Woman preparing a bottle of follow-on milk

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How To Make Up A Bottle Feed

How to make up a bottle feed

Not sure where to start? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to prepare a bottle for your baby.

2 min

Baby feeding

28/02/2025

HiPP

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Before you get started
Preparation step-by-step
Storing feeds

A step-by-step guide to making up a bottle for your baby.

It is important to follow the instructions on the pack and use only the scoop provided when measuring out the powder. All feeding equipment should be thoroughly washed and sterilised before use.

Before you get started

Familiarise yourself with the back of pack instructions as some formula milks may differ slightly in how they need to be prepared.

You will need:

A kettle
Sterilised bottle or beakers with teats and lids
Formula milk suited to your baby's age

Preparation step-by-step

Boil 1 litre of freshly-run tap water and leave to cool for no longer than 30 minutes. Do not use artificially softened or repeatedly boiled water.
When the water has almost cooled, clean and disinfect the bottle preparation area and wash your hands
Measure the required amount of cooled boiled water into a sterilised bottle, following the feeding guide on the pack. Always pour the water in first to make sure you have the correct amount!
Using the scoop provided, add the required number of scoops of powder – one level scoop of powder for each fluid ounce of water (approx. 30 ml). Level off the powder with the back of a clean dry knife, but don't press the powder down into the scoop.
Place the sterilised teat and cap on the bottle and shake well until all the powder has dissolved (approx. 15 seconds).
Cool the milk to drinking temperature (approx 37°C) by holding the bottle under cold running water. ALWAYS test the temperature of the milk before feeding by dripping a bit onto the inside of your wrist; the milk should feel warm, not hot.

Important information

Make up each feed as you need it
Use the made-up bottle straight away
Discard any leftover milk

Storing feeds

Each feed you give your baby should be freshly made. If you have to prepare a bottle in advance, refer to our guide on preparing formula feeds in advance or follow the NHS advice here.