The Ultimate Formula Feeding Guide for New Parents

Making Formula Feeding Safe and Simple

When it comes to feeding your baby, safety and hygiene are top priorities. Whether you're preparing formula at home or on the go, following the correct steps will help ensure your baby gets the best possible nutrition, without the risks of contamination or incorrect measurements.

At Meke Baby, we know how precious those feeding moments are, so we’ve put together this ultimate formula feeding guide for newborns, from preparation to storage and feeding best practices.

How to Prepare Baby Formula: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with Clean Hands and Equipment

Always wash your hands before preparing formula. Use hot, soapy water to clean bottles, teats, caps, and scoops, then sterilise them either by boiling for five minutes or using an approved sterilising agent.

2. Boil Water and Cool It

Fresh tap water should be boiled and left to cool for at least 30 minutes before mixing with formula. For convenience, our Meke Express, Australia’s fastest milk warmer for formula feeding, ensures you always have perfectly warmed water on hand, whether you're at home or out and about.

3. Follow the Formula Instructions Exactly

Each baby formula brand has different water-to-powder ratios, so always check the packaging. Add water first to the bottle before scooping in formula to ensure accurate mixing.

4. Use the Scoop Provided

Scoop sizes vary between brands, so always use the one that comes in your tin. Fill it, level it off, and avoid packing it too tightly. Keeping the scoop inside the tin (and dry!) prevents contamination.

5. The Meke Twist: A Game-Changer for Formula Feeding

Measuring and storing formula while on the go can be tricky, but the Meke Twist makes it effortless. This travel-friendly baby bottle solution features a built-in dispensing cartridge, allowing you to pre-measure formula powder and release it into the bottle when ready to mix. No mess, no stress, just perfectly measured feeds, every time.

6. Shake and Test the Temperature

Once mixed, shake the bottle well to dissolve the powder. Always test the milk on the inside of your wrist before feeding, it should feel warm, not hot. If needed, the Meke Express can quickly reheat pre-prepared bottles to the perfect temperature.

Bottle-Feeding Tips for New Parents

✔️ Hold, Cuddle, and Talk to Your Baby

Bottle-feeding is more than just nourishment—it’s bonding time. Hold your baby close, make eye contact, and respond to their feeding cues.

❌ Never Prop a Bottle

Leaving a baby to feed unattended can be dangerous. It increases the risk of choking and ear infections.

🛑 Discard Unused Formula

Formula left out for over an hour should be thrown away. If stored in the fridge, use it within 24 hours.

How to Safely Store and Travel with Baby Formula

✈️ Keep Feeds Cold

Pre-prepared formula should be stored in the fridge before travel. Use a cool bag with ice packs and feed within two hours.

🔥 Reheat Safely

At your destination, formula can be warmed using the Meke Express warmer in under a minute, no need to rely on microwaves or unpredictable heat sources. Ensure formula is to stored in the fridge before you can reheat – always follow safe storage guidelines.

🍼 Pack Smart with the Meke Twist

If you’re out and about, the Meke Twist allows you to carry pre-measured baby formula powder securely, so you can mix it instantly when your baby is ready to feed. No need to bring multiple containers or worry about spilling formula powder in your bag.

How to Sterilise Baby Bottles Correctly

💦 Boiling

Boil bottles, teats, and utensils for five minutes, ensuring all air bubbles are removed.

🧴 Chemical Sterilisation

Use sterilising tablets or solutions, ensuring all parts are fully submerged. Remember, sterilised bottles should be stored in a clean container in the fridge and used within 24 hours.

The Best Formula Feeding Essentials for Stress-Free Feeding

Formula feeding shouldn’t be stressful. With the Meke Express, you can warm water or pre-prepared formula anywhere—ensuring perfect temperatures, even during night feeds or travel. And for parents on the go, the Meke Twist makes bottle preparation effortless with its built-in formula cartridge.