Ways to Prepare Baby Formula

There are loads of gadgets and methods for making formula—it’s no wonder it can feel overwhelming at first! The good news? There’s no single “right” way. The key is finding a routine that works best for you and your baby.

Top Tip: Try Room-Temperature Feeds 

If your baby is content with it, you can skip warming altogether. Just prefill sterilised bottles with cooled, safe water and add the formula powder when needed. It can make night feeds and outings much simpler.

Basic Steps for Any Formula Preparation

1. Clean & Sterilise Bottles

If you're exclusively formula feeding, having 6–8 bottles ready each day can make things easier. When starting out, try just 1–2 bottles to see if the teat suits your baby and the bottles fit your steriliser.

• Rinse bottles immediately after use to prevent milk from drying.

• Wash all bottle parts—bottles, teats, caps, and rings—in hot, soapy water. Scrub thoroughly, paying close attention to inside teats and hard-to-reach corners. Replace any teats that are cracked or damaged.

  You can use a dishwasher (check that your bottles are dishwasher-safe), but be aware that it may miss stubborn milk residue, especially in narrow areas. It’s a good idea to check each part after washing and use a bottle brush if needed for a more thorough clean. 

• Sterilise using your preferred method: boiling, steam, anti-bacterial solution, or UV.

• Use sterilised bottles within 24 hours, or re-sterilise before use.

2. Follow Formula Can Instructions Carefully

• Always read and follow the label instructions and use the scoop in the can to ensure you get the correct water-to-powder ratio.

3. Clean Your Hands & Bench Area

• Always clean your hands before preparing a bottle.

• Also, clean the bench surface where you'll be making the formula to help keep everything hygienic.

4. Use Safe Water

• Use boiled water that has been allowed to cool.

• Always pour the right amount of water into the bottle before adding powder.

5. Add Powder

• Use level, unpacked scoops as directed on the formula tin. Most formula cans have a lip that helps you level the formula otherwise use a clean knife. 

6. Mix Thoroughly

• Start by tapping and swirling the bottle gently.

• Then shake until the powder is fully dissolved and the formula is lump-free.

7. Check the Temperature

• Drip a few drops on the inside of your wrist. The formula should feel lukewarm (around 37 degrees)—not hot.

• A baby’s mouth is especially sensitive, so when in doubt, slightly cooler is safer than too warm. 

• To cool quickly, hold the bottom half under cold running water, moving it gently to cool evenly.

8. Discard Leftovers

• Throw away any formula your baby has fed from, or that has been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours after preparation.

1. Prepare Water in Advance and Mix Formula When Needed

These methods help you reach the right water temperature quickly and allow you to prepare formula just before your baby needs it. Store boiled water in clean container/bottle and use within 24 hours.

Tip: Pre-measure formula powder into a formula dispenser. This saves time and reduces errors during late-night or rushed feeds.

Option A: Use a Thermos

• Fill a clean thermos with freshly boiled water and use it to prepare bottles throughout the day or night.

• When it's time to feed, pour the warm water into a sterilised bottle.

• Check that the water is lukewarm before adding the formula powder.

Option B: Microwave Water to Warm It

• Boil water and store it in sterilised bottles. 

• When ready to feed, gently heat the water in a microwave-safe bottle (without the teat or cap).

• Check that the water is lukewarm before adding the formula powder.

Note: Warming formula in the microwave is not recommended.

Option C: Use a Mix of Cooled and Freshly Boiled Water

This method is a quick and convenient way to reach a safe feeding temperature—no extra warming needed.

• Start by boiling water and pouring about half the required feed volume into sterilised bottles. Seal and allow it to cool (you can refrigerate to speed this up. Note the fridge is safer, especially in warm weather or if storing for over 12 hours).

• When you're ready to feed, boil fresh water and top up the bottle to reach the full water amount needed.

• Check that the water is lukewarm before adding the formula powder.

Tip: Start with roughly a 50:50 mix, but you may need to adjust the ratio to get the temperature just right for your baby.

2. Prepare Formula in Advance, Store in Fridge & Warm Later

• Prepare bottles and place them straight in the fridge (at 5°C or below) for up to 24 hours. Store them on the bottom back shelf, where it’s coldest. 

• Warm gently in a jug of hot water or a bottle warmer (usually takes ~10 minutes).

• Mix gently and check temperature before feeding.

3. Formula Preparation Machines

These devices offer convenience but need proper use and care.

• Still require clean, sterilised bottles.

• Filters need replacing and the unit needs regular cleaning.

• Always double-check settings for correct water-to-powder ratio.

• Periodically confirm the machine is accurately dispensing both water and powder.

Final Thought

There’s no single way to prepare formula—only what’s safe, suits your baby, and works for your routine. Once you find your rhythm, it gets easier. Trust yourself, follow safe preparation steps, and don’t hesitate to adjust as your needs change.