How to Prepare Formula Safely: A Printable Step-by-Step Guide for Australian Parents
📌 Bookmark or print this page. Use it as a quick reference every time you make up a bottle.
To prepare infant formula safely, wash your hands, sterilise the bottle, boil fresh tap water and let it cool to no less than 70°C, add the water first, then the exact number of level scoops of formula, shake to mix, cool under running water, and check the temperature on your wrist before feeding. Preparing formula correctly matters because powdered formula is not sterile, and getting the water temperature and measurements right keeps your baby safe. Here is the full step-by-step, written for Australian parents and based on Australian Government infant feeding advice.
Before you start: the printable checklist
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wash hands and clean the surface | Prevents contamination |
| 2 | Sterilise bottle, teat and cap | Powdered formula isn't sterile |
| 3 | Boil fresh tap water, cool for 30 min (no less than 70°C) | Kills bacteria in the powder |
| 4 | Pour the measured water into the bottle first | Ensures correct concentration |
| 5 | Add exact level scoops of powder | Too much or too little is unsafe |
| 6 | Cap and shake to dissolve | Removes lumps |
| 7 | Cool under cold running water | Brings to feeding temperature |
| 8 | Test on your wrist, then feed | Prevents burns |
Step-by-step: preparing a bottle at home
1. Wash your hands and clean the bench
Wash your hands with soap and water and wipe down the surface where you'll make the bottle. This simple step is your first line of defence against germs.
2. Sterilise the bottle and teat
Sterilise the clean bottle, teat, cap and ring before every feed for babies under 12 months, using a steam steriliser, boiling, or sterilising solution.
3. Boil fresh water and let it cool
Boil fresh tap water and allow it to cool for no more than 30 minutes so it stays at 70°C or above. Water this hot kills any bacteria present in the powder. Do not use water that has been boiled more than once or left sitting overnight.
4. Add the water first
Pour the required amount of hot water into the sterilised bottle before adding powder. Adding water first is what keeps the concentration correct.
5. Add the exact number of scoops
Use only the scoop provided, level each scoop with the back of a clean knife, and add the exact number stated on the tin. Never pack the scoop or add extra, and never water formula down.
6. Mix, cool and check
Cap the bottle and shake until the powder dissolves. Cool it quickly by holding it under cold running water or standing it in cold water, then drip a little on the inside of your wrist. It should feel lukewarm, not hot.
Preparing formula when you're out and about
The safest approach on the go is to carry pre-measured formula powder and a flask of freshly boiled water, then make the bottle up fresh when your baby is hungry. If you need warm water while travelling, a good insulated flask keeps it hot for hours. For the full routine, see our guides on warming formula while travelling and warming a bottle in the car. A portable bottle warmer or insulated flask makes feeding away from home far easier.
How long is a made-up bottle safe?
Make up bottles fresh for each feed wherever possible. If you must prepare ahead, cool the bottle quickly and store it at the back of the fridge for no more than 24 hours. Once a feed has started, use it within an hour and discard any leftover formula. For more on storage, read how long formula lasts in the refrigerator. A quality steriliser and storage set from our feeding range makes safe preparation simpler day to day.
Common formula-preparation mistakes to avoid
- Using cooled or room-temperature water: water must be 70°C or hotter to kill bacteria in the powder.
- Adding powder before water: this changes the concentration and can upset your baby's tummy or kidneys.
- Heaped or packed scoops: always level scoops with a clean knife.
- Microwaving the bottle: microwaves create hot spots that can scald.
- Re-using leftover formula: throw away any milk left after a feed.
Frequently asked questions
Do you put water or formula in the bottle first?
Always add the water first, then the powder. Measuring the water first and adding level scoops of formula to it ensures the correct concentration, which is important for your baby's health.
What temperature should the water be for making formula?
Boil fresh water and let it cool for no more than 30 minutes so it is still at least 70°C when you add the powder. This temperature kills bacteria that can be present in powdered formula.
Can I make up formula bottles in advance?
It's safest to make each bottle fresh. If you need to prepare ahead, cool the bottle quickly and store it at the back of the fridge for up to 24 hours, then warm gently when needed. Never store a bottle your baby has already fed from.
How do I prepare formula safely when travelling?
Carry pre-measured powder and a flask of freshly boiled water separately, then make the bottle up fresh when your baby is hungry. This avoids keeping made-up formula warm for long periods, which isn't safe.
Is it safe to reheat a formula bottle?
Do not reheat a bottle your baby has already started, and never use a microwave. If a freshly made bottle needs warming, stand it in warm water or use a bottle warmer, then test the temperature before feeding.
How many scoops of formula do I use?
Always follow the exact instructions on your formula tin, using the scoop provided and levelling each scoop. The standard ratio is usually one level scoop per 30ml of water, but check your specific product as brands can differ.
