- How to make a bottle? That is the question
- And the Élhée bottle, how do you prepare it?
- 3 questions to sum up how to make a good bottle
Infant formula, or powdered milk, and water. That’s it—your bottle is ready. Still, “How to prepare a bottle?” is one of the most common questions from expectant parents. Fear of incorrect measurements, using unsuitable water, causing tummy aches for your baby, or them still being hungry... These concerns, to be resolved, deserve a closer look at how to prepare a good bottle and, also, how to prepare our bibRond.
How to make a bottle? That is the question
From birth to about 6 months old, if you don’t breastfeed or if you practice mixed feeding with your baby, they’ll receive some or all of their nutrition from bottles you prepare. Here’s the recipe for a healthy, sufficient bottle every time.
- Wash your hands.
- Take a clean and drained bottle (sterilization is no longer required).
- Add the desired amount of water.
- Pour in the number of level scoops that corresponds to the water amount in the bottle.
- Screw on the nipple and snap on the cap.
- Roll the bottle between your palms until you get a homogeneous mixture.
That’s it! Your little one’s bottle is ready to be served at room temperature. If your baby prefers it warm, just add a step with a bottle warmer or a hot water bath (without the nipple).
The choice of infant formula
There are dozens of types of powdered infant formula. You can buy them at grocery stores or pharmacies, usually sold in cans of 28–32 oz (800–900 g). Each can be kept for a month after opening as long as it's well closed after each use.
- Infant formula most often based on cow’s milk, or goat’s milk,
- in powdered or liquid form,
- classic, for premature babies, thickened, anti-reflux, hypoallergenic, or low-lactose,
- first stage formula up to 6 months, stage 2 up to 12 months, or toddler formula beyond that—it all depends.
You might need to try several brands or types of formula to find the one your baby likes or digests the best. If you have trouble, consult your pediatrician, the local health center, or hospital staff for recommendations. On the other hand, if the bottles are well tolerated, it’s best not to change the formula.
Water for mixing powdered infant formula
For your infant’s wellbeing, alternate between brands of low-mineral spring water whose label states they are suitable for bottle feeding.
You can also use tap water if it’s not softened or filtered, the pipes are not made of lead, and as long as you let it run for a few seconds before filling the bottle. For complete peace of mind, you can also go to your city hall and ask for information on the quality and composition of your community’s water supply.
Warm bottle or room temperature, it’s up to your baby
To make it easier to digest, you can warm your child’s bottle to about 98.6°F (37°C), the temperature of breast milk. For this, Élhée offers its portable bottle warmer TooGo! Up to 12 hours’ battery life, only 5 minutes to reach the ideal 98.6°F (37°C), plus a stylish design to boot!
That being said, you can also serve the bottle at room temperature. Give it a try! So often, it’s the baby who has the final say and will refuse one or the other.
To warm the bottle’s water, use a hot water bath or a bottle warmer and add the powdered formula afterward. Don’t forget to check the milk’s temperature by dropping a few drops on your inner wrist.
Mixing the bottle: the exact measurement
One last key element in preparing your baby’s bottle: the right amount of powdered formula. Here, just remember: one level scoop = 1 fl oz (30 ml) of water. So, to make an 8 fl oz (240 ml) bottle, just divide 240 by 30, which equals 8. To prepare a 8 oz bottle, you’ll need 8 level scoops of infant formula.
Afraid you’ll make a mistake? Check out the bottle prep tool. They come in all shapes and sizes, making them compatible with our ergonomic, flexible bibRonds.
Once you begin food diversification, you can add a small spoonful of cereal to the bottle—just remember to switch to a fast flow nipple, specially designed for thicker preparations.
Is it possible to mix a bottle of formula in advance?
Once mixed, a bottle should be used within an hour. So it's not really possible to prepare or store several bottles ahead of time for the day.
To save time when you’re away from home, use little compartment containers designed to hold 3 to 4 doses of formula, so you can make a fresh bottle instantly, anywhere you go.
Mixed feeding and pumping: another way to prepare baby’s bottle
Whether by choice for mixed feeding or because it’s time to transition from breast to bottle, every day, mothers pump their milk. This allows them to breastfeed their baby and prepare bottles of breastmilk, which can be used right after pumping, or saved for future meals. In that case, breast milk keeps for 4 hours at room temperature, up to 48 hours in the fridge below 39°F (4°C), and up to 4 months in the freezer.
You know what? Thanks to its physiological nipple and its innovative, soft, curved design, the Élhée bibRond is the leader for smooth breast-to-bottle transition, hands down!
And the Élhée bottle, how do you prepare it?
Thanks to its innovative design and flexible shape, the Élhée bibRond is even easier to prepare!
- Made from soft silicone, it doesn’t slip and doesn’t break.
- With its rounded design and wide neck, filling it is child’s play.
- To warm the bibRond, it couldn’t be easier: its medical grade silicone handles hot water baths and bottle prep tools perfectly and their sizes make them fully compatible. As for bottle warmers, the Milk Second by Beaba, Maternity by Bébé Confort, and Nomad™ by Izybaby models fit.
- And finally, the unique lines of the bibRond make it easy to grip, even for those tiny little hands your child has.
Bottle finished? For good hygiene, each part (bottle, collar, nipple) should be cleaned quickly. And again, the bibRond does a great job: its flexible neck and removable collar make cleaning easy. Hand washing without a bottle brush and dishwasher use are both approved.
Three questions to summarize how to prepare a good bottle
How do you prepare a bottle?
To prepare a bottle, follow these 6 simple steps: wash your hands, take a clean or sterilized bottle, pour in the desired amount of spring or tap water, add the matching number of scoops of formula (1 scoop = 1 fl oz of water), attach the nipple and cap, and roll the bottle between your hands to mix. That’s it.
What water should you use for baby’s bottle?
Low-mineral water is recommended for preparing baby bottles. Bottled spring water suitable for infants is labeled: “This water is suitable for the preparation of food for infants.” Cold tap water, unfiltered, not softened, and if your home's pipes are not made of lead, can also be used after letting it run for a few moments.
Do you need to warm the bottle?
Baby’s bottle can be given warm, but it’s not required. It can also be given at room temperature. Choose according to your baby’s preferences and the season: a warm bottle in winter and a room temperature one in summer. Don’t forget, a bottle warmer or bottle prep tool helps get the milk close to breast milk temperature, which is 98.6°F (37°C).
