Going out when formula feeding?

[Odd Socks]

i'm confused - sorry. i've only started using formula for night feeds in the last couple of days & we've been using the cartons so far, but i'm worried about bella having to wait half an hour for a feed at night, & i'm sure in time we'll go out & i may want to take a bottle of formula with me.

everything i've read says to use water that's only been boiled up to half an hour previously, & it needs to be above 70C to kill off any bacteria in the formula. can i use freshly boiled water & cool the bottle down under a cold running tap afterwards? & if we're going out, how come it's ok to use cool boiled water in a flask? or is it cooled down for a maximum of half an hour & then put into the flask as that time so it keeps a warm temperature?

sorry for the questions!

xx

 

[bubbles123]

Hi odd socks! I'm not sure if you mean mixing boiling water with formula (ie using it as soon as the kettle boils) if so then this is not a good idea as water that is too hot can kill some of the nutrients in the powder and stop the prebiotics working properly. It should cool a bit first. Best way it to make your feed with 70+ water (ie left to cool for no more than 30 mins) then cool it down by running it under the tap or putting it in a pan or bowl of iced water so it cools quicker. This is what I do. You can then feed to baby straight away (the best option). You could also choose to store the feed in the fridge until needed. Make sure you use it within 24 hours and this should be OK as long as you make sure that the feeds are cold before you put them in the fridge and store them at the back, not in the door. Formula companies advise you to not to store made up formula though due to the risk of bacterial growth so whether you choose to or not is up to you. Most important thing is to make sure the water is over 70 when you add the powder. With the flask thing, you should allow the water to cool to just over 70 ish (30 mins) then put it in the flask so it will be at perfect temperature to mix with the formula when you are out/need to use it.This mean you don;t have to wait 30 mins for a kettle to cool and is a great time saver. All sounds really complicated when you first start but it soon becomes second nature!

 

[tinkerz23]

I also use the formula container. The one I use is by munchkin. The only difference is that it seems most of you boil your water. I just use nursery water that you buy in the store. I put the water in bottles after they have been sterelized and just grab one when I need to mix a feed. I keep the water at room temp so it's always ready. I did that with my first born and he did just fine. I have never been told that I had to boil water.