Bottle Feeding Checklist
Dos:
- Always wash, rinse and dry hands thoroughly before
preparing feeds.
- Sterilise all equipment thoroughly before preparing
the feed.
- Always measure cooled, previously boiled water
into the bottle first, then add the powder, using the scoop provided
with each can of baby milk.
- Make up only one bottle of formula at a time
and use immediately. If formula is prepared in advance it must
be kept refrigerated below 4°C
- If you need to prepare formula in advance store
boiled water in the fridge and pre-measure formula into a sterile
container. All water should be used on the day it is boiled.
- If you must pre-prepare formula (e.g. for the
babysitter) store in the back of the fridge below 4°C for
no longer than 12 hours. Ideally shorter times are better.
- Take extra care if heating milk feeds in a microwave
oven. Uneven heating can cause hot spots that may burn baby's
mouth. It is best to warm milk feeds using the water bath method.
- Always test the temperature of the feed by shaking
a few drops of milk onto the inside of your wrist.
- If your baby is thirsty give drinks of cooled,
previously boiled water between feeds.
- Discard any milk left over at the end of a feed.
Don'ts
- Don't give extra milk between feeds. Babies occasionally
get thirsty as well as hungry. Give drinks of cooled, previously
boiled water between feeds instead.
- Don't pack the milk powder into the scoop, add
extra scoops or use heaped scoops. If you do, this will result
in your baby receiving over-concentrated feeds which may lead
to dehydration.
- Don't add sugar or cereals in any form to the
breastmilk or formula in the bottle. These milks contain the right
combination of nutrients essential for healthy growth and development.
- Never keep unfinished feeds or feeds that have
been prepared for more than 12 hours. Babies have less resistance
to infections than adults.
- Don't have hot drinks while feeding your
baby. It can be dangerous as you may accidentally spill it.
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