Formula feeding when out & about

I think it would help if the formula tubs said why you need to prep the formula a certain way. My understanding is that if you fill the kettle to a certain amount and then allow it to chill for 30 mins the water sat in the kettle was hot enough to kill any bacteria, by adding the boiling water to the bottle the water would cool much quicker, also it may compromise the bottle by having such hot water. I used to boil the water and make up a couple of bottles with formula and chuck them in the fridge... I was always forgetting that I boiled the kettle and how long it had been cooling for. If your little one was going to get ill from your prep method you would know by now, it's all a learning curve. There is also another method where you add a small amount of hot water and add formula to kill of the bacteria and then top it to the right amount with cold water, the hot shot method.... However it's been a while since I've made formula so couldn't give you the amounts.

Just remember you are an amazing mummy and you are doing everything you can, it's all a learning curve!

Put the formula in the boiling water and then let it cool x

@Laura Thank you so much I did just see a video about making up the bottles and keeping them in the fridge for 24 hours so I may start doing this and I was thinking that he’s been okay for 5 weeks and hasn’t got ill I just got scared that I’ve been making them wrong xx

Cooled boiled water definitely won’t kill the bacteria sadly, the water needs to be at least 70°c😅 I wouldn’t continue because he could get ill but it’s good you know now! When out and about depending on what formula you use there are actually small cartons of formula that are ready made and you can use straight away which may work better for you! They were a lifesaver when my little one was a few months old

I was constantly paranoid about not doing things right, doesn't help when anyone and everyone has an opinion. There is so much you need to take in at this stage and baby brain doesn't help. You are doing a fab job, you found out you might be doing something wrong and you've sought advice, there really isn't anything more you can possibly do!

Forgot to add I’ve also heard the NuBy rapid cool is really good if you wanted to make a bottle then cool it down there and then! x

@Aleisha I spent way too much money on ready to use formula out of pure laziness, also good for when you are out longer than expected as you can just grab some from the shop.

@Laura Hahah honestly same here! It’s so handy, the stress I had waiting for the bottle to cool was insane but having the cartons made everything sooo much easier! And like you said being able to just go grab one was so relieving

Thank you all so much xx

@Kellie No prob! You’re doing amazing x

@Kellie it's just popped into my head, I think the hot shot method is only recommended from a certain age... But again, it feels like a lifetime ago and I can't remember what that age is.

I think I’m going to start carrying a flask and buy a rapid cool as I know I’ve been doing what I’ve been doing for 5 weeks and he hasn’t got ill but I’m now scared if I continue he could become ill so will start doing the hot shot method xx

Can’t recommend the Rapid Cool enough! Only downside is once it’s used you have to wash and sterilise again but it’s honestly such a good device and recommended by NHS.

We only used cooled boiled water to make bottles. Baby hated warm milk. Didn’t realise we weren’t meant to do that but it never did her any harm x

If youre currently giving him 120ml, put 30ml of water which is above 70degrees. It’s recommended to use 10ml of boiling water for each scoop for the formula to dissolve properly. Then add cooled down boiled water to top it up. Remember due to the volume of the powder there will be a little bit more liquid in the bottle than 120ml 🫶🏼

@Maisie It hasn’t done him any harm either but I didn’t realise myself how old is your little one x

@Viktoria Thank you so much 😘

@Kellie she is now 5yrs old

@Maisie I’m a little worried now because he’s so used to having cooled boiled water he’ll get an upset belly if he starts having it warm x

I wouldn't worry @Kellie milk temp is a preference, you could try it out and see what he likes, my LG wouldn't take anything warmer than room temp.

@Laura I think he prefers room temp I’ve given him a couple of hot shot bottles and he’s been more sicky with it xx

@Kellie oh no! Poor babe, hate when little ones get sickly. Maybe try the fridge method and warm them up as needed? Maybe give the ready to feed versions of your formula of choice, I always found the colour/consistency a bit odd compared to the mix up yourself version but maybe you need to play around with the temp of it.