Although breastfeeding is generally best for babies because breast milk is especially made for their needs, babies can also do well if they need to be bottle fed.

It is important for babies' development that babies who are bottle fed are held and cuddled during feeds in the same way as breast fed babies. Propping a bottle for the baby to feed by himself is also not safe.

Making up the formula

• Wash your hands before making up the formula.
• Bring the water to the boil and cool.
• Follow the instructions on the can very carefully. It is most important that the formula is made up to the right strength.
• Measure the right amount of cooled, boiled water into the bottle.
• Make sure you put in the water first, then the powder.
• Add the right number of scoops of formula, using a knife to level off the scoop.
• Do not pack down the formula into the scoop.
• Seal the bottle with cap and disc, and shake to mix.
• If you are not using the milk straight away, store the bottle in the back of the fridge (not in the door).
• Throw out any formula you haven't used after 24 hours.
• If you use a jug to make up the formula, make sure it is clean and sterilized too.

Warming bottles

• Do not give them hot milk. Let a little milk drop onto the inside of your wrist to check the temperature. It should feel comfortably warm
• The usual way to warm the bottle is to stand it in a container of hot water for a few minutes (no more than 10 minutes). Make sure you keep any hot water out of the reach of toddlers.

Quick Checklist

To ensure your baby is always served the best, follow these simple rules. Check the container for the formula's expiration date, plus information about storing opened and unopened containers. Prepared bottles or opened containers of liquid formula should not be unrefrigerated for more than a total of two hours. Then discard any remaining formula. Discard any formula that's left in the bottle within one hour after feeding begins. Finally, be sure that anyone else caring for your baby understands the specific mixing instructions of your baby's formula