How do I make my baby’s feed?

It's essential that you measure the milk powder and water accurately. If the feed is too weak, your baby will be hungry and won’t put on weight. If the feed is too strong, your baby will become very thirsty and dehydrated.

To make formula feed for your baby, follow these steps:

- Fill the kettle with fresh tap water. Don’t use artificially softened water, which will be too salty, or water that has already been boiled before. Only use bottled water if you’re abroad. A change in tap water could give your baby a tummy upset, because of the difference in minerals and purifying chemicals in the water. If you are having to use bottled water, you'll still need to boil it first.

- Bring the water to the boil and allow it to cool for no more than 30 minutes. It needs to be hot enough to kill any bacteria in the powder, but not boiling hot. If you have a thermometer, the water should be at least 70 degrees C. Take care, though, as that’s still hot enough to scald you.

- Read the instructions on the formula packet to check the amount of water needed for each bottle and the number of scoops of powder to use.

- Pour the required amount of water into the bottle. It's important to put the water in first, because you need to measure it accurately.

- Stand the bottle on the countertop and crouch down to check the water level. This way you can see if the water level is actually in line with the mark on the side of the bottle.

- Add the right number of scoops of powder to the bottle using the scoop provided. It will measure just the right amount. Loosely fill the scoop and level it off using the back of a clean knife, or the leveller provided in the pack. You don't need to press the powder down for each scoop.

- Place a sterilised lid or teat on the neck of the bottle and screw the retaining ring on tightly. If you're using a teat, hold the teat on its edge as you put it on, or use sterilised tongs.

- Put a sterilised cap on the bottle and shake it carefully until the powder has dissolved completely.

- Before feeding your baby, test the temperature by tipping a little milk out of the teat on to the inside of your wrist. It should feel just warm, not hot. If you need to, cool the milk by holding the bottle, with a cap covering the teat, under cold running water.

Now you’re ready to give your baby her bottle.

AVENT Newborn Set

Source from: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a555284/making-up-a-bottle#ixzz3Ul5pSMnF