If you’re a new parent in Malaysia who has decided to feed your baby with formula milk, it’s important to know how to properly prepare and store it. By doing so, you can ensure that your baby receives the right nutrition while minimizing the risk of contamination and illness. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and store baby formula milk, as well as some important tips and considerations to keep in mind.
What You’ll Need
Before you start preparing your baby’s formula milk, make sure you have all the necessary equipment and ingredients. You’ll need:
- A clean bottle
- Measuring scoop
- Formula milk powder
- Boiled water (cooled to the appropriate temperature)
- A clean surface to work on
How to Prepare Baby Formula Milk
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Before you start handling the equipment and ingredients, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Step 2: Clean and Sterilize the Bottle
It’s important to make sure the bottle you’re using is clean and sterilized. To do this, you can use a bottle sterilizer or wash the bottle in hot, soapy water and then rinse it with boiled water.
Step 3: Measure the Formula Milk Powder
Using the measuring scoop that came with the formula milk, add the appropriate amount of powder to the bottle. Make sure you level off the scoop with a clean knife or spatula to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 4: Add the Water
Add the appropriate amount of boiled water to the bottle. Be sure to check the instructions on the formula milk packaging to determine the correct water-to-powder ratio.
Step 5: Mix Thoroughly
Put the cap on the bottle and shake it vigorously until the powder has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and consistent.
How to Store Baby Formula Milk
Step 1: Cool the Mixture
Once the formula milk has been prepared, let it cool to the appropriate temperature before feeding it to your baby. The recommended temperature is usually around 37°C, but you can check the temperature by placing a few drops on your wrist. It should feel warm, but not hot.
Step 2: Store in the Fridge
If you have leftover formula milk, you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It’s important to note that you should not reheat the same bottle of formula milk more than once.
Step 3: Dispose of Leftovers
If your baby does not finish the formula milk within an hour of starting to feed, you should dispose of any leftover milk. This is because bacteria from your baby’s mouth can contaminate the milk, making it unsafe to consume.
Who Should Prepare and Store Baby Formula Milk?
Ideally, the person who prepares and stores the baby formula milk should be the same person who feeds the baby. This helps to ensure that the formula milk is prepared and stored correctly, and that it is consumed within the appropriate timeframe.
Conclusion
Properly preparing and storing baby formula milk is crucial for ensuring your baby’s health and safety. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can prepare and store formula milk in a way that minimizes the risk of contamination and illness. Remember to always wash your hands, use clean equipment and surfaces, measure the formula milk powder accurately, and store the milk in the fridge for no longer than 24 hours. With these simple precautions, you can feel confident in your ability to provide your baby with the nourishment they need.