Is it really safe to keep formula milk in the fridge? (Formula Milk) Let's find out exactly what this means.

When a new baby comes home, a mother's whole day, her whole life changes, doesn't it? Breastfeeding the baby is the main and most important thing in that new routine. Sometimes, when it is difficult to breastfeed or for other reasons, we decide to give our baby formula milk. But when we do, it is very important for the baby's health that we are fully aware of how to make that milk and how to keep it safe . So today, let's talk about that.

How do you prepare milk properly? How do you keep it safe?

Although making powdered milk may not seem like a big deal, there are a few things we need to be more careful about than we think, as it is something we are giving to a small baby.

Water used to make milk

Never use tap water to make milk. If the water is not sterilized, it may contain small particles that can be harmful to your baby's health. The safest thing for your baby is to boil the water thoroughly, let it cool down, and then make milk with that water. Alternatively, using bottled water from the store is also a good option.

After boiling water, let it cool down completely before making the milk. If you make milk with very hot water, it can burn your baby's mouth . Also, use the boiled water within an hour , or put it in the refrigerator. If it has been out for more than an hour, discard the water and boil it again.

How to mix milk

Every can of powdered milk you use has clear instructions on how much powdered milk to add to the amount of water. It is extremely important to follow those instructions exactly. Just think, if you add too much water, the baby's stomach will be full, but the body will not get the nutrition it needs. Also, if you add too much powdered milk, the baby's body will not have enough water, which can lead to dehydration and constipation.

Also, use a new, well-cleaned bottle for each feeding. Washing bottles thoroughly with hot water and soap after each use and sterilizing them as needed goes a long way in protecting your baby from illness.

How do you store milk after making it?

Now we come to the most important point. You can make the milk as often as your baby is hungry. But for many mothers, it is a bit of a hassle. The good news is that the milk you make can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Therefore, many parents make the amount of milk they need for the whole day at once and keep it in the fridge. You can calculate how much your baby drinks at one time and make the milk for the day in a large jug, or you can make it in separate bottles for each meal and keep it in the fridge.

But remember, don't make more than your baby can drink in 24 hours. It will go to waste.

Most importantly: Feed your baby within an hour of taking it out of the fridge or preparing it for feeding. Any leftover milk that hasn't been consumed within that hour should be thrown away . Never put it back in the fridge.

Why do they say that? Because once milk reaches room temperature, bacteria start to grow in it. Unlike us adults, babies' immune systems are still very weak. Their bodies haven't yet developed the antibodies that fight disease. So even a small amount of bacteria can do them a lot of harm.

Other little things to keep in mind when breastfeeding

There are several other important things besides making and storing milk.

The bond with the baby

Some people think that giving formula milk will reduce the bond between mother and baby. That is not true at all. When feeding a baby from a bottle, hold the baby, look him in the eye, and talk to him lovingly. That bond will remain the same.

Actually, there's another good side to formula feeding. That special moment that only the mother gets when breastfeeding , everyone in the family gets when formula feeding! Dad, other children, grandma, grandpa... everyone can hold the baby and feed him some milk and build that bond. This will also help the baby get used to being away from you when you go back to work.

How to give a bottle of milk

If possible, start by giving your baby room temperature milk or cold milk from the fridge. If you start that way from the beginning, your baby won't notice the difference. But if you give them warm milk first, they may not want to drink cold milk later.

If your baby prefers warm milk, it's much safer to use a bottle warmer than to warm it in hot water or in the microwave. It provides a consistent temperature that is consistent with the bottle.

Before giving your baby a bottle, test the temperature of the milk by putting a drop in your palm. If it feels too hot on your hand, it could burn your baby's mouth.

Baby poop (poop)

This is something that worries many parents. There is a big difference in the stool of a breastfed baby and a formula-fed baby. Don't worry about this.

Simply put, a baby who drinks formula will have a slightly stronger smell in their diapers and a thicker stool. This is completely normal. Don't worry about it. But if you notice anything unusual or feel like your baby is in discomfort, talk to your doctor right away.