Formula (artificial milk): feeding information for families

Feeding your baby in hospital

Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT) wish to provide families with the information and support to prepare formula and sterilise feeding equipment safely.  Staff are available to help you until you are confident.  There are also written instructions available to guide you, they can be found within this leaflet and in the milk kitchen on the wards. 

Why do we ask you to bring your own formula?

Bringing your chosen formula helps you:

• Make an informed feeding decision that feels right for you and your baby
• It can feel more familiar if you use the same milk and teats in hospital as you plan to use at home
• Start with safe, and the same feeding practices from the very beginning
• You’re welcome to bring either powdered formula or ready‑made cartons – whichever you prefer

If you plan to bottle feed your baby, the following items are essential:

In hospital

• Formula (baby’s first milks)
• 2 or 3 Bottles
• 2 or 3 Teats

And at home

• Sterilising Equipment
• Bottle Brush

Support on the postnatal ward 

While you’re with us, we’ll make sure you have access to kettles for preparing feeds and sterilising equipment for your bottles and teats

To help you make decisions with the most up-to-date and evidence-based information:

Here are links and QR codes to the information you need:

Which formula to feed your baby

• Use “first” formula for your baby’s first year.
• The brand you choose doesn’t matter.  They are all checked and approved to be safe. Pick the one you can afford and keep using for the whole year.

Making up your baby’s formula feeds safely

• The safest way to make formula is with a kettle.
• Follow NHS advice and the steps.

Machines used to help make up your baby’s milk

• It is important if you’re going to use a prep machine, to always check how hot the water is with a thermometer before making the feed up. 
• If the water is cooler than 70°C, use a kettle to make the bottle, following NHS advice.

For more information, visit:
https://www.firststepsnutrition.org/parents-carers