Formula Feeding Basics

What you will be able to do

• choose a suitable first infant formula and know which other products you do not need.
• wash and sterilise bottles and teats using cold-water, steam or boiling methods.
• make up a powdered formula feed safely, following the HSE steps.
• store, transport and warm feeds safely when you are out or using childcare.
• feed responsively, reading your baby's hunger and fullness cues.
• recognise signs that feeding is going well, and the red flags that need urgent help.
• plan the move to cups and cow's milk around your baby's first birthday.

1. 1Choosing formula and getting set up

   Understand which formula your baby actually needs, what the other products on the shelf are for, and what kit to have ready before the first feed.

   • First infant formula: the only one you need
   • Your feeding kit and help with costs

   Amount-by-age reference sheet

2. 2Cleaning and sterilising feeding equipment

   Learn why babies' feeding kit needs extra care, how to wash it properly, and how to use the three main ways of sterilising.

   • Why sterilise, and the washing step everyone rushes
   • Three ways to sterilise

   Cleaning and sterilising checklist

3. 3Making up a feed safely

   Follow the HSE step-by-step method for powdered formula, avoid the common mistakes, and plan for feeds at night, out and about and at childcare.

   • The HSE method, step by step
   • Water, scoops and common mistakes
   • Night feeds, trips out and childcare

   Step-by-step formula prep card

4. 4How much, how often and responsive bottle feeding

   Learn to feed in a way that follows your baby's cues, understand roughly how much formula babies take, and know the signs that feeding is going well.

   • Responsive bottle feeding
   • How much formula, and is my baby getting enough?

   Formula feeding logAmount-by-age reference sheet

5. 5Everyday feeding life from birth to 12 months

   Understand wind, sick and nappies, when to talk to someone about changing formula, and how feeding changes as your baby starts solids and turns one.

   • Wind, sick and nappies: what is usually normal
   • From 6 to 12 months: cups, solids and moving on from formula

   Formula feeding log

6. 6Staying safe, getting help and looking after you

   Know the warning signs that need urgent help, who to contact for everyday questions, and how to look after yourself while feeding a new baby.

   • Red flags and who to contact
   • Looking after you

   Cleaning and sterilising checklistStep-by-step formula prep card

• CardsStep-by-step formula prep cardA printable card for the kitchen that walks you through making up a powdered formula feed the HSE way, one step at a time.
• CheckerCleaning and sterilising checklistTick off each step as you clean and sterilise bottles, teats and other feeding equipment, so nothing gets missed on a tired day.
• TrackerFormula feeding logNote each day's feeds, nappies and anything you want to mention to your public health nurse, so you can spot patterns and go to appointments with real information.
• CardsAmount-by-age reference sheetA quick reference to how formula needs usually change from birth to 12 months, and how to tell your baby is getting enough, to read alongside your formula pack.