How to Prepare a Bottle of Infant Formula

Whether you choose to breastfeed, bottle feed, or a combination of both, knowing how to prepare a bottle of formula is important. Even mothers who solely breast feed their babies should know the proper procedure. You may suddenly need to stop breastfeeding due to antibiotics or a medical problem. Your baby may be stuck somewhere without you and your babysitter needs to know information on how to fix a bottle. Motherhood comes with many responsibilities. Preparation is one of those responsibilities. You must be prepared for any situation that could arise. Knowing how to properly mix a bottle of formula helps you prepare for some of those situations. This guide will show you how.

Instructions

How to Prepare a Bottle of Infant Formula

1

Stretch the edges of the bottle liner over the rim of the bottle to secure it in place. You can also use the newer bottle liners that you just put inside the bottle without any stretching. Liners help formula fed babies minimize the amount of air that is consumed.

2

Turn the tap water to luke warm. You want the formula to simulate breast milk. Breast milk is slightly warm. It is not hot and it is not cold. Wait until the water has gotten to the desired temperature.

3

Fill the bottle liner with 4 to 6 ounces of water. Use the numbering and lines on the bottle liner to determine how much water you have added. Disregard the numbers on the bottle itself. These can be off if you are using liners.

4

Scoop the baby formula out of the can. Make sure each scoop is level with the rim, and unpacked. Follow the instructions on the can as to how many scoops to add per ounce. Typically, you need to add one scoop of formula for every 2 ounces of water.

5

Screw the nipple back onto the bottle. Use your index finger to cover the hole of the bottle, and shake vigorously. Shake for 10 seconds. Then, put the bottle down for 20 seconds before shaking for another 10 seconds.

6

Put the bottle on the counter for at least 4 minutes before feeding your baby. This is to allow the air bubbles created from the shaking to disappear.

7

Test a couple drips of formula on your wrist to be sure it is not too warm. If it is the desired temperature, feed your baby.