Bottles, warmers and sterilisers (view report contents)
Preparing baby milk
If you are not breastfeeding you will probably use powdered baby milk which is reconstituted by adding cooled boiled water. You can buy prepared milk in small cartons, but this is expensive.
Preparing bottles of milk can be quite a job. The range of baby milk packs we looked at had very small print. A scoop for measuring the milk powder is provided - one scoop per ounce of water. Accurate measuring is important since baby milk that is too concentrated is bad for the baby. The packs advise levelling the powder in the scoop with a knife - difficult if you can use only one hand. Using your mouth to hold the scoop is a strategy that could help. You need to count out seven scoops for a seven ounce feed, which can also be difficult if you have problems interpreting numbers or short-term memory.
You then need to put the sterilised teat and cap on the bottle and shake it to reconstitute the milk.
Check teats are in good condition every time you use them.
Tips for preparing milk
- Prepared baby milk will keep for 24 hours in a refrigerator so you may find it easier to prepare the whole day’s feed, or get someone to prepare it for you, in one go. Then you can warm up the filled bottles as you need them.
- Measuring the water into a clearly marked jug and using scales to weigh the milk powder, then mixing it, may be easier. Two smaller jugs lighten the weight when pouring the milk into bottles. You can buy a jug with a mixer specially for making feed in bulk. Contact DPPi for details.
- Putting bottles on a tray when filling will reduce mess.
- Weighing bottles before and after the baby has been fed can help you tell how much they have had.
Report Contents
About this guide
Feeding bottles
Bottle Buying guide
Bottle Warmers
Bottle warmer buying guide
Preparing baby milk
Sterilisers
Steriliser buying guide
Steriliser summaries
Helpful Organisations
Suppliers list
