The Art of Formula Feeding On the Go: Tips, Tricks & Must-Haves

This article is sponsored by Tommee Tippee, a supporter of Peanut and women alike.

We all know that feeding our babes is no easy task, especially when we're out and about.

Let's face it, making sure you have access to boiling water and a sterile environment to prepare a fresh bottle can be a near-impossible task.

Let alone cooling it down to the perfect temperature!

But fear not, because we're here to share some tips and tricks that to make formula feeding out of the house a breeze.

So sit back, relax, and let us help take some of the stress out of your next on-the-go feeding frenzy.

In this article: 📝

How do you make formula milk when traveling?

Traveling with a baby can be stressful, especially when it comes to making sure they're fed and happy.

But fear not!

Here are some playful and supportive tips for making formula milk on the go:

1. Get the right gadgets

Invest in a formula-making bottle, like the highly-rated GoPrep Portable Formula Feed Maker by Tommee Tippee.

You could go from wrestling a hungry baby to feeding in just 2 minutes ‒ literally!

Here's how to get it done:

• Pour the amount of hot boiled water you need into the flask.
• Grab the handy milk powder dispenser that's included, and add however much formula powder is recommended by the manufacturer.
• Secure the lid and get ready to shake things up. Give it a good shake to mix the formula and kick-start the cooling process.
• You’ll be able to check it’s ready from the cute star on the top of the flask ‒ colour-coded so you know when it’s the perfect temperature for baby.
• Transfer the perfect-temperature formula into a sterile bottle
  Et voila!

You've got a perfectly made formula feed, all while keeping up with your on-the-go lifestyle.

Plus, it’s filter-free, easy to clean (dishwasher- and steriliser-safe), and BPA-free, so it's totally safe for baby, while super-practical for you!

2. Ready-to-feed formula

If you don't have access to boiling water, consider using ready-to-feed formula that comes in pre-made bottles.

But at most restaurants, hotels, and even on planes, you can usually get fresh boiling water if you ask.

3. Pack extra

Don't forget to pack extra bottles, nipples, and a bottle brush for cleaning on the go.

4. Call ahead

If you're staying at a hotel, call ahead and ask if they can provide a bottle warmer or microwave to heat up your baby's bottle.

How do you travel with formula?

Planning on trekking abroad but not sure whether you can bring your baby’s formula?

The good news is that, more often than not, you should be able to.

You can usually pack formula in your carry-on or checked luggage ‒ just make sure to check with your airline's regulations, just in case.

It's a good idea to bring more formula than you think you'll need in case of travel delays or unexpected changes in plans.

Formula powder can be easier to travel with than ready-to-feed liquid formula, but make sure it’s securely packed, because spillages can happen.

And you don’t need us to tell you what a pain formula powder can be to get out of your diaper bag.

Bringing a portable formula feed maker, like the GoPrep by Tommee Tippee, so you can cool it to the perfect temperature wherever you are.

Don't forget to bring a clean, sterile bottle or two and a way to warm up the formula if needed.

With a little prep, you and your babe will be ready to hit the road (or skies) in no time!

Can I make up formula bottles in advance?

Can I premake formula bottles?

Yes, you can.

But it doesn’t keep forever.

Iif you're using pre-made or concentrated formula, it's best to use it within 24 hours.

But if you're using formula prepared from concentrate, you can keep it chilling in the fridge for up to 48 hours.

If you’re not sure, it’s worth checking what your specific brand of baby formula says, as some can keep for longer than others.

Can you boil water for formula in advance?

No, it’s not recommended to boil water for formula in advance ‒ it should be boiled fresh, that’s a non-negotiable.

The powdered milk itself may be sealed, but it can still harbor bacteria, and if the water isn’t boiling, that can mean that the bacteria can multiply.

Adding boiling water kills most bacteria, so it’s best not to skip this vital step when prepping formula on the go.

Can babies drink cold formula?

Yes, you can give baby cold formula, if they like it.

But let's face it, babies can be fickle creatures.

Some like it hot, some like it cold, and some are happy with it in-between.

But don't forget to test the temperature before feeding!

Simply put a couple of drops on the back of your hand or wrist to make sure it's not too hot.

You don't want your little one to get a nasty surprise.

Whatever you do, don't be tempted to use the microwave.

It might seem like a quick fix, but it can create hot spots in the formula that could burn your baby's mouth.

Stick to the tried-and-true methods, and you'll have a happy, well-fed baby in no time.

How do you make formula bottles at night easily?

For a quick and easy solution to making fresh formula for baby at night, the GoPrep Portable Formula Feed Maker is your best bet.

Just add the boiling water and the formula, shake it to cool, check the star on the top to make sure it’s the right temperature for baby, and you’re good to go!

But if you want to pre-make formula and put it in the fridge, you can store it for up to 24 hours, then warm it up using a bottle warmer or putting it in a jug of hot water, but these can take a little time.

And just to hammer the point home, microwaving formula or milk for babies is not safe, because it can cause burns from hot spots.

Well, that's a wrap, milk-mixing mama!

Hopefully these tips and tricks have helped you feel more confident about formula feeding your babe on the go.

From packing the right equipment to mastering the art of making formula milk on the move, it's all about finding what works best for you and your baby.

Whether you're jetting off on a vacation or just running errands around town, with a little preparation and a lot of patience, you'll soon be a formula-feeding pro.

So, don't let the fear of feeding away from home hold you back.

Embrace the adventure and enjoy the freedom that comes with being a formula-feeding on the go.