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Original poster

SMA anti reflux formula

24 replies

Michaelawoods · 27/09/2022 18:16

Hey, I’m hoping someone can help me.
I just started my 4 week old baby boy on SMA anti reflux formula after experiencing reflux the last few days and I was advised by my doctor.

I’m wondering is it possible for me to make bottles for 24 hours like I was doing with the normal SMA and storing them in the back of the fridge ?

Can I do this with the anti reflux formula.
Has anyone done this?

Sorry I’m a first time mom so I’m still getting used to it all!

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Laurappo · 27/09/2022 21:21

Haven't done it myself but the reflux formula is really just a thickened version of the normal formula so I would say it's fine to do it as you were doing before.
.if I recall correctly, the only difference on the tin instructions is to use a faster or veriflow teet

ColeensBoot · 27/09/2022 21:24

What are the instructions on the tin saying? Follow the printed instructions

TheGlitterFairy · 27/09/2022 21:34

Think with the anti reflux you need to make
as you need it rather than in advance as it gets thicker while standing so then too thick to drink if hours later.

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Original poster

Michaelawoods · 28/09/2022 08:31

thanks for the reply ☺️, ya I think that’s the problem with the anti reflux but I just find that so hard to do at night.
basically I’d have to get up half an hour before I think he needs a feed which is starting to vary as we might get longer from him on some bottles and wait for that to cool, then make the bottle once it’s the right temp and then be up to feed him to. I wouldn’t getting any sleep if I was to do it like that especially if he wakes every 3 hours most of the time 😂 I’m going to have to see how I go and possibly make the feeds for at night and heat them as needed, hopefully that works 🙏🏼

OP posts:

Velvettoad · 28/09/2022 08:36

We use this formula. It works differently to other anti reflux formula as its thickened with starch rather than Caro bean which means it doesn't get thicker on standing. However, I wouldn't make it up in advance because you have to make it at room temp, meaning the risk of bacteria is higher than for normal formula milk.

I would suggest you either fill a thermos with water at the right temp before bed so you can use that overnight or do what we do and get a tommee tippee prep machine (we got ours off eBay). If you do get a prep machine, be aware you need to put both the "hot shot" and the cooler water into the bottle before adding the powder, unlike normal formula.

TheGlitterFairy · 28/09/2022 09:52

We used a perfect prep machine too with the anti reflux powder for 9 months (3 months - 12 months until he was weaned) and it was fine.

Also measured the powder in then the hot shot - shook - then added the rest of the water as normal.

When I was out and about with him, I used to take 2 flasks of water with me to mimic the perfect prep machine so I could make bottles on the go. One would be cooled boiled water and the other, boiling water, then had a container with the measured powder in. Total faff to do but there wasn't another option and I go pretty handy with it after the first few attempts!

Or - if I knew that he would need a bottle within about 30 mins of being out, I'd make one up and then take it in a bottle bag to keep warm. But that was when he was a bit bigger tbh than a smaller baby.

Original poster

Michaelawoods · 28/09/2022 17:21

Hey 👋 thanks for that!
the prep machine sounds like a good idea but just to explain myself properly we would actually make the bottles at room temp and then pop them in the fridge and then use our bottle warmer to slightly heat before giving it to baby? Do you think this would work?

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Original poster

Michaelawoods · 28/09/2022 17:22

Hey 👋 thanks for that!

the prep machine sounds like a good idea but just to explain myself properly we would actually make the bottles at room temp and then pop them in the fridge and then use our bottle warmer to slightly heat before giving it to baby? Do you think this would work?

OP posts:

ColeensBoot · 28/09/2022 18:02

What do the instructions say on the tin?

Seriously the actual text, what does it say

Original poster

Michaelawoods · 28/09/2022 19:15

Is says boil kettle leave for no more then 30mins then add the water to the bottle then put under the tap to cool down even more so I think room temp and then add the formula this is why I’m so confused! So now I’m thinking can I just make the bottles of water and add the formula when he needs a bottle as from what I’ve read the water will stay sterile in the bottle for 24 hours once it’s not being opened in the bottle

OP posts:

ColeensBoot · 28/09/2022 21:03

Well it sounds like you can.
You could preboil the water and store in sterilised bottles.
Mix powder and water in a fresh bottle. Then get a takeaway coffee cup sized mug full 1/3 with just boiled water - dunk the made up bottle in it to heat it up.

And I would phone the formula company helpline for guidance as those instructions aren't super clear on whether the powder needs the blast of just boiled water.

Most powder formula does need this- it's to kill the potential bacteria lurking in the powder. But the special formulas maybe different. I'd phone up just to be sure.

Original poster

Michaelawoods · 28/09/2022 21:08

Ya it’s all so unclear, I’m going to ring the helpline tomorrow just to make sure. Thanks ☺️

OP posts:

ColeensBoot · 28/09/2022 21:15

Aw great! They really do have teams of people taking calls and advising customers.
Hope you get some clarity

Velvettoad · 28/09/2022 21:17

It is confusing. I had to call the helpline too initially! Usually you need to add formula powder to the hot water to kill bacteria. Anti reflux milk is different because of the way it thickens. It has to be made with lukewarm water (that's why it tells you to run the bottle under the tap to cool it down). This means there is a higher risk of bacteria than with normal milk but it's still a small risk so it's calculated that the risk is acceptable.

Yes, you can just put the water in the bottles and then add the formula in the middle of the night but be aware the water will basically be cold and your baby might not like it.

heartbreakhotel20 · 28/09/2022 21:29

I used SMA with my little one, the colder the water is the better for it to not go in to lumps. ( i know that's not great for sterile etc) for night feeds I would make the water in the bottle as you have described and put it in a bottle bag. I would then put the Powder in one of those travel pots and take it all to bed with me. Then for night feeds I only had to put the powder in the bottle. It was so much easier especially when night feeds weren't on a schedule like day time feeds. Worked very well for us. Anti reflux milk was a game changer for us. Good luck xx

Original poster

Michaelawoods · 28/09/2022 21:36

Oh ok, I was just a little worried about the bacteria but if the risk is small then that makes total sense. Now my only thing with making the bottles of water and adding the formula when needed is I read on the HSE website that you shouldn’t do this with babies under 2 months old but essentially I’m doing that anyway when I cool the water to lukewarm like it’s suggesting on the tin because technically lukewarm water isn’t going to kill any bacteria anyway right ?? Also thanks for the reply

OP posts:

Newmummy2225 · 28/09/2022 21:52

Hi.

not sure if you’ve already tried or considered switching brands, but my baby was soooo sick on SMA. We switched her to cow & gate and she improved within days!

just an idea :)

Original poster

Michaelawoods · 29/09/2022 11:30

I actually hadn’t thought about that I just done what the doctor suggested hmm maybe I should have tried that first but we’re already 48 hours into the anti reflux and he seems to be good so I better not play with it again unless I need to I’ll see how we get on. Thanks a mill ☺️

OP posts:

Original poster

Michaelawoods · 29/09/2022 11:34

Thanks for the reply ☺️
ok maybe that’s what I’ll do I was just so afraid to make him more sick and then when it’s going again the normal sma formula with the water temp I was just terrified.
also did you have a change in his bowl movements, colour and consistency etc ?
we’re going through a bit of a change but I’m guessing it’s from the change in formula.
xx

OP posts:

AB1990 · 28/02/2024 15:05

Hi,

what bottles am I meant to use with SMA anti reflux formula ? I tried using the tommee tippee ones but could not get it to release the milk?

Phoebe2023 · 10/03/2024 04:05

@AB1990 not sure if you already found an answer but we use a larger teat two, currently using the MAM bottles xx

Burns1992 · 26/04/2025 14:53

Hi everyone I have just started my little one on this SMA anti reflux formula. When we go out for the day usually I would make a bottle then pop in one those warming bags untill we need. But I have read the anti reflux one thickens up when left so how is everyone making bottles up when out? Thanks

Burns1992 · 26/04/2025 14:56

How you making bottles when going out with this formula?

TheGlitterFairy · 29/04/2025 09:40

We used the aptamil anti reflux formula but for bottles when out, used to take 2 flasks with me- one boiling water and one boiled cooled water plus the pre measured out formula in carrier.

then put the formula into the bottle, bit of the boiling water to mix/ shake - then fill the rest with the cooled boiled water. A total faff but it can be done!!

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