Feeding your baby formula — whether by choice, necessity, or a bit of both — is a safe, loving way to nourish them. The two things that matter most are choosing the right type and preparing it carefully. Let's keep it simple.

Choosing a formula: Stage-1 first

For almost every baby, a Stage-1 (first infant) formula is the right choice from birth until around 12 months. You don't need to "upgrade" to follow-on or toddler formulas as your baby grows — the Australian and US health bodies agree these later stages are unnecessary for most babies.

  • Cow's-milk-based Stage-1 formula suits most babies.
  • "Anti-reflux", "comfort", "hungry baby", "goat", and specialised formulas should only be used on the advice of your GP or child-health nurse.
  • Brand matters far less than preparing it correctly. All formulas sold in Australia and the US must meet strict nutritional standards.

Hygiene comes first

Newborns have immature immune systems, and powdered formula is not sterile. Good hygiene is your best protection.

  • Wash your hands and clean the bench before you start.
  • Wash bottles, teats, rings, and caps in hot soapy water (or the dishwasher), scrubbing with a bottle brush.
  • Sterilise all feeding equipment until your baby is at least 12 months old — by boiling, steam, or a cold-water sterilising solution.

Getting the water right

Preparing a bottle, step by step

  1. Boil fresh tap water and let it cool for no more than 30 minutes, so it's still at least 70°C — hot enough to kill any bacteria in the powder (per the WHO). Water this hot can scald, so handle it carefully.
  2. Pour the exact amount of water into the sterilised bottle first.
  3. Add the exact number of level scoops using the scoop provided, levelling each one off with the back of a clean knife.
  4. Cap the bottle and swirl or shake gently until the powder dissolves.
  5. Cool quickly under cool running water (keep the cap out of the stream) until lukewarm.
  6. Test a few drops on the inside of your wrist — it should feel just warm, not hot.

A few water notes:

  • Use fresh, cold tap water boiled once, then cooled. Don't use water that's been boiled repeatedly or left sitting in the kettle all day.
  • A note on the method: the steps above follow the WHO's more protective approach of using water still at ~70°C to kill any bacteria in the powder. Australian guidance from the Raising Children Network and the Australian Breastfeeding Association more commonly describes boiling then cooling to lukewarm before mixing, and the AAP suggests a shorter cool after boiling. All are widely used — follow the instructions on your tin and your child-health nurse's advice, and if you choose the cooler-water method, take extra care with hygiene and storage.
  • In the US, the AAP suggests checking with your local health department about fluoride and whether your tap water is safe; many US families use ready-to-feed or follow the tin's water guidance.
  • In Australia, the Raising Children Network advises boiled-then-cooled tap water. If you use bottled water, choose one low in sodium and sulphate, and still boil it.
  • Never use a microwave to heat a bottle — it creates hot spots that can scald your baby's mouth.

Never dilute or concentrate

This is the one rule worth tattooing on the kettle.

  • Never add extra water to "stretch" a tin or because baby seems thirsty — diluted formula can cause dangerous drops in blood sodium and poor growth.
  • Never add extra powder to make it "more filling" or help sleep — concentrated formula strains your baby's kidneys and can cause dehydration.
  • Always use the scoop that came with that specific tin, and always level scoops — never heaped or packed.

Timing and storage

Freshly made feeds are safest. The ideal is to make each bottle just before you need it.

Situation General guidance
Freshly made, fed straight away Best option
Made ahead, stored in back of fridge Use within ~24 hours
Left at room temperature Use within ~2 hours, then discard
Warmed but not finished Discard leftovers within ~1 hour
Out and about Carry cooled boiled water and powder separately; mix when needed

Storage times vary slightly between guidelines (the WHO is more conservative than some national bodies), so when in doubt, throw it out and make a fresh bottle.

When to get help

Formula feeding is forgiving, but some things need a professional eye. Any fever in a baby under 3 months needs urgent medical care. Talk to your GP or child-health nurse if your baby has fewer wet nappies, ongoing vomiting, poor weight gain, blood in their poo, or seems unwell — and never feel you have to figure it out alone at 2am. Health lines and your nurse are there for exactly this.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your GP, paediatrician, or child-health nurse knows your baby best.