Formula babies …

Why is it taking so long to prepare formula? We usually prepare enough for 24 hours at a time, but even when we travel and don't have access to refrigeration it doesn't take more than a few minutes to make and warm it.

How are you prepping the formula? It shouldn’t be taking that long

I used to boil a kettle of water and let that cool down and keep it in a large flask. Then to make a bottle quickly I would use some freshly boiled water at the bottom, put the formula in to sterilise it and then top it up with the cooled boiled water to get it to good temp. Or I would make it the normal way and run it under cold water/put it in a bowl of cold water to cool it down quickly. I’m not sure what the rules are now on pre-making and putting in the fridge. But there are things like the prep machine that make it in 30 seconds or bottle coolers/warmers you can buy

Are you boiling the water or something? If so boil a lot at the beginning of the day. I just used filtered or bottled water

When I had my son always kept water in my kettle and it would stay hot . I did two ounces hot water and two ounces of filtered bottle water that’s makes a warm bottle and I could make bottles in demand . At night I would have a thermis I kept on my bed stain with hot water and bottle water I did it just like that .

I would suggest getting a prep machine or using a Nuby Rapid Cool- two great investments for quick prepping formula! Or you could make the formula using the method you are currently are, then store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and use a bottle warmer when you want to use it. Or you could use ready-made formula.

Get yourself a nuby rapid cool, so much easier to quickly make it x

Guidance says you should boil a kettle, wait 30 mins and then pour it into bottle then add powder. ?? It then takes 5 mins or so to cool under a tap?

I’m also topping up with formula but using the premixed stuff as it’s more sterile for babies under 3 months. I also find this way easier for travel as it’s already made and I just put it in a bottle and then in a cooler with ice. If it’s affordable to you a bottle sterilizer is sooooo worth it. There’s then no boiling of water for any part of the process (I also have a bottle warmer. When out I bring hot water in a vaccuum sealed container and just put the bottle of formula in that for a couple of minutes while I’m BF.

@Michelle the pre mix is just so expensive!!

If you use the nuby rapid cool you can ditch the 30 mins and then cooling it under a tap. Honestly so much quicker x

Totally fair!!! Our plan is to just use it for 3 months or so and we’re only using to top up so it’s not for full feeding. It’s totally whatever everyone can afford because absolutely formula is so expensive. Just personally it saves me a lot of time and energy so I find it worth it! My total time for BF and formula with washing bottles and warming it up takes 45-1 hour from beginning to end including 20 minutes of BF.

@Sam Guidance says you should boil a kettle, wait 30 mins and then pour it into bottle then add powder. ?? It then takes 5 mins or so to cool under a tap?

@Tagmayne Guidance says you should boil a kettle, wait 30 mins and then pour it into bottle then add powder. ?? It then takes 5 mins or so to cool under a tap?

Yes, and it says it keeps for up to 24 hours refrigerated afterwards. We make about a litre at a time since my son has that much within 24 hours, and have bottles prepped ahead of time, and make it once a day. Just take the bottle and put it in a cup of water as hot as the tap will go for 5 minutes and it's room temp, warm enough for him to accept the bottle, and off we go.

I believe for formula the water should be at least 70degrees when adding it so it kills any potential bacteria. What we used to do was adding a shot of boiling water (about 30ml) and topping with cooled water that has previously been boiled. In that way you eliminate the chance of bacteria and the milk should be cooled and ready for the baby. We did this for a couple of weeks and after we purchased the Tommee Tippee Perfect prep machine. It has been a lifesaver for us😃

Use hot shot method alongside nuby rapid cool, this way nuby doesn't need sterilising as often and bottle is normally the right temperature almost straight away.

@Tagmayne the guidance says it’s best to make each one every time but your way makes a lot more sense’

Never took me that long to prep bottles I also never wasted time warming the water eather just add water to bottle and powder mix and serve baby gets used to cold/room temp and does just fine

I’d highly recommend a prep machine - can pick them up 2nd hand off Facebook for less than £20 normally. But if not I’ve done it as boil the water put this straight into the bottle (no formula) put the bottle in a jug/pan of cold water to cool it for around 5mins. Then add formula (this cools it down a bit again) check the temp and should be good to go. A prep machine is still much quicker but this could help

I had trouble with my son so I did combination feeding gave him some breastmilk and the rest formula. Either one is good both or just one is good. Never make yourself feel shamed for feeding your child. As long as they are well fed you are doing a great job know that.

You should be able to use room temperature purified water. Or you can boil enough for the day! Boil water each time is only recommended in places where cleans water isn’t readily available. I guess it depends what country you live in.