How to Properly Prepare A Baby Bottle

 

Just a few simple steps will ensure safety and comfort for your hungry baby. 

Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, bottles are a necessary feeding tool for many families. As with preparing any food or beverage, preparing formula or breastmilk for the bottle requires simple safety steps to make sure your baby gets the right amount of fresh, wholesome nourishment. Bubs has all the information you need to know how to prepare a baby bottle for your new bub.

Steps for Preparing a Bottle of Infant Formula

Many of these rules are the same ones you’d follow when preparing food for another person of any age, but it’s especially important when caring for an infant.

  • Wash your hands and clean your prep area: Use soap and warm water.
  • Clean and sanitize bottles and equipment: Boil bottles, nipples, caps, rings, and valves for five minutes before first use. Afterward, wash with warm, soapy water or use the dishwasher (if safe).
  • Keep powdered formula dry: Avoid moisture inside the canister, and handle the scoop with clean, dry hands.
  • Measure water from a safe source: If unsure, use bottled water or boil tap water for one minute, then let it cool completely. Extra precautions may be needed for babies under two months, premature infants, or those with weakened immune systems.
  • Follow package instructions: Use the correct water-to-powder ratio to ensure proper nutrition and hydration. Too much or too little powder can lead to malnutrition or dehydration.
  • Shake to mix: Do not stir; shaking ensures proper blending.
  • Check the temperature: Warming is optional but should not exceed 98.6° F. Use warm water to heat; never microwave.
  • Feed within safe time windows: Use the prepared bottle within one hour of starting the feed and within two hours of preparation. Refrigerate any unused formula within two hours and use within 24 hours.
  • Clean after feeding: Discard leftover formula; never reuse a partially consumed bottle.

Steps for Preparing a Bottle of Breastmilk

The basic safety rules are similar to those for infant formula. Follow these steps:

  • Wash hands and clean prep area: Use soap and warm water.
  • Clean and sanitize bottles and equipment: Boil before first use, then wash with warm, soapy water or in the dishwasher after subsequent uses.
  • Warm breast milk carefully: Freshly pumped milk may not need warming. Frozen milk should be thawed in the fridge overnight or under warm running water. Never microwave.
  • Gently swirl the bottle: Mix fat and nutrients evenly. Test temperature on your wrist (should not exceed 98.6° F).
  • Follow freshness limits: Previously frozen milk should be consumed within 24 hours of thawing. Once warmed, use within two hours and discard any leftovers.

These safe-feeding steps and tips will likely become a habit after your baby’s first few bottles, paving the way for healthy, consistent nourishment for your little one, whether formula or breastmilk.