I wasn’t planning on writing about powdered Baby Formula preparation until I saw the number of queries on new mom forums about everything from quantity to temperature. This is when I realized those stressful times when I had to instruct others (aka The Dad!) to prepare my daughter’s baby formula. What most people don’t realize that it’s the easiest way to get your baby sick. Getting the powdered Baby Formula preparation right ensures that your baby has the right nutrition and hydration through the day.
Powdered Baby Formula Pre-Prep:
Do refer to the complete list of newborn feeding essentials to ensure that you have all the equipments required for feeding your newborn.
- Sterilize the Baby Bottle and attachments like Nipple, Caps, Rings, Tubes ,etc.
- Make sure you’re using the age appropriate powdered Baby Formula
- Check the Expiration Date
- Have Baby’s water ready at hand
Pro Tip 1: Pee Count
As a New Mom you always worry whether your little bundle is being fed well. A good rule of thumb is 6+ pee count generally indicates adequate hydration in your baby.
So here’s a Step-by-Step Guide to making sure you’re doing it right.
Step 1: Wash Hands
This is a no brainer and I cannot stress enough on important it is to make sure that not just you but also the other caretakers such as Nannies or Dads, wash their hands before handling your baby’s sterilized items.
Step 2: Add Water
Measuring the right amount of water as recommended by the manufacturer is important to avoid diluting or thickening the baby formula.
Step 3: Dissolve Baby Formula
Check the manufacturers guide for Baby Formula to Water Ratio. I used Similac which recommends 1 scoop of baby formula per 2oz of water. Check with your pediatrician if unsure about the ratio. Be sure that the baby formula has dissolved well in the bottle and that there are no lumps in the bottle.
Step 4: Warm if needed
I recommend 2 very easy ways to do this. 1) Use Bottle Warmer 2) Pre boil and store adequate temperature water in a thermos to use through the day.
Step 5: Feed the Baby!
Pro Tip 2: Microwave
Do NOT microwave the Milk Bottle as it can cause ‘Hot Spots’ which can burn your baby.
Pro Tip 3: Leftover
Do NOT store or refrigerate Leftover Baby Formula. Dispose off Leftover Baby formula immediately to avoid contamination.
Pro Tip 4: Storage
Pre-made Baby Formula bottles can be stored at Room Temperature for 2 Hours and Refrigerated for 24 hours.
