If you’re bottlefeeding your baby, it’s important to follow some simple guidelines to ensure that they’re getting the nutrition they need.

Here are some tips on how to bottlefeed your baby:

1. Always sterilize your baby’s bottles and feeding equipment before each use. You can do this by boiling the items in water for 5 minutes.

2. Make sure you use fresh, clean water to prepare your baby’s formula. Boil the water first and then let it cool before adding it to the powder.

3. Follow the instructions on the formula packet carefully when making up a feed. Do not add extra water or powder as this can make your baby constipated or give them diarrhea.

4. Never leave your baby unattended while they are drinking from a bottle. They could choke if they suck on the bottle for too long or take in too much air.

5. It’s important to hold your baby upright while they feed, so that the formula goes down into their tummy and not up into their throat.

6. Burp your baby regularly during and after feeds to help prevent them from bringing up some of the milk.

7. Never reuse formula that has been prepared previously, even if it has only been used for a short time. Bacteria can grow in leftover milk, which can make your baby ill.

8. If you’re using ready-to-feed formula, it’s important to check the expiry date before giving it to your baby. Once open, unused formula can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

9. If you’re using powdered formula, it’s important to store it correctly. Unopened packets can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Once opened, unused formula should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge and used within 1 month.

10. When you’re out and about with your baby, make sure you pack everything you need for a feed, including sterilized bottles, clean water and enough formula to make up a feed. It’s also a good idea to pack some wet wipes and a change of clothes, just in case your baby has a spillage