Three Top-Tips for Preparing Formula Milk for Overnight Feeds

Introduction

Night feeds are a special part of caring for your baby. But when you’re tired, it helps if they can feel as calm and straightforward as possible. The simplest and safest approach is to make each bottle fresh when your baby needs it, use freshly boiled water that has cooled for no more than 30 minutes and discard any leftover milk after a feed; do not reheat it. These small steps help keep formula preparation safe and give you one less thing to worry about during the night.

To help make night feeds with formula feel a little easier, here are SMA’s® three top tips for a simple routine that you can rely on when feeding your baby overnight.

1. Get your bottles and feeding station ready before bed

A calmer night usually starts with a simple, ready-to-use set-up. If you’re formula feeding, before you go to bed, sterilise your bottle and teat, then keep them in the steriliser until you need them so they stay hygienic and ready for the next feed. Just remember that when you get up for the night feed you’ll need to wash and dry your hands before taking the bottle and teat out of the sterile environment¹.

You can also set up your feeding space so you have everything ready for when your little one wakes up. You can lay out:

• The baby milk formula pack – remember to leave the scoop stored inside the tin until it is needed
• A clean, dry knife that you use to level off each scoop
• Muslin and bibs
• A nighttime baby changing station
• A nearby night light to help keep things calm and sleepy

2. Make each feed fresh and use it straight away

It can be tempting to prepare a bottle in advance, especially overnight, but the safest way to prepare formula milk is to make each feed fresh and use it straight away.

If you’re using powdered infant formula, follow the preparation instructions on the tin²:

1. Wash hands well
2. Boil fresh tap water. Measure the required amount of water into a sterilised bottle
3. Let it cool for no more than 30 minutes
4. Add the exact measure of formula milk powder
5. Securely attach the teat to the bottle
6. Shake well until the powder is fully dissolved

It’s important not to reheat formula milk³. Reheating it can increase the risk of bacteria and may also create hotspots in the milk that could burn your baby’s mouth. Once a feed has been started, any milk left over should be thrown away.

3. Consider ready-to-feed formula for easier night feeds

For some families, ready-to-feed formula can be useful for night feeds. As it’s sterile and doesn’t need mixing, it can make things feel a little easier when you’re tired. It can also be a practical option for nights away from home, sleepovers, or when someone else is caring for your baby overnight.

Preparation is simple:

1. Wash hands thoroughly and dry
2. Sterilise all utensils according to manufactures’ instructions
3. Shake the ready-to-drink carton well and unscrew the cap
4. Pour the desired amount into a sterilised bottle / beaker, place the teat and cap on the bottle
5. Before feeding give the baby bottle one last good shake

Some are available in resealable cartons, and these can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours after opening.

Many babies are happy with ready-to-feed formula at room temperature, but if your baby prefers it warm, you can stand the filled bottle or beaker in warm water to take the chill off. Never use a microwave², as it can heat unevenly and create hot spots. Remember to always test the temperature by shaking a few drops onto your wrist before feeding

More information on how to safely warm formula milk.