Whether you plan to formula feed from birth, combine breast and formula feeding, or introduce formula later, it is important to prepare and give every feed safely.

Powdered infant formula is not sterile, so careful cleaning, sterilising and preparation are essential to reduce the risk of your baby becoming ill.

Your midwife or public health nurse can provide advice and practical support if you have questions about feeding your baby.

First infant formula comes as either a:

ready-to-feed liquid
powdered formula that you mix with cooled boiled water

You will be given liquid formula in the hospital. It is sterile and convenient. You are more likely to use powdered formula at home. But you can get ready-to-feed formula to use at home.

Equipment you will need to sterilise Bottles Need

You will need:

Feeding bottles.
Teats, collars, lids and sealing discs.
First infant formula.
A kettle or clean saucepan.
A bottle brush and small teat brush.
Sterilising equipment.
Clean tongs.
A clean work surface.

Having at least six bottles, lids and teats can make it easier to manage feeds during the early weeks.

Cleaning Feeding Equipment

Clean bottles, teats, lids and other feeding equipment immediately after each feed.

Before cleaning:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Separate all parts of the bottle.
Wash the bottle, teat, collar, lid and sealing disc in hot, soapy water.
Use a clean bottle brush to scrub inside the bottle.
Use a small teat brush to clean the teat carefully.
Rinse everything thoroughly under clean running water.

Check teats and bottles regularly and replace them if they are cracked, torn, damaged or worn.

Dishwashers may be used to clean equipment that is dishwasher-safe, but a dishwasher does not sterilise feeding equipment.

Sterilising Bottles and Feeding Equipment

All bottles, teats and feeding equipment should be sterilised until your baby is at least 12 months old. Clean the equipment thoroughly before sterilising it.

The main sterilising methods are:

Steam Sterilising

The HSE advises that steam sterilising is the preferred method. You can use:

An electric steam steriliser.
A microwave steam steriliser.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Make sure that bottle and teat openings face downwards so that they are fully exposed to the steam.

Boiling

To sterilise using boiling water:

Place the cleaned bottles, teats and other equipment in a large saucepan.
Cover everything completely with tap water.
Make sure there are no air bubbles trapped inside the bottles or teats.
Cover the saucepan and bring the water to the boil.
Boil the equipment for at least 3 minutes.
Keep the saucepan covered until the equipment is needed.

Check that the equipment is suitable for boiling, as repeated boiling may damage some teats.

Chemical Sterilising

Chemical sterilising uses a sterilising solution or tablet dissolved in cold water.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly, including:

Using the correct amount of water and sterilising solution.
Keeping all equipment completely submerged.
Making sure there are no trapped air bubbles.
Leaving the equipment in the solution for the recommended time.
Changing the solution as directed.

Do not rinse chemically sterilised equipment unless the product instructions specifically tell you to do so.