Sterilization & Formula Milk

Everything that is used to feed that baby must be washed and sterilized thoroughly before and after use. Use a diluted solution of detergent to wash the bottles. Use a brush with a long handle to clean the bottles this will ensure that the bottom is also cleaned. Rinse well with water so that all the detergent is washed, clean and then sterilize. Modern methods of such as electric and microwave sterilizing are becoming very popular in the recent years. One should be aware of the traditional methods, which include boiling and cold water sterilizing too, as one may not have access to electricity and a microwave all the time.

1. Steam sterilizing: Electric steam sterilizing is similar to what is used in hospitals. This takes about eight to twelve minutes, excluding cooling time. This process is efficient and doesn't take long. You must use only those parts that are safe to boil. Bottles and nipples should be placed upside down to ensure proper sterilization. If you are using a microwave, you will have to buy a steamer for it. Do not place any metal parts inside the microwave. Sterilization in a microwave will take five to eight minutes plus cooling time. Remove the lid of the steamer very carefully as the interior becomes extremely hot. The greatest advantage of using this method of sterilization is that there is no smell or taste. If kept closed the items remain sterile for three hours.
2. Boiling: Is another method of sterilizing. All the bottle-feeding items need to be boiled for a minimum of 10 minutes. You must have a separate pan, only for the purpose of boiling these items. Some items like nipples or teats will have to be replaced more often if you use this method, as they get sticky.
3. Microwavable bottles: These bottles can be sterilized on their own in the microwave. A single bottle takes 90 seconds to get sterilized. While microwaving the bottles must be kept open.
4. Cold water sterilization: Tablets used for this method are available in the market. Dissolve them in the prescribed amount in the prescribed amount of water. This will form a solution that is effective against bacterial. These tablets are safe and will not have any side effects even if swallowed. You can buy a sterilizing unit for this or buy a bucket with a lid, which is used for this purpose alone. You must ensure that the bottles are completely submerged in the solution. For complete sterilization make sure that there are no air bubbles in the bottles. Sterilization should be complete in half an hour, but it is safe to leave items in the solution for 24 hours. Fresh solution must be made every day. Make sure your hands and washed before removing the sterilized equipment. Fill the bottles with milk and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep bottles in the main part of fridge, as it is colder than the door. Keep away from raw food.

Do not leave sterilized bottles in the open for too long, as they lose their sterility rapidly. Having a sterilizer with a built-in storage facility is best, as items can be removed as and required. Once the bottles are sterilized you can make the baby's feed and store it. Here are a few tips for making the baby's feed:

• You can either make a bottle each time you need one, or make a number of bottles at one time.
• Bottle-milk can be kept in the fridge for 24 hours.
• If you want to warm the milk once you remove it from the fridge, just place in it a jug of hot water for sometime. Ensure that your baby is not near the jugs, as there have been a number of unfortunate instances where, babies have been scalded by tipping jugs.

Before making formula milk ensure that you read the instructions on the package carefully. Follow them exactly, as the proportion of water and formula powder has been calculated to provide the required amount of food and water for the baby. If you use too much water the baby will not get the required amount of calories and if too much formula is used, it may lead to dehydration. Follow the steps given below:

1. Fill the bottle exactly to the level required, with water that has been boiled and cooled.
2. Use the scoop provided to remove the formula from the package. Level the scoop each time with a knife that is clean. Do not press the powder into the scoop.
3. Put the formula into the bottle carefully, without dropping any of it.
4. Fit the cap of the bottle securely and shake well till all the formula dissolves.
5. Drip one or two drops of this milk on the back of your palm, to make sure that it is not too hot, before feeding the baby.