Panicking - how to safely make up formula?

[Pinkzebra21]

I've been adding formula to cooled boiled water for my 8 week old since stopping bf 2 weeks ago. I thought as long as water was boiled it was safe. In my sleep deprived state I thought it was important to give formula immediately and not store for later.

Is it best that I add formula to boiled water that is still hot and then let this cool? I am using Aptimel anti-reflux and it clearly states to feed within 7 minutes of adding formula!! I am so flippin confused. Can anyone help??

Thank you, next feed due in 45 minutes!!

It's not the bacteria in the water that is an issue, the formula may contain some pretty nasty bacteria and it's those you have to kill. Some parents invest in kettle that show the temperature of the water. Could you make up her feed now?

There's some good information on how to make up bottles here

There's different guidelines for anti reflux formula, I'd go with what's on the tin.

Thanks Jilted . Have made up next feed using boiled water & will wait for it to cool before feeding ds.

Navyknickers - says to wait 45 mins after boiling kettle before making up reflux formula - will do this on future feeds, this one imminent...
Feeling very stupid

Water will cool quicker depending on how full kettle is, water should still need to be hot enough to kill bacteria. If need to cool bottle further just hold under cold tap for few minutes then test

Make up a days bottles, flash cool them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours as per WHO guidelines.
Heat in a bowl of boiling water.

Flash cool by running under cold water tap.

We do a manual version of the Perfect Prep method. You need to experiment to figure out the quantities for a drinkable temp but it is quite easy. Basically, you make sure the hot, boiled water goes on to the powder (to kill any lurking bacteria) and then top up with cool water. We find just under 1/3 hot water and just over 2/3 cool water works perfectly.

That's such a great idea euro chick. ..

Relax woman! Either way is fine. 7 minutes, how ridiculous!

I understand the safest way is to add to boiling water then cool under running water, but it's not the be all and end all.

My only bit of advice would be to buy a perfect prep machine. It's the best best best absolutely completely without a doubt the best baby item I've EVER bought.

Thanks everyone!
Eurochick - will give that a try, thanks
Monkey - ta for recommendation of perfect prep machine.

My friend used anti reflux milk and it had to be made with cooler water as the whole premise was that it thickens when it warms, ie hits the stomach to help it stay settled and if made with hot water it would be too thick for baby to drink. She also couldn't shake the hell out of the bottle either, had to just rock it until powder was mixed in.

Maybe the 7 minutes advice is because it thickens over time and after 7 mins is too thick to get through the teat?

Follow the advice on the tin - anti reflux formula is different to the standard stuff.

Yes follow the advice on the tin. We use anti reflux and it is different. I could never wait 45 mins for the kettle to cool so I used to cool mine under cold running water until it was the right temp for the powder, so warm but not boiling. The powder doesn't mix properly in boiling water. Once powder is added i left it in a bowl of cold water for 7 mins and it cooled a bit further.

It can be left for more than 7 mins, but I wouldn't leave it in the fridge as I reckon it would solidify! We use the 2 hour rule and that works fine for us.

The best thing to do, if you are feeling nervous would be to boil the kettle and set a timer for 45 mins. Take the temperature of the water. That way you know what temperature the water has to be to mix the formula well. Pour into a bottle and get a feel for it, that way you'll begin to recognise how hot it should feel, or you could use a thermometer to cool it to that specific temperature before then adding the powder.

But essentially yes, anti reflux is different so you have to follow the specific instructions and don't add it to boiling water.

Don't feel stupid, it's actually quite complicated!

Thanks for starting this thread. I use the anti reflux too and could never get my head around the prep instructions of using hand hot water as opposed to hot (70°) to kill bugs in the powder as per NHS guidelines. I now follow the recommendation on the box (cow& gate).

I usually boil the kettle in the morning, let it cool for 45 mins then put this water in a flask ready for subsequent feeds. Usually have 2 feeds worth so the right temp water is on hand if I don't have chance to wait 45 mins if baby is hungry or during night feed. Works for me.

Thanks again - really handyl tips. Flask & thermometer useful extras!