Formula advice!

[jadericho]

So all you formula feeding mums I need your help! I'm have a miserable time with breastfeeding at the minute and considering switching to formula. But I have so many questions.. my main one being how on earth do you manage making a feed and cooling it all whilst having a screaming hungry baby?!? Maybe I'm just so used to the convenience of just whipping my boob out and him being instantly soothed. The reason I say this is because I know guidelines have recently changed in that they don't recommend you prepare formula in advance and it always must be made fresh. It just seems like such a faf, the only way I can see round it is buying the ready made formula which for me isn't financially sustainable. Or is it not as complicated as what I think because surely it can't be..

Perfect prep machine x worth every penny

I have FF my first and still BF my second.

I used to make up a day's formula with hot water and store in the fridge. I could just about afford to buy pre made formula if I was going out and packed empty sterilised bottles in the change bag.

It's absolutely your choice at the end of the day, and both methods have pros and cons. That being said, depending on the issues you are having formula may not be the magic cure and it is easy to switch from breast to bottle, but not so easy to switch back. Have you been to a BF support group? Anything we can help with?

If you do ff pease don't add powder to cold/lukewarm water, the powder is not sterile!

And definitely avoid aptamil atm, my Ff friends have had problems with the new formula (this seems to be widespread as it's been in the news) I have heard the mamia stuff at Aldi was good, wish they had it when I was FF as it's so cheap!

Before perfect prep machines I made up bottles with boiling water, cooled quickly , then stored them in the fridge until needed. I kept a bottle warmer in the bedroom to heat them. This was considered safe 12-18 years ago.

Now I use a prep. Use the correct filters , give the inside a good clean when you are popping a new one in and it's safe for your baby.

The only issue with the prep is that the temperature light has been coming on during this heatwave , I've had to drain the water and replace with ice cold water in order to continue safe use. Aside from this I've had no problems with it.

The really important thing is to make sure hot water is sterilising the powder. Even under the new NHS guidance says you can use if a couple of hours after making so if you don't feel comfortable storing a days worth in the fridge you could make a new bottle after you have used the last.

I make up all bottles night before with boiling water and cool in the fridge immediately. Then heat up for 30 seconds in the microwave throughout the day as needed.

They can stay in fridge for 24hrs