Yes, but not directly. You need to let the boiling water cool slightly before mixing it with formula powder.
Here's why and how:
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Why you need to use boiled water: Using boiled water helps to sterilize the formula, killing any potentially harmful bacteria that might be present in the powder. This is especially important for babies under 6 months.
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Why you can't use directly boiling water: Directly boiling water can damage the nutrients in the formula.
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How to do it safely:
- Boil fresh tap water: Use freshly boiled drinking water from the tap. Don't use artificially softened water or water that has been boiled before.
- Cool the water: Let the water cool in the kettle for no more than 30 minutes. This will bring the temperature down to at least 70°C (158°F). This temperature is hot enough to kill bacteria but not so hot that it damages the formula.
- Prepare the formula: Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the formula packaging to prepare the feed.
- Cool the feed: After making the formula, cool it quickly to a safe temperature for your baby. You can do this by holding the bottle under cold running water or placing it in a bowl of cold water or with ice. Test the temperature on your wrist before feeding – it should feel lukewarm, not hot.
Important Considerations:
- Always follow the formula manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Never add extra scoops of formula powder, as this can make your baby ill.
- Prepare each feed fresh when your baby needs it.
- If you need to prepare a feed in advance, cool it quickly and store it in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours.
- Discard any leftover formula after feeding.
