3 Mistakes Parents Make While Preparing Formula Milk — Correct Scoop and Water Ratio

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video covers three mistakes parents make while preparing formula milk, which can cause gas or other problems in babies. Mistake 1 — Shaking the bottle too hard. While mixing formula milk, do not shake the bottle very hard. Shake it slowly, swirling it in a round motion, because vigorous shaking creates bubbles inside, and those bubbles can cause a gas problem in the baby. Mistake 2 — Wrong scoop-to-water ratio. Mix one scoop per 30 ml of water. The scoop should be properly levelled — not heaped, not under-filled. Always measure water in multiples of 30: 30 ml = 1 scoop, 60 ml = 2 scoops, 90 ml = 3 scoops. Parents sometimes think their baby drinks only 70 ml so they will use two and a half scoops — this mistake should not be made. Even if the baby drinks less, make 90 ml, and if the baby drinks only 70–75 ml, you can discard the rest. Mixing half a scoop makes the formula concentration wrong, so the calories, sodium and protein are not in balance and the baby can have difficulty digesting it. Too concentrated a mix can increase the sodium load; too much water dilutes it and the baby does not get the right amount of calories. Mistake 3 — Adding the powder before the water. In the bottle, put the water in first so the correct amount of water is measured, and then add the powder. If you add powder first, the powder settles at the bottom, and then when you add water, the 90 ml mark is reached with only about 75 ml of actual water. That makes concentrated formula, which can cause problems for the baby. Relevant for: parents preparing formula milk at home; parents whose formula-fed baby has gas, bloating or digestion trouble; parents asking how many scoops go into how much water; parents unsure whether to add water or powder first in the bottle; parents wondering what to do when the baby drinks an in-between quantity like 70 ml; and parents concerned about over-concentrated or diluted formula, sodium load and calorie intake. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every baby is different — please follow the instructions on your formula tin and consult your pediatrician about formula feeding, and seek medical attention if your baby has persistent gas, vomiting, loose motions, or is not gaining weight.