Moving to mixed feeding - teach me how to use formula!

[LittleMissMac]

DS is 8mths. He was exclusively BF until 6mths when we started doing BLW. Now I've reached the stage where I'd like to BF morning and night but move him onto formula during the day.

Being a formula virgin, can anyone tell me if I can use straight tap water to make it up? DS has tap water with meals so I can't see any difference. Do I really have to boil and cool water?

(I don't want to get into a debate about why, or pros and cons, pretty please . I can't bear the thought of pumping for another four months, and having to do it at work when I go back, and I think we've done okay to get this far.)

Also, as I gradually replace daytime feeds, will my supply be okay to carry on with the morning and night feeds? DS still feeds two or three times during the night which I'm hoping will help to keep the supply strong enough.

Thanks!

I don't think you can use unboiled tap water, not because of germs in the water so much as germs in the formula IYSWIM? I think you need to follow the instructions on the tin to the letter.

Your supply should be fine if you are still doing 2 feeds a day and 2-3 at night.

NHS leaflet

there have been (rare) instances of Entero sakazakii and salmonella found in the milk powder, with some babies dying . the powder itself isn't sterile so you need to make sure the water is hot enough to kill off any bacteria that might be lurking.

alternatively if he's only having a couple of formula feeds a day you could use the ready made cartons.

Okay, I understand now, thanks!

I'm too much of a skinflint to use the cartons

we use them for out and about as the alternatives are too fussy for words.

There is a thread here

In summary:

Boil tap (not bottled) water in kettle and allow to cool for no longer than 30 mins, although you can pour straight into bottle.

Add equal number of flattened scoops to parts water i.e 7 scoops 7oz

Shake for 15 seconds

Allow to cool to drinking temp either naturally or by running bottle under cold tap. Consume within 1 hour IIRC

You can speed the process slightly - 7oz bottle

4oz of bolied water, 7 scoops of formula, shake, then add 3oz of cold water - means it can be used immediately

Thanks for the link. I have scanned pages here looking for something appropriate but didn't spot that one.

I do that with mine geordie, but I wasn't sure whether it was OK or not so didn't post . DD is 11 months though, so we add the cold straight from the tap. I guess for a little baby I'd keep some cold boiled water in the fridge.