Preparing formula can seem quite daunting at first, but once you get into a routine of formula making, it should be quite quick and easy. The formula needs to be prepared in a hygienic way to prevent bacteria from colonising in the prepared milk. Firstly, you need to wash your hands and all the equipment, bottles and teats need to be pre-
sterilised before preparing fresh formula. The bench tops need to be clean and any food tidied and put out of the way. You will need to have:
Pre-boiled water. Bring to the boil the amount of water you need make up your bottles. Once the water starts boiling you can turn it off (or your automatic jug may do this for you). If you are unsure about the quality of the water you are using, you should boil the water for at least 10 minutes. Put aside the boiled water to cool until it is lukewarm.
Bottles and/or a jug.Put your pre-sterilised bottle(s) on the clean bench and fill each bottle with the required amount of lukewarm boiled water. Some parents will sterilise a large, plastic, measuring jug to make up a 'batch' of milk, and then pour it into the sterilised bottles (you may want to sterilise a plastic funnel to help with the pouring). Make sure the powder is totally dissolved, and mixed in well, before pouring the formula into the bottles (use a sterile spoon, whisk, knife or fork to mix the milk). The pre-made bottles need to be stored in the body of the fridge, towards the back of the fridge (not in the door of the fridge), and used within 24 hours.
If you want to store the milk in the jug, and then pour it into a bottle at each feed, the jug will need to have a lid on it (or be covered with plastic wrap or foil) and be refrigerated. The milk needs to be stirred each time, before pouring it into each bottle, as the formula can settle to the bottom of the jug while being stored, (making the bottles either too diluted, or too rich, if not stirred well).