Important! These 7 Mistakes in Preparing Formula Milk

Giving breast milk (ASI) is the best choice for babies. However, certain conditions make it impossible, so the baby must be given powdered formula milk.

Apart from powdered formula, there are actually other types, namely ready-to-drink liquid formula and concentrated liquid formula. However, most parents choose powdered formula because the price is more affordable.

How to prepare powdered formula milk does require more attention than the other two types. For ready-to-drink formula, parents only need to open the package and put it in a bottle. Meanwhile, concentrated liquid formula needs to be added with water according to the stated rate.

Avoid Mistakes in Preparing Powdered Milk with These Right Steps

So that the benefits of formula milk powder are optimal, it is necessary to take the right steps. Here are some mistakes that are often made when preparing powdered formula and how to prevent them:

• Using water that is too hot

  To make the milk dissolve, many parents consider freshly boiling water the best solution. In fact, the water temperature for dissolving powdered formula milk is around 70 degrees Celsius. The easy way is to let the water sit for about 30 minutes after boiling. The reason is that hot water is needed to kill bacteria that may be present in powdered formula, but not too hot for the little one's mouth. It is recommended to use freshly heated water. Avoid using reheated water.

• Putting powdered milk before water

  In order to get the right dose, first put the water in the bottle. Check again whether the amount of water needed is appropriate. Use a measuring spoon that is usually provided in formula milk packaging.

• Adding more or less powdered milk

  Fill the spoon to taste, not too little or too much. Avoid adding too much powdered formula, because it can make the baby dehydrated and difficult to defecate. On the other hand, if there is too little powdered formula, the baby will be malnourished. Also avoid adding sugar or cereal in formula milk.

• Touching the tip of the pacifier when preparing milk

  After the powdered milk formula has been put into the bottle, it is not uncommon for parents to choose to hold the tip of the teat. It is recommended to hold on the edge of the teat. Then to make sure the milk dissolves, shake it carefully after first using the nipple cap.

• Giving milk at a temperature that is too hot

  Before giving infant formula powdered milk, you should put a drop on the wrist. Make sure the temperature is warm enough or not too hot. If refrigerating is necessary, flush the bottle with running water from the faucet. However, make sure the bottle is closed and does not get water in.

• Give leftover formula milk

  Immediately discard the remaining formula milk that has been sitting for more than an hour. In fact, the rest of the formula that is put in the refrigerator can invite bacteria. Although at first glance it is very unfortunate, but it is important to pay attention to this to prevent the baby from getting sick.

• Warming milk in the microwave

  Sometimes parents want a practical step in warming milk in the microwave. But avoid this action, because it can heat the milk unevenly and risk causing the baby's tongue and mouth to hurt.

No less important when preparing powdered formula milk is washing hands with soap and water, then drying. Likewise, keep the pacifier and bottle equipment clean. Wash baby bottles using special soap, then, sterilize the equipment.