Need some tips on making formula in batches or mixing formula with the Playtex drop-ins. My 3 month old son just recently switched from a special formula for his milk allergy (Neocate) to Similac Alimentum. We were making fresh bottles each time with the Neocate. However, my son is now eating between 6 and 7 ounces, which 7 ounces is not feasible to measure on the Alimentum - it's in increments of 2 ounces. So I wanted to make a batch an them pour 6-7 ounces in each bottle.
I use the Playtex Drop in bottles and have loved them, but now I am having issues trying to put 6 ounces of water in the drop-in and then 3 scoops of formula. (Which is how the directions read - water first, then powder.) The powder barely fits in the drop-in and I end up having a mess and I'm sure the ratio of water to powder is not correct because some of it spills on the counter and some gets stuck in the nipple. Any suggestions on how to use the drop-ins better? Is it ok to put the powder formula in first then add water to it? This is how we made the Neocate bottles. Seems to have mixed better and not as lumpy.
I also tried making a batch in a glass pitcher and that was a disaster too. I had formula coming out of the lid, the powder was all clumpy and never disolved all the way - even though I shook it vigorously for several minutes. Any advice in making a batch??? Types of containers to use? Should you not make in batches? I have read that it's better to make as you go.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!!! THANKS!!!
With my daughters I would mix it up plastic pitcher. I used warm water and a stick blender. It worked well for us.
My pediatrician was pleased when she found out that we were premixing a day at a time. We used a plastic rubbermaid beverage container (32oz, I think) with a mouth big enough to get a large spoon in for stirring. We always put the powder in first, then the water. We would stir it and when the airbubbles were stirred out of the powder, jsut add more water as necessary. When we would serve it, we would just have to give it a bit of a shake before pouring it to make sure that it is mixed well.
I made formula in "batches" each day with great success. I use a tuperware pitcher and put in the necessary amount of WARM WATER (I send 4 6ounce bottles to baby school and make usually one extra bottle) and then add the formula. I mix with a metal whisk and then pour into the bottles.
I used to use the playtex drop ins, but found that the measurements on the bags were always off...
Try to make only what you know you will use, you can always mix up another batch. I find the formula mixes better this way (it is hard to mix in a bottle and shaking leaves clumps).
Good luck.
I used a blender to mix my formula and it worked really good...I usually only made enough to last for 48 hours and that worked really well....It will foam up a little bit but it will settle once it is in the fridge.
Hope this helps and congrats on your baby boy!
Hi J. -
I never made formula in batches, but I did make formula in the Playtex drop-ins. You probably have them, but they make te expandable drop-ins now, which accomodate more. My son never took bis bottles, so I did not have that problem. One thing I did do was measure the water in a measuring cup, b/c I found the bottles weren't that accurate. This way, you can put the powder in the bottle, then dump some of the water from measuring cup into the bottle and shake. Then dump the rest of the water and shake again. Of course, if we were somewhere I did not have access to a measuring cup, I just used the bottle.
does the formula come in liquid??
I dont like powdered formula for several reasons.. especially because it is a pain to make and mix.
I would buy the liquid formula in concentrate cans. then you mix a 13 oz. can of liquid formula with 13 oz of water and it si pretty easy...
it is a tiny bit more expensive but not much and I think it is worth it.
I know it might seem like a hassle.. but have you thought about mixing it in a regular bottle first then pouring it in the other! maybe that would help
blender and WARM WATER, measure out the water and mix with only half the water first, then add the rest when you are done...less room for those little clumps to hide!
It is only good for 48hours so don't make too much. The real key is WARM WATER.
