Answering 10 of the most googled formula feeding questions

Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding or combination feeding, you’re bound to have unanswered questions about it.

In this blog post, we’ve chosen 10 of the most Googled formula feeding questions and answered them to help put your mind at ease. Covering everything from what formula milk is to combination feeding.

1. What is formula milk?

Formula milk is a substitute for breast milk, and it usually comes in two forms: powder or ready-to-feed. As a substitute for breast milk, formula provides nutrients to your baby; however, according to the NHS, it does not have the same health benefits as breast milk, which is why the NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby. That said, there may be reasons why you can’t breastfeed.

2. What is formula milk made of?

Formula milk is normally made from cow's milk; however, it has been treated to make it suitable for babies, as babies can’t have cow’s milk until they’re six months old, and even then, only in small amounts mixed into food or used in cooking. Cow’s milk should not be given as a baby's main drink until they’re at least 12 months old.

3. How to prepare formula milk

• First fill your kettle with 1 litre of tap water and boil.
• Leave the water to cool for no more than 30 minutes, the temperature should remain at least 70C.
• Wash hands and clean and disinfect the surface.
• Place your sterilised bottle on the disinfected surface.
• Carefully follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer and pour the required amount of water into the bottle. Check the water reaches the correct level. Always add the water to the bottle first, while hot, before mixing in the powdered formula.

How to make formula milk using our RapidHot formula preparation machine and RapidCool portable baby bottle maker:

• Fill the milk powder dispenser provided with your RapidCool with your chosen formula powder.
• Turn off the child lock by holding down the child lock icon.
• Place your RapidCool on the stand under the water dispenser.
• Use the volume icon and arrows to select the right feed size.
• Select the boiling water icon, unlock the child lock again, and press the water drop icon to dispense boiling water.
• Add your formula using the dispenser provided.
• Screw the digital lid onto the RapidCool and shake to mix.
• Flip the RapidCool upside down for at least five seconds to let the thermometer adjust. Tap the circle on the digital lid to activate the Nuby logo.
• When the logo turns green, the feed is ready to pour into your baby’s bottle.
• Always test the temperature on the inside of your wrist before feeding your baby.

4. How long can formula milk stay out?

If your formula milk has been left out at room temperature, it should be used within 2 hours. If your formula milk has been left in the fridge, it should be used within 24 hours. If you’re out and about and your formula milk has been in a cool bag with ice, it should be used within 4 hours.

5. Can you reheat formula milk?

No, the NHS does not advise reheating formula milk; instead, follow the guidelines above for use-by times for formula feed. Once your formula feed has exceeded this limit, make a fresh feed.

6. How to store formula milk

It is recommended that a formula feed be freshly made when you need it. If you are using ready-to-feed formula, it is sterile until opened. Once opened, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for storing it. In most cases, this means storing it at the back of the top shelf of the fridge. Discard any remaining formula 24 hours after opening.

7. Can you freeze formula milk?

No, it is not recommended to freeze formula milk, unlike breast milk.

8. Can you breastfeed and formula feed?

Yes, breastfeeding and formula feeding is called combination feeding, doing this means your baby can still get the benefits of breast milk. There are various reasons some people choose to do this, for example, they may find it difficult to breastfeed exclusively, need to leave their baby for a period of time and need someone else to feed them or share responsibilities with their partner. For further information, the NHS has a useful guide on how to combine feed.

9. How much formula for combination feeding?

Every baby is different and some will require more milk than others, whether it’s formula or breast milk. However, when starting to combine feed, it’s important to introduce formula slowly so that your body can gradually reduce the amount of milk it produces; otherwise, you might experience uncomfortable swelling or mastitis, which is when the breast tissue becomes inflamed and can feel sore or tender.

If you’re replacing a breastfeed with formula, it could take around 7 days for your body to stop producing the milk for that feed. Even if you are introducing formula as a top-up feed, not replacing a feed, it may mean your baby goes longer between their usual breastfeeds and this can affect milk production too.

10. How to transition from formula to cow's milk?

You can begin introducing your baby to cow’s milk from 12 months old. Make sure it is pasteurised full-fat or semi-skimmed cow’s milk. Children can’t have skimmed or 1% cow’s milk until they’re at least five, as it’s too low in calories for their growing bodies.

You may find that your baby happily switches to cow’s milk without any issues and you do not need to do a transitional process. However, if your baby is unsure, you can try mixing formula and cow’s milk and gradually reducing the amount of formula in the milk until it is only cow’s milk.

12 months is also a great time to transition your baby to a beaker. We recommend our All Around Beaker, which comes in a pack of two. They provide no-spill drinking for babies and toddlers over 12 months, thanks to their one-way valve, and feature a 360-degree rim so your baby can drink from any side without spills.

If you’re looking to make formula feeding quicker, easier and a whole lot less faff, check out our RapidTeam, featuring the RapidHot, RapidCool and RapidSterilise, your dream team for stress free feeds.