not sure which one to go for.

1). Pre prepare the formula as per instructions on the box, and put the bottles in the fridge. Then heat up as and when its needed.

2). Prepare the water part only, leave this out at room temperature. Then, when you need to make a feed, just add the powder and serve. (this is the method I use when out and about, as I can carry the formula with me pre measured.)

Which way should I go for when at home?

OP posts:
Marrow · 10/02/2013 15:14

The first method s correct. You must make up the bottles with water that is at least 70c to kill any bugs in the formula.

Ra88 · 10/02/2013 15:14

I always did option 2 and will again when #2 comes along !

Ra88 · 10/02/2013 15:15

1* oops ! There is no point doing option 2 because its the formula that contains the bacteria

wannabedomesticgoddess · 10/02/2013 15:15

Option 2 is so dangerous.

The boiling water is not to kill bacteria in the water, its to kill bacteria in the milk powder.

Option 1 only.

chubbachops · 10/02/2013 15:18

option 1 definitely. but make sure you store the made up FF in the back of the fridge.

Original poster
wibblyjelly · 10/02/2013 15:21

Thank you all. Am I OK to put it in the fridge as soon as its made (ie hot), or do I let it cool down first?

Can I also asked what you all did when out and about? I've got a formula dispenser, which says it helps to make feeds on the go, but if option 2 is bad, how do you do it?

Tia.

OP posts:
Marrow · 10/02/2013 15:24

No, you need to cool it rapidly then put it into the fridge.

When I went out I would either use cartons or take a flask which I filled with boiling water before going out and then made up the bottle. Cafes and restaurants always happy to give a jug of cold water to cool bottle in.

SoulTrain · 10/02/2013 15:24

Boil your kettle with completely fresh water each time and let the water cool for 30 minutes, no more no less. Add the formula to sterilised bottles first, then using an empty bottle add the correct amount of water to each bottle. Shake vigorously and then put in a sink of very cold water for thirty minutes and THEN you can store in the fridge for 24 hours. Putting warm bottles in the fridge is a brilliant breeding ground for bacteria, same as you should cool food before putting in the fridge.

Marrow · 10/02/2013 15:28

OP - here are the guidelines that should answer all your questions:

www.nhs.uk/start4life/Documents/PDFs/Start4Life_Guide_to_bottle_feeding.pdf

Original poster
wibblyjelly · 10/02/2013 15:42

Thank you all for the advice. Marrow, that leaflet is really interesting, thank you!

OP posts:
Fairylea · 10/02/2013 15:49

Option 1.. cool bottles down in a sink full of cold water up to the neck of the bottles. Then when they feel cold to touch put them into middle of the fridge.

When I go out I use the sma ready to use bottles with the disposable teats (available in Tesco). Expensive but worth it for the hassle free experience!

daimbardiva · 10/02/2013 15:53

This is really interesting. I have always done #1 but last year I was pulled up on it by nursery and asked to do #2 which makes no sense to me.

scissy · 10/02/2013 16:25

The thing I find bizarre is the "leave for 30 minutes". It depends how much water you boil in the kettle. I then reread the leaflet and discovered that you're supposed to boil 1 litre at a time?? Given all the mantra about energy efficiency and not boiling more than you need, why insist on such wasting such a huge amount of water? Or is it that water cools too quickly if you only boil 500mls?

Fairylea · 10/02/2013 16:26

I have to say I've never waited 30 mins. I boil the kettle and make them right away.

Figgygal · 10/02/2013 16:28

Option 1 every time

Figgygal · 10/02/2013 16:29

Cartons for when out and about rather than faff of flasks for hot water and powder tubs.

wannabedomesticgoddess · 10/02/2013 16:30

The guidelines I read said

"boiled water cooled for no longer than 30 minutes"

Which I take to mean you can use it anytime between boiled and 30 minutes later.

Original poster
wibblyjelly · 10/02/2013 16:40

Its a bit of a minefield. This is why I'm looking forward to weaning Smile

OP posts:
HoratiaWinwood · 10/02/2013 17:31

If you are out and about, use very hot water (cafes will usually supply if you ask) to half the volume or so, add powder and shake/mix thoroughly to kill bugs, then add cooled boiled water to the.correct concentration.

Not as good as 1 but a darn sight better than 2.

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