So much advice

[kglr]

So I'm currently combination feeding my 4 week old but have been buying the ready made formula.

Im looking at starting to use the powdered formula but am slightly confused as to how to make it etc as there's so many conflicting comments online.

So I've boiled the water - then allowed to cool for around 30 minutes and then I've decanted into my sterilised bottles. Which are now in the fridge.

So when I'm ready to make up my formula. I'm presuming I can heat up the water. Add the formula and use?

Thank you in advance

You will get told all sorts of different advice as you say. However the formula needs to be added to boiling water to kill any bugs as the powder isn't sterile and also for it to dissolve properly.

I don't think what you've described will do that as I presume you mean you will heat the water up to a comfortable feeding temperature and then add the powder so it won't be hot enough to kill bugs or for the powder to dissolve easily.

The water has to be boiling when you add the powder so as long as you reheat it to boiling then I guess that's fine.

You're adding in an extra step though that you don't really need. Why can't you add boiling water straight to the powder?

Reading the information and instructions on the formula packaging. It states the water should be boiled and then left to get to around 70'c then add the formula? It doesn't say to add the formula to boiling water.

It just means that's the lowest temp you can use it at, you don't have to wait 30 mins from boiling but you can't wait anymore than that.

Boil, add formula, shake, add cooled boiled water to right temp. It'll take some experimenting with amounts. I think when I was doing 6oz bottles it was 1.5oz of boiling add formula and then 4.5oz of cold

Buy a Perfect Prep machine. Seriously. I couldn't have coped without one.

Also, I thought you weren't supposed to add the formula to boiling water because it damages something in the formula if it's too hot?

Follow the instructions, OP. They won't be the same for all the different types of formula, so just do what the box tells you to.

Found this for you:

www.firststepsnutrition.org/making-infant-milk-safely

Personally, I wouldn't use a perfect prep before at least three months and preferably six because the independent research conducted into it so far has suggested it doesn't kill all the bacteria present because there isn't enough hot water added (info in link above).

As PP has said I used to boil kettle, I'd leave it maybe 5
Mins then pour into a bottle - around 2/3rds of what's needed.

Added full scoops amount then shake, topped up with the cooled boiled water I'd prepared each evening before which was nicely chilled in the fridge - it's not long before you can get the mix right so it's cool enough to feed straight away

Which powder are you using? I found aptamil wasn't as good at dissolving and I changed to Hipp organic which was great - but each to their own. HV wasn't best pleased when I changed and said not to change again ... not sure why (should have asked but it was a fair few years ago now ... 7 to be exact lol)

Currently using Aptamil but have sma aswell. Thank you all for your feedback.

Do what the box tells you too. I used a Perfect Prep from two weeks and found it amazing.

I fully appreciate that formula making seems to come with a terrifying set of warnings, however it's worth noting that not all countries recommend making bottles with such hot water and focus more storing formula correctly. I found listening to how friends in the US and Australia made bottles very reassuring.

You'll also be told that it is unsafe to make a batch of bottles and store them in the fridge, however even the WHO (the ones who recommend using a sterile thermometer to check each bottle) say that a bottle can be stored in the fridge for 24 hours and reheated when required.

Why on the interment? There are instructions on the box - although common sense goes a long way too. A lot of boxes say to run under a running tap to cool - huge waste of water in my opinion, just pop it in a bowl of cold water. You don’t really need the water to cool either - just be careful when you shake the bottle, or if you open it after shaking as hotter water makes it a bit more volitile.