Before you prepare your baby’s bottle, make sure you have the right premade formula for your child. Infants require infant formula, not toddler versions. Also check the type of formula, which comes in ready-to-feed, concentrated, and powdered varieties. Once you have determined that you have the right formula and the right supplies, it is time to prepare the baby bottle. Adding more would dilute it, making it less nutrient dense. Most ready-to-feed formulas are very simple and follow the basic instructions below. Read the manufacturer’s direction on the container before starting.
A clean baby bottle with measurements on the side Bottle collar and clean nipple Bottle opener with triangular tip (if using canned formula) Ready-to-feed formula, either in a can or a plastic bottle
You may also wish to have a baby bib or burp cloth. This is for both during the feeding and after the feeding when you burp the baby. Some babies also spit up or drool formula out of their mouths while feeding. A bib will help keep you and your baby clean. If using bottled formula, unscrew the lid and open the seal, if any. If using a previously opened bottle, make sure it hasn’t been opened for longer than 48 hours and that it has been stored properly. Determine how much formula your baby needs at this feeding and pour exactly that amount in the baby bottle. If you do not have ready access to warm water, you can microwave a bowl of water for 30 seconds, then place the baby bottle inside to warm to room temperature. It should not take more than 5 minutes and do not leave the bottle in the water for more than 15 minutes, as the heat may degrade the formula. Warmers typically require a little water that goes over a heating device to created steam. The baby bottle sits in a basket above the heat source to keep it from getting too hot. Once the bottle is warm, shake it well, and check the temperature. An easy way to do this is to squirt a little on the inside of your wrist. If it feels too warm, let it cool a bit before testing again. When the formula reaches the right temperature—not too hot and not too cold—you can feed the bottle to your baby. Some containers of ready-to-feed formula are considered single feedings, typically 8 ounces. If your baby is drinking less than this, store the leftovers properly. Do not save leftover formula from the bottle your baby drank from. Once a bottle is started, it is good for 1 hour at room temperature, then must be discarded.
