Which formula?

The NHS says first infant formula is suitable from birth and is the only formula your baby needs, unless a midwife, health visitor or GP advises otherwise. Follow-on formula isn’t needed, and babies can stay on first infant formula until they are 1 year old. The NHS says goats’ milk formula is not less likely to cause allergies. Hungry baby milk and anti-reflux formula should be used only after talking to a health professional. The NHS says never to give soya, rice, oat or almond drinks to a baby under 1 year.

Sterilising

The NHS says to keep sterilising bottles, teats and other feeding equipment until your baby is at least 12 months old. Wash everything in hot, soapy water first and rinse in clean cold water. Then use cold-water sterilising solution (soak for at least 30 minutes), a steam steriliser, or boiling for at least 10 minutes. A dishwasher cleans but does not sterilise.

Making up a bottle

  1. Wash your hands and clean and disinfect the work surface.
  2. Boil at least 1 litre of fresh tap water from the cold tap (not water that has been boiled before), then let it cool for no more than 30 minutes, so it stays at least 70C. Water at 70C or more will kill harmful bacteria.
  3. Add the water to the bottle first, while it’s hot, then add the powder using only the scoop supplied with that formula. Follow the maker’s measurements, and never add extra powder or water.
  4. It is really important to cool the formula so it is not too hot to drink, then test a drop on the inside of your wrist. It should feel warm or cool, not hot.

Never warm formula in a microwave, because it can heat unevenly and burn your baby’s mouth. Make up feeds one at a time, as your baby needs them, and throw away any made-up formula left after a feed.

Combining breast and bottle

Many parents do both. If you want to build or protect your milk supply, talk to your midwife or health visitor about timing. The NHS says that if you are planning to top up with formula, it’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well established, because your baby will want to feed less. If your baby needs extra milk for a medical reason, your midwife will advise you, and that is fine. See breastfeeding in the first few days and cluster feeding.

However you feed

A fed baby, and a parent who is looked after, are what matters most. Ask your midwife or health visitor if you’d like help with any part of feeding.

Questions people ask

Can I make bottles in advance?

The NHS says to make up feeds one at a time, as your baby needs them. Bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature and more slowly in a fridge, but they can still survive there.

Do I need to switch to follow-on milk at 6 months?

No. The NHS says there is no need to use follow-on formula. First infant formula can be your baby’s main drink until 12 months.

Is it safe to use a bottle machine?

The NHS says the water must reach 70C to kill harmful bacteria, and that formula prep machines should be checked with a digital food thermometer.

Read next

Sources: NHS: how to make up a feed; NHS: how to use formula; NHS: how to make up baby formula; NHS: types of formula; NHS: sterilising baby bottles.

This is general information based on NHS guidance. Every body is different, so speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP if you’re unsure about anything.