First Infant Formula Milk: What do I need to know?
First infant formula milk is the only type of formula suitable for babies from birth up to a year old. All first infant formulas sold in the UK must meet strict regulations on composition, which means they provide the nutrients a baby needs in this period, regardless of brand or price. Parents can choose between powdered infant formula, which is the most common and affordable, or ready to feed liquid versions, which tend to be more expensive. While there are many products on the market, follow-on or toddler milks are not necessary in the first year or beyond, and actually have additives that make it harder for baby's to digest and so, first infant formula is the only safe option for babies whom are not having breastmilk.
There are significant price differences between brands, with many premium products marketed at a much higher cost despite having no proven nutritional advantage. Only a few supermarket own label formulas, are a low cost option. Families can confidently choose lower cost formulas, as all products must meet the same strict safety and nutritional standards. Larger pack sizes can reduce the cost per feed, but these require more upfront spending and are not always available.
Safe preparation of formula is critical because powdered infant formula is not sterile. It should always be made with boiled water with a temperature of at least 70°C to kill harmful bacteria, and all feeding equipment must be thoroughly sterilised.
The safest method is to:
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Wash your hands, and make sure bottles and teats are sterilised.
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Boil fresh tap water in the kettle and let it cool for no more than 30 minutes (it should still be at least 70°C).
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Add the correct amount of water to the sterilised bottle before the powder.
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Measure the powder carefully using the scoop provided.
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Shake the bottle to mix.
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Cool the feed under cold running water until it’s the right temperature for your baby.
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Always throw away any unused formula after two hours, as bacteria can grow quickly.
Formula preparation machines are heavily marketed as a convenient option, but First Steps Nutrition Trust and the NHS do not recommend them. This is because they often use cooler water to make up feeds, which does not reliably kill bacteria in the powder. They also need very careful cleaning, and if not maintained properly, they can themselves become a source of germs. While they might save time, they don’t meet the safety guidance set out by the World Health Organization.
If you are unsure about preparing formula, or have questions about feeding your baby, seek guidance.
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