How to Mix Baby Formula

Master the Art of Formula Making

Making a bottle of formula for your baby is pretty straightforward, right? Just mix the water and formula together based on package instructions, and voila! Yet just like with any recipe, there is an art to it that - with a few quick tips can turn you into a Top Formula Chef.

First, let's go back to the basics:

• Wash Well: Use hot, soapy water to clean all bottle parts and your hands before mixing.


• Follow the Maker: Formula makers have different mixing guidelines, so check the instructions if and when you change formulas.


• Measure Precisely: Too much powder might cause an upset tummy for baby.


• Check for Clumps: Eyeball the formula after mixing to look for clumps. They can get stuck in the bottle nipple, causing frustration for both you and your little one.


• Mark the Time: According to the CDC, mixed formula stays good for up to two hours at room temperature or for 24 hours if refrigerated. For more detailed information about preparing and storing formula, check out this article, Infant Formula Preparation and Storage , Nutrition , CDC.

Stir, Shake, Swirl or Mix?

Here is where the real artistry to formula-making comes in: Blending. You can blend your formula several different ways, each with different results.

Stirring Formula

At Dr. Brown's, we recommend gently stirring formula with a fork or teaspoon. Stirring helps minimize air bubbles and pressure build up a sure way to help ensure Happy Feeding . You will know you're done stirring when all you see is smooth liquid.

Swirling Formula

If you're on the go and don't have anything to stir with, swirling the bottle is a great second option. Swirling formula still helps prevent air bubbles and pressure build up, with one catch: Double check for clumps before you call it a masterpiece.

Shaking Formula

While Dr. Brown's bottles are designed to help remove air, shaking the bottle can do more than just add in extra air bubbles and pressure; it can actually shake up a leak from the bottle collar. You can avoid the leak by removing the internal parts the vent insert and reservoir and using a Travel Cap before shaking your formula together. If you're concerned about the air bubbles and pressure, switch out shaking for stirring or swirling.

Batch Mixing

A formula mixing pitcher is another option that eliminates both clumping and helps prevent air from entering the formula. The Dr. Brown's Formula Mixing Pitcher is not only easy to use, but also big enough to make up to four 8 oz/250 ml bottles at a time.



 

3 Bonus Tips:

1. Ever eaten stale cereal? So have we. Check the expiration or use by dates when buying and using formula.


2. Consider your water source. Whether using quality tap water, filtered or bottled water, none of these are necessarily sterile. Boiling water first, and allowing it to cool before use, is another option.


3. If you are mixing on the go or you just want to save time later, consider a formula dispenser. The dispenser allows you to pre-measure formula and take it with you when you're out and about.

Now that you know the art behind formula mixing, you'll be ready to follow any formula recipe and help ensure Happy Feeding each and every time. Contact us if you have questions about formula feeding with Dr. Brown's bottles.