Confirm the individual feeding plan
Check the child’s identity, current family instructions, product and quantities before preparation. Resolve unclear labels or instructions with the responsible educator. Do not substitute formula or treat a smoothie or plant drink as an infant feed.
Prepare deliberately
Use hand hygiene and a clean work area. Wash, rinse and sterilise bottles and equipment using the centre’s procedure. Follow the formula manufacturer’s instructions exactly, including the water and powder amounts; do not improvise a stronger or weaker feed. Preparing formula fresh for each feed is preferred.
Keep storage and warming distinct
Label feeds for the child with the relevant preparation or expression date and time. Follow the centre’s verified storage, transport and warming instructions for the specific feed. Breastmilk and made-up formula have different handling rules. Do not microwave bottles. Never freeze or rewarm leftover made-up formula.
At the handover
Use the centre’s identity check before the feed reaches the child. Confirm the relevant times with the receiving educator. Discard formula left after feeding rather than saving it for another feed. Record uncertainty or a handling incident promptly and seek advice before offering the feed.
A useful practice exercise
Ask a trained staff member to observe you checking a labelled bottle and explaining its preparation, storage and handover. The answer must come from the actual product instructions and centre procedure, not from memory or a generic app default.
Read the source guidance
Sources checked for this edition on 9 September 2026. Check the linked authority for subsequent changes.