Novice formula prep questions

[Bambozzledbybabystuff]

Hi

My 5 week old is getting formula top ups as he has not gained weight. I have been using cartons but I have ordered a tommee tippee perfect prep machine and I am now trying to get to grips with powder formula prep.

I have a couple if silly questions:

1. Why do I have to add hot water then powder not just pour the hot water over the powder? I understand that measurements would be wrong but this is not a prob with perfect prep machine yet instructions still say hot water first?

1. I have the powder dispenser tubs. As the powder gets added to hot water to kill any germs, why would I need to sterilise the tubs? Can I just wash them well instead?

Thanks!

Afaik, having not made up powdered formula myself, the reason for (1) is so that all the powder hits hot water well and so it is more likely that any bugs are killed off. Although this could just be nonsense! The thing about getting the measurements wrong is obviously an important consideration.

As for (2), I would sterilize anything that is used for a baby under 6 months, just in case. You could possibly contaminate the powder with something really nasty that wouldn't be killed by 70 degree water e.g. botulism for one example, I think.

I think its because you have to be careful not to make it up with too little water, if you add say 120 mils of water first then put the powder in you will notice it takes it up past 120 mils.

so if you put the fomula in then put the 120 MLS of water in you wouldn't be adding enough water iyswim

I'm sure there are easier ways of saying that! Sorry abit sleep deprived