If you choose not to breastfeed, no longer want to breastfeed, or wish to supplement breastfeeding, the bottle will become your little one’s mealtime companion. Over the coming years, you’ll prepare many bottles—it's almost an art! In this article, we’ll explain how to prepare a bottle properly, the precautions to take, and the hygiene rules to follow. Follow the guide!

Which infant formula should you choose to prepare a bottle?

With such a wide selection of infant formulas for your baby’s bottle, it can sometimes feel confusing. You’re probably wondering which powdered milk is best and which brand to choose—after all, you only want the best for your little one! Generally speaking, all infant formulas available on the French market are subject to strict controls and European standards. So, whatever you choose, your baby’s main food is safe, and they will receive all the essential nutrients needed for growth and development.

If, at the maternity ward, you don’t have the option to choose the infant formula prescribed by the pediatrician, nothing prevents you from choosing a different brand when you return home. Nutritionally, all infant formulas are similar; only their levels of protein, iron, or vitamins may vary slightly. However, to select the appropriate formula, you must consider your child’s needs, which change with age. At birth, you’ll start bottle-feeding with a first age milk . Moreover, in cases of allergies, significant colic , or premature birth, your baby may need a special milk. In this case, it is best to consult your pediatrician before changing the milk formula ; she/he will be able to recommend the most suitable infant formula for your baby.

Which water to choose for baby bottles?

Water is the second essential element for preparing a bottle, as it dilutes the infant formula. Once again, you must pay close attention to the water you use. For babies, it is advisable to choose weakly mineralized water with a dry residue content, indicated on the label, of less than 500 mg/l. Generally, brands specify whether their water is suitable for babies with the mention « suitable for infant feeding ». After opening, the water bottle should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours. This way, you can be sure it’s fresh! ;)

Contrary to popular belief, it is sometimes possible to use tap water to prepare bottles for babies who are already a few months old. It should be almost free of nitrates, so it is advisable to check with the town hall about water quality. Furthermore, always let the water run for one to two minutes before collecting it, and of course, use only cold water. Similarly, do not filter the water before use (filter jug or water softener), as germs can proliferate in filters.

No matter which infant milk or water you choose, you must always prepare the bottle at the last moment , following the instructions. Your little one’s digestive and immune systems are not yet fully developed after birth, so it is essential to follow proper hygiene rules during the first months. We have prepared an overview of key points to keep in mind for preparing your baby’s bottle properly.

How to prepare a bottle?

After carefully washing your hands, prepare a bottle by following these steps:

1. Prepare the bottle water

The amount of water your baby drinks can vary from day to day depending on their appetite. It also changes with their weight: for each kilogram, your little one will need about 150 milliliters of food per day, spread over several meals. So, the amount of water needed to prepare bottles depends on your baby’s age and appetite. By pouring the water into the bottle first, you prevent the milk powder from clumping at the bottom.

2. Add the infant formula

The next step is to add the powdered milk, carefully following the instructions on the packaging. Generally, a measuring scoop is included in the jar. No matter which brand you buy, follow these proportions: one scoop for 30 milliliters of water , no more and no less. To ensure an accurate measurement, use the measuring scoop to avoid skewing the dosage; the scoop should be neither heaped nor packed. Therefore, avoid pressing the milk down with the back of a spoon. If necessary, you can remove excess powder with the back of a clean knife blade by leveling it across the scoop. To avoid contaminating the milk, do not do this with your finger. It is important to follow the correct measurements! If you add too much, your little one might have difficulty digesting overly rich milk. Conversely, milk that is too diluted will not contain enough nutrients and vitamins for growth.

Keep the open milk jar in a dry place away from light. Do not place it in the refrigerator, as the powder could become damp, allowing bacteria to develop.

3. Mix the water and infant milk

After adding the water and then the infant formula to the bottle, close it and shake vigorously until the powder is completely dissolved. To prevent splashes, hold the nipple firmly during the process. Also, try not to create too many air bubbles when shaking the bottle, as they can cause stomach aches and bloating in your little adventurer. Check that no powder or lumps remain at the bottom of the bottle.

4. Check the temperature of the bottle

The milk can be drunk at room temperature or warmed. Warming a bottle isn’t necessary from a nutritional or digestive standpoint, so it depends on your baby and their preferences.

Try both options and observe your little adventurer’s reactions—you’ll quickly see whether they prefer warm milk or room-temperature milk.

If you choose to warm the bottle, take a few precautions, especially regarding the temperature of the bottle and the milk. Warm it either in a bottle warmer or in a double boiler. Do not use your microwave . The high and uneven heat could burn your little one. The ideal temperature is around 37 °C . Shake the bottle again to ensure an even temperature. You can check the warmth of the milk by placing a few drops on your wrist. If it feels pleasant, it’s a sign the milk isn’t too hot. Once warmed, the bottle should be consumed within half an hour.

5. Give the bottle

Bottle-feeding should take place in a calm atmosphere; it’s an intimate, bonding moment that also allows dad (or your partner) to build a strong connection with your little adventurer. :)

Make yourself comfortable and hold your little one in your arms so they are in a semi-reclined position. Their neck should rest in the crook of your arm. At the beginning of the feeding, check the temperature of the milk one last time, then bring the bottle close so that the nipple touches their lower lip to trigger the sucking reflex. Your little one will then latch onto the nipple and begin to suck. When giving the bottle, make sure the nipple is always full to limit air intake, which can cause stomach aches and flatulence. Let your little one drink at their own pace, and feel free to take a few breaks. If your little one does not finish their bottle, discard the milk; it is not safe to reuse it. Never keep an opened bottle .

How to clean and sterilize a baby bottle?

Hygiene rules are just as important as preparing the bottle. The bottle, the teat, and the sealing ring must be thoroughly cleaned after each meal. You have two options:

The hand wash : rinse all the items with cold water, then clean them with hot water, dish soap, and a bottle brush. Make sure to remove all milk residue, especially in the grooves of the neck, then rinse everything thoroughly with clear water. Dry the bottle, nipple, and sealing ring upside down on a drying rack in the open air. It is generally not recommended to use a towel to wipe the bottle, to avoid any microbial or bacterial deposits.

The dishwasher cleaning : rinse all the elements of the bottle with cold water, making sure to remove all milk residue, then place them in the dishwasher. It is recommended to use a full cycle at at least 65° Celsius, plus a drying cycle. If you are using rubber teats, they should be cleaned by hand.

If, a few years ago, bottle sterilization was still recommended, this is no longer the case today. Various French organizations such as the Ministry of Health, INPES (National Institute for Prevention and Health Education), or the AFPA (Association Française de Pédiatrie Ambulatoire) agree that it is not necessary at home . However, it can be done before the first use of the equipment or during the baby’s first six months. You can use an electric sterilizer or boil the items in a pot.

How to prepare a bottle on the go?

When you’re out and about, you won’t always have all the kitchen accessories you’d use at home to prepare a bottle. As explained above, a bottle should never be prepared in advance. So, during your trips, you can carry the required amount of milk and water in two separate containers, then mix them at the last moment. If you want to prepare a warm bottle, you can bring previously boiled water in a thermos. Be sure to check that the water isn’t too hot by using the wrist test.

Before going to bed, it can also be convenient to prepare everything you need for nighttime bottles. To avoid measuring infant formula and water in the middle of the night, you can prepare the milk doses in advance and store them in containers designed for this purpose. Here, too, the thermos trick can be helpful! ;)

At first, preparing a bottle may seem tedious, but you’ll see—over time, it will become a piece of cake!