How to make infant formula

Breast milk is the best food for your baby until 12 months of age. If you choose to, or need to use infant formula, correct preparation is very important.

You will need:

• your can of infant formula
• baby bottles with caps, teats
• a knife
• cooled boiled water.

Cleaning- Before preparing formula wash your hands and all cleaning equipment in hot soapy water and then rinse in safe water. Use a teat brush to wash inside and outside of the bottle.

Steralising- Clean and sterilise bottles and caps (or cup), teats and knife by bringing water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan with a lid (making sure all equipment is covered by the water) and leave until equipment is needed alternatively use a chemical sterilising solution according to directions.

How to make up the formula

1. Clean the surface on which you are preparing the formula.
2. Wash your hands with soapy water.
3. Boil fresh water. If using an automatic kettle wait until the automatic cut-off or if boiling in a pan wait for the water to come to a rolling boil. Allow this water to cool before using to make up formula.
4. Follow the exact instructions on the can of how to prepare your child's infant formula.
5. Measure the correct amount of cooled boiled water into the sterile bottle/container before adding the powder
6. Lightly fill the scoop with the powder. Scrape the sterilised knife over the top of the scoop to level the powder. Do not pack powder in the scoop. Always use the scoop provided in the can of formula.
7. Add the correct number of scoops of formula to the water.
8. Cap the bottles firmly and shake. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Storing formula

• You can make up several bottles at a time.
• Once made, formula must be kept refrigerated.
• Throw away any leftover prepared formula after 24 hours.
• Discard any formula left in the bottle after a feed.

Heating Formula

• Immerse your baby's bottle in a jug / container of warm water to reheat (no longer than 15 minutes). Occasionally shake/move bottle to ensure the bottle re-heats evenly.
• Do not use the microwave. Microwaves heat unevenly, and the hot milk can burn your baby.
• Always test the temperature of the formula by putting a few drops on the inside of your wrist before feeding it to your baby.

• Always follow the instructions on the can of infant formula.
• Always use the scoop provided in the can of infant formula.
• Always keep hot liquids & appliances away from the reach of children

Never allow your infant to sleep with, or leave them unattended with a bottle of infant formula

For More Information

Multicultural Health Communication Service Factsheets, NSW
www.health.nsw.gov.au/health-public-affairs/mhcs/ publications/Infant_and_Child_Feeding.html

Children, Youth & Women's Health Service - Parenting and Child Health
www.cyh.com