A new study by Milupa Apta-Junior shows that nearly half of the region’s bottle-feeding mothers are not preparing or storing formula correctly. So when it comes to giving baby the bottle, what’s safe and what’s not? We asked nutritionist and certified breastfeeding specialist Leena Muhanna to sort the myths from the facts.
If the baby’s formula seems a bit thick, can I add extra water to thin it out a bit?
The short answer is no. Prolonged thinning of formula can lead to the baby being undernourished. If your baby is suffering from constipation, it is advised to seek medical guidance. Please don’t take action yourself by making changes to the baby’s formula feeds as this could potentially cause harm to your baby.
Is bottled water alright to use, is it clean and sterile?
Although bottled water may be clean, for infants below the age of two months, even bottled water should be boiled to remove excess minerals that might be harmful. Boiling water to 100 degrees kills off the majority of bacteria. Actually, most infant formula manufacturers recommend the use of cooled boiled water although this requirement may vary depending on the water source and the age of the baby.
If after a feed there is a lot left over, is it ok to store it for an hour or so and try again later?
No, although this is a common frustration amongst mothers, any left-over infant formula must be discarded immediately after feeding. Harmful bacteria can generate in infant formula that is left over from a feed. It is also not recommended to store left-over infant formula in the refrigerator and then re-heat as the process of re-heating can cause bacteria to form that can have adverse effects of baby’s health.
Any tips for preparing formula for or during night feeds to make them easier?
Cooled, boiled water can be added to the sterilised bottles and stored in the refrigerator, then when the baby wakes, add the formula to the bottle, shake well and heat the bottle gently. This is the only safe way to prepare infant formula.
At what age can you stop sterilising for feeds?
The advisable age to stop sterilisation is at 12 months. During the first year of their life, babies tend to be more vulnerable to germs and bacteria, so it is best to keep sterilising until the baby turns one.
Is it true that you can over feed your child with formula? Should you stick to the amounts suggested on the packaging for the child’s age – or are these just a rough estimate?
Yes, children can be over fed with formula and it is really very important to stick to the guidelines on the packaging. If your child appears to be unsettled or discontent with their feed, please do consult your medical practitioner.
Any tips for transporting formula for when you are out and about? What’s the best way to do it so you aren’t lugging around lots of heavy bottles and water?
The best way to transport the formula when the mother is on the go is to take cooled boiled water along with individual measured portions of the powder in a sterilised container, and mix them in the bottle when needed. Alternatively, the mother can prepare the baby’s bottle at home, store it in a cool place and serve it to the baby within two hours of preparation. Guidelines for safe preparation, storage and handling of powdered infant formula say that if feeds are not to take place within two hours of preparation, the formula should be refrigerated or placed in a cool bag from the moment they are prepared, transported under refrigerated conditions and reheated at the destination. The refrigerated feed should be used within a maximum of 24 hours of the preparation time.
What about sterilisation while travelling? Are there any alternatives to boiling or steaming – particularly when taking a flight?
In order to avoid sterilising bottles when travelling, mums can look out for sterile and disposable bottle bags and a sterile pack of teats. You can also use a sterilised single-use bottle – these can be very convenient to use when flying.
