There is no substitute for taking proper medical advice though and this is a few pointers but in no way medical advice or definitive.
Making up formula feeds abroad
When going on holiday it is important to remember all the equipment needed for your baby's feed:
Bottles
Teats
Sterilising tablets/solution
Sterilising unit
Bottle brush
Remember that infant milk formula is not sterile and it is essential that instructions for its safe preparation are followed precisely, to avoid any risk of illness to babies.
Best guidance now states that making up feeds as and when required is the safest option. This is a significant change from previous guidance in Ireland and the UK where advance preparation has been the norm.
The key points to remember are:
The importance of good hygiene practices in preparing feeds made from powdered formula.
That making up fresh means involves adding the powder at the last possible minute.
Instructions for making up formula feeds
Wash and sterilise all feeding equipment according to manufacturer's instructions. Wash your hands and wipe all surfaces clean.
Boil fresh tap water in a kettle and once boiled, leave to cool for 30 minutes - this is to ensure the water temperature is approximately 70°C. Pour the required amount of water into a sterilised bottle.
Add the exact measured amount of powder according to pack instructions & shake thoroughly to mix well. Test on your wrist to ensure it is not too hot. If required, cool by holding the bottle, with the cap covering the teat, under cold running water and then test on wrist again before feeding the baby.
Once baby is fed, always discard any leftover milk, wash and sterilise bottles and teats ready for the next feed.
Disposable sterilising bags
There are safe and convenient ways to sterilise babies' utensils especially when travelling, eliminating the problem of having to transport bulky microwave or steam sterilisers that may not operate on foreign voltages. Each bag is a totally self contained sterilising unit lasting up to 24 hours and will hold a maximum of 4 bottles at one time. They are safe to use with foreign water and each sachet has clearly printed instructions.
Microwave sterilising bags
This innovative method of sterilisation takes just three minutes. Using only tap water, it is a simple, convenient and effective way to sterilise baby bottles. Microbiologically tested. Each bag is reusable up to 20 times. Sold as a pack of three; each bag holds two bottles and is suitable for all domestic microwaves. So if your holiday accommodation has a microwave this is an excellent option.
Baby milk and travel sachets
It is worthwhile taking at least a week's supply of baby milk with you in unopened tins. If you are on holiday for more than a week this should give you time to establish a supply, although there are companies which will deliver baby supplies to your holiday destination such as tinytotsabroad. Many infant feeds are now available in ready to feed cartons or individual sachets or bottles. These are ideal as they are sterile eliminating the need for sterilizing equipment although they are of course more expensive. A cool bag may be useful to keep feed cold in hot countries when you are out and about.
Baby milk companies
SMA, Cow & Gate, Farleys and Milupa are international companies so baby milks produced by them may be available in most countries although they may have a foreign name or packaging. It is worth checking with the manufacturer to see if your milk is available in the country you are travelling to.
Which water should I use?
In most European, Australian and North American countries, cooled boiled tap water should be suitable for preparing baby milk. Check with your hotel or tour operator or travel agent that the water in your resort is safe to drink. If it is safe to drink, boiling will ensure its safety for infants.
In countries where the water supply is uncertain still bottled waters may be used. If using natural spring water or mineral water check that it has a low mineral content (sodium (Na) content of less than 20 mg/l).
You should be safe to pick one of the following natural mineral water brands (picking still waters only for children under two) to serve to babies and young children:
Abbey Well, Aqua-Pura, Ashbrook, Ashe Park, Brecon Carreg, Buxton, Evian, Highland Spring, Perthshire Mountain Spring, Spa, Stretton Hills, Vittel and Volvic.
Some international still bottled waters with a low mineral content currently include Evian and Spa. Always ensure the seal is intact and the water in date, once opened the water will need to be stored in a refrigerator.
Remember - still bottled water is not sterile and needs to be boiled and cooled before use in preparing milk or food for infants under 6 months. Artificially softened or filtered water is unsuitable for infants as the mineral content may be too high. In hot weather you may need to offer your infant extra fluid.
Cooled boiled water is ideal for bottle fed infants between milk feeds to quench thirst. It is also important to offer plenty of fluids if your infant is unwell or has diarrhoea or vomiting. Taking sachets of rehydration solution is useful for your medical kit. Make sure that you follow the preparation instructions on the packet.
We have joined together with tinytotsaway to offer you a great family friendly service. With increasingly tighter airline regulations and no luggage allowance at all for infants less than two years of age, this service allows you to order ahead of time, saves you the hassle of shopping and carrying it to check in and also keeps track of it. Tinytotsaway has shared this guide with us for your benefit.
You will find lots of family friendly travel
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