How to Mix Large Quantities of Formula

With all the daily demands of caring for a newborn, mixing your baby's formula can be an inconvenience, but you can prepare multiple bottles at the same time in the morning to save yourself some hassle during the course of the day. Don't get carried away, though, and try to stock up for more than one day; mixed formula must be refrigerated and used or disposed of within 24 hours. If you forget to refrigerate any, discard it after one hour if it's out at room temperature.

Things You'll Need

  • Soap
  • Pot
  • Measuring cup

Instructions

    • 1

      Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling your baby's bottles, nipples and formula. Sanitize bottles and nipples you're using for the first time by submerging them in a pot of boiling water for a full five minutes. Wash them in the dishwasher or with warm water and soap before all subsequent uses. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Clean the top of the formula can and your can opener with soap and water before opening the can.

    • 2

      Read the formula manufacturer's instructions for mixing and note the water-to-concentrate ratio. It's essential that you get the ratio right. Too much water deprives your child of nutrients, while too little taxes the kidneys and digestive system.

    • 3

      Fill multiple bottles -- as many as you'll go through in the next 24 hours -- with the correct quantity of water. It should be between tepid and cool. Standard tap water approved for consumption by your local health department is fine. If you use well water or have any concerns, boil tap water for a full minute, then let it cool. Or, use distilled bottled water. Add water before formula to ensure you use the precise amount. Use a measuring cup or the measurement markings on the bottle.

    • 4

      Shake the can of formula before opening it. For powdered concentrates, use the scoop that comes with it to add the exact amount specified on the label into each bottle of water. Level off the scoops. Note whether the instructions say to pack down the scoops or to fill them loosely. For liquid concentrates, measure out the specified quantity and add it to each bottle. Add either form of concentrate to each bottle one measure dose at a time for accuracy. Seal the bottles securely and shake vigorously.

    • 5

      Refrigerate all bottles you're not using right away. Again, dispose of any that are unused within 24 hours. Empty the bottle in use after one hour out at room temperature. Do not refrigerate a bottle your baby already drank from because its nipple and contents are contaminated with bacteria from his mouth.

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      With all the daily demands of caring for a newborn, mixing your babys formula can be an inconvenience, but you can prepare multiple bottles at the same time in the morning to save yourself some hassle during the course of the day. Dont get carried aw