What to Consider Before Formula Feeding on the Go?
Before you pack infant formula for on-the-go feedings, you need to think about several factors that would affect how the feedings will go. We have listed those factors here and explained why you should think about them.
The Length of Your Journey
The first thing you should think about is the length of your journey. Do you expect it to be a long trip? That would mean there will be more feedings. As such, you need to pack more pre-measured formula, water, and sterilized bottles.
The Destination
Think about where you are going. Confirm if you can find clean water there. If you are uncertain about the availability of clean water, you will need to bring your own pre-boiled or bottled water. You may also need to bring many bottles because you may not find places to wash and sterilize the used ones.
The Mode of Transportation
How do you plan to get to your destination? Do you have your own vehicle, or do you plan to go there by taxi, bus, or train? Your answer determines what and how much you can bring. If you have a car, you can bring as many supplies as you need. However, you can only bring a limited amount if you have to use public transportation. You might also need to bring someone with you to help carry the supplies.
How To Bring Formula on the Go
Here is what you need to know on how to pack for a day out with your baby. You have three options. You can make formula bottles ahead of time, bring liquid formula, or bring formula powder with you. Select an option based on the factors discussed above. In this section, we will help you select the best one for specific situations.
Option 1: Make One (Or More) Bottles Ahead of Time
Preparing formula bottles in advance is the best option for journeys that will take only 2 hours or less. It is also a great option if you don't know whether or not there is clean water at your destination.
You don't have to worry about preparing the bottles while you are driving or out and about. That said, it makes your trip relatively hassle-free.
However, you need to keep some things in mind. First, you need to prepare the bottles one hour before you leave. You need to cool the prepared bottle quickly and then store it in the fridge. The prepared bottles should be consumed within two hours, or else they will go bad.
Option 2: Liquid Formula
The case for liquid or ready-to-feed formula is the same if you opened the container and transferred the contents to feeding bottles. You need to use them within 2 hours. If unopened, however, liquid formula can last until its expiration date. They can last up to 6 months.
The main difference is the preparation time. You do not need to prepare the bottles one hour in advance. All you need to do with liquid formula is open the container and transfer some into your feeding bottles when you need it. If you keep the container unopened until needed, it can last a long time. These make liquid formula the best option if you have plenty of things to do before leaving your home and for long trips.
Please note that ready-to-feed formula is the most expensive type of formula.
Option 3: Bring Powder with You
Bringing formula powder with you is the best under specific circumstances. It is best for long trips since you will prepare the bottles right before the feeding session. Therefore, you don't have to worry about the formula milk going bad.
However, you need to bring clean water with you. You must also be able to keep the water temperature above 70°C if your baby is younger than 2 months old, born prematurely, or have a weakened immune system. This should not be a problem if your trip is a visit to your friend's or relative's house. They should have clean water, kettles, a refrigerator, and other things you might need.
What is the catch? You need to prepare the formula on the go. That may not be easy to do, depending on the situation. Also, it increases the number of things you need to bring. Besides the bottles, you also need to bring a measuring instrument, a container for the powder, and bottled water.
Other Tips and Tools for Bringing Formula on the Go
There are other things that you need to keep in mind when feeding your baby on the go. You need to figure out how to warm the formula bottles or how to keep your baby clean and comfortable. We know just the products for you.
Momcozy Baby Bottle Warmer
Some babies prefer to drink room-temperature milk, while others want it a bit warm. The easiest way to warm the formula milk is by putting the bottle under running warm water. However, you may not have access to this while traveling. So, using a portable bottle warmer is the best warming method for feeding on the go.
One of the best bottle warmers to get is the Momcozy Baby Bottle Warmer. It offers fast, uneven heating. That ensures that you can feed your baby as soon as possible without causing hot spots that may burn their mouth, tongue, or throat.
Momcozy Water Wipes
Water wipes are your best tools for keeping your baby clean while feeding on the go. There may be some spills while they are feeding from the formula bottles. There will be formula drops on their hands and faces. You can wipe them off using water wipes without causing irritation.
The Momcozy Water Wipes are made with 99% purified water and no harmful chemicals. On top of that, the wipes are large, making them easier to use for cleaning tables and chairs to create a clean feeding area.
Conclusion
You have to consider many things if you plan to feed your baby with formula on the go. The top ones include the availability of clean water and the travel time. Your destination and mode of transportation also matter. Depending on these factors, you may want to prepare formula bottles in advance or bring formula powder with you. Opting for ready-to-feed infant formula is also great, especially if you have little preparation time before leaving home. That’s how to take formulas on the go.
