Bottle feeding your baby

What you'll need for bottle feeding

• A stock of around six bottles and eight teats. This will save you washing the same ones after each feed.
• Sterilising equipment. Either an electric or microwave steam steriliser or a cold water steriliser and sterilising solution. Or, you can sterilise your bottles in a covered pan of boiling water for 10 minutes.
• Bottle brushes to clean your bottles and teats.
• Infant formula. Powder is the most economical option. Ready-to-use cartons are great in an emergency or when you are short on time.

How to sterilise your bottles
You need to sterilise a baby's bottles to reduce the chance of them getting sickness or diarrhoea. After each feed first use hot, soapy water and a clean bottle brush to wash the bottle and teat. Squirt water through the hole in the teat to remove any clogged up milk and rinse everything in clean water then follow the sterilising instructions below.

Using a steam steriliser
Electric and microwave sterilisers sterilise your equipment in around 10 minutes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and make sure the openings of the bottles and teats are facing down in the steriliser.

Using a cold water steriliser
Add sterilising solution or a sterilising tablet to a large container of cold water. Then submerge the equipment in the solution (a lid or saucer will weigh it down) so there are no bubbles in the bottles or teats and leave for 30 minutes. Be sure to change your solution every 24 hours.

Preparing your baby's formula feed

• Wash your hands and clean your work surface.
• Rinse out the kettle, fill with freshly run cold water and boil. Leave to cool for 30 minutes.
• Fill your sterilised bottles with the correct amount of water.
• Add the milk powder to the water using only the scoop provided with the formula. Don't press the powder down. Smooth it off with a leveller.
• Put the top on the bottle and shake to dissolve the powder.
• Put the teat on and test the milk temperature on the inside of your wrist. If it is too hot, hold the bottle under cold running water to cool.

Important dos and don'ts

• Only use one level scoop of powder to approximately 30ml or one fluid ounce of water.
• Don't bulk out feeds by adding food, such as cereals or baby rice, to your baby's bottle.
• Feeds should be used within the hour. Pour them away if not and always throw away any leftover feed.
• If your baby is thirsty between feeds, offer cooled, boiled water.
• Always warm a baby's milk bottle by standing it in a jug of hot water. Always test the temperature of the bottle. Microwaves can create hot spots which can scald their mouth.
• Never leave your baby alone with a bottle, as there is a danger of choking.
• Once your baby starts teething ask your health visitor or dentist for tips on dental hygiene.