A simple guide to safe formula prep (especially for European formulas)

When you choose a formula for your baby, the nutrition it provides is (no doubt) at the top of your priority list. 

Naturally, you want to be sure that your baby’s getting all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that they’d get from breastmilk. 

But once you’ve chosen the right formula, it’s important to make sure you know how to prepare and store it correctly. Because the reality is that badly prepped formula can lead to tummy upsets or less-than-optimal nutrition.

To help, we include clear, English prep instructions with all of our formulas – which means you never need to worry that you’ll be stuck trying to decipher German prep instructions with a hungry baby on your hands! 

But it’s also important to understand exactly how the way you prep and store formula can affect nutrition. In this blog, we’ll go into:

 

• European formula prep and how it can be different from other formulas.

• Why the powder to formula ratio matters.

• Why you need to get the water temperature right (and why boiling water doesn’t work)

• The best ways to store formula (especially if you need to make ahead)

• How to mix formula properly and safely
  

 

European formula prep (and how it can be different from other formulas)

European organic formulas are designed to provide a careful balance of nutrients, and must meet very strict EU standards. 

This means they’re as close to breastmilk as possible, with:

• High lactose content (just like natural breastmilk).

• No corn syrup or fillers 

• No artificial flavors

• Vital nutrients like DHA and iron, in similar quantities to breastmilk

• Minimal processing compared to many conventional formulas
  
  

None of this makes them any more difficult or complex to prep than standard, store-bought formulas. But it does mean that it’s extra-important to get the prep right. After all, if you’ve gone to the trouble of seeking out and researching premium European formulas, you don’t want to damage their nutritional value with poor prep. 

It’s also important to remember that some US or other non-European formulas will have different prep instructions to our formulas. They’ll also often use a a different sized scoop, so don’t be tempted to use a scoop from one brand with another brand’s formula. 

Standard European formula prep

Almost all European formulas are prepped in the same way, since they’re made to the same standards. 

For reference, here are the prep and storage instructions we provide. These are for HiPP Dutch, but you can use them for almost any formula in our store. 

 

Why the powder to formula ratio matters

One of the most important things to get right in formula preparation is the powder to formula ratio.

• If you use too much water you’ll reduce your baby’s calorie and nutrient intake. This won’t cause any lasting damage if it’s just one over-diluted bottle (though you will have a hungry baby on your hands!). But if you do it consistently, it could be serious, and even impact their growth.

• If you use too much powder you’ll be providing an excessive amount of protein and minerals. That might sound like a good thing, but it can actually cause kidney strain.
  
  

What to remember: 

Always use the recommended amount of powder and water when you prep formula. 

Why you need to get the water temperature right (and why boiling water doesn’t work)

 

Water temperature is one of the most confusing aspects of formula prep. Nearly all brands should be mixed using water that’s been boiled and cooled to room temperature. 

The water needs to be hot enough to kill any invisible bugs in the formula powder, without being so hot that it potentially destroys vital nutrients. Prebiotics and some vitamins can be especially heat sensitive. 

You’ll also (naturally) want to make sure your formula isn’t too hot for your baby’s mouth. Some babies will also have their own preferences when it comes to formula temperature, preferring it on the warmer or cooler side. 

What to remember:

Always boil water to make sure the water itself is sterile, and then mix it with the formula powder once it’s cooled to room temperature. This can take around 40 minutes. 

The best ways to store formula (especially if you need to make ahead)

What happens if you can’t always wait 40 minutes to feed your baby? 

The reality is that many parents will need to pre-prep formula at least some of the time. And it is considered safe to do this, as long as you store it in the refrigerator immediately after mixing, and use within 24 hours. 

However, for optimum nutrition we always recommend that you prep each bottle fresh. Storing it (even if you’re careful) does carry some risk of bacteria growth or loss of nutrients. 

What to remember:

Prep formula fresh if you possibly can. If you can’t, refrigerate immediately after mixing. 

Ready-to-feed formula – the ideal alternative when you can’t prep powdered

If (like most of us!) you sometimes struggle to prep every bottle fresh, it’s always worth having some pre-mixed, ready-to-feed formula on hand. 

These formulas can simply be poured into a sterilized bottle, so you can feed immediately, with no boiling or cooling water to worry about. 

There are a few different ready-to-feed options suitable from birth, as well as 6 months+ and toddler milks. Many parents find they can easily switch between powdered and ready-to-feed formulas at least occasionally, even if that means mixing brands. (Though of course, some babies are fussier than others!). 

Check out some ready-to-feed formula options here. 

How to mix formula properly and safely

How you mix formula can affect nutrition, and also impact how much your baby enjoys their feeds. 

If you don’t mix formula well, you can get clumps of powder, which might mean your baby doesn’t get all the nutrition they should. 

The solution is often to make sure you shake your formula really well. And for many babies, this is fine. But if they’re prone to gas or colic, shaking can introduce bubbles which causes even more gas and discomfort. 

If that’s the case for you, try gently swirling to mix instead. This might take a little longer, and it will mean you need to be more careful to check for lumps of powder, but it’s worth it for gassy babies. You can also try shaking but leaving the formula to settle a little before you feed. 

What to remember:

It’s vital to make sure that formula is fully mixed, but be careful of excess bubbles that can cause gas. 

How to always prep formula the right way

There’s only one golden rule for formula prep – follow the instructions. Do this religiously, you can be sure your baby will get the nutrition they need, with every bottle. 

And when you can’t? Use ready-to-feed formula and avoid the prep completely.