Making Formula by the Batch

As parents of multiples, we like to plan ahead when possible, this includes preparing feeds in advance.  We found it most convenient to make all bottle feeds 24 hours in advance.  This means making over a gallon of formula per day!  If you read the directions for making formula on the back of the can, it will tell you to mix 1 scoop of formula with 2 ounces of water.  Well, imagine all the scooping you’d have to do to make over a gallon of formula.  George got tired of this traditional method and figured out how to make the entire can of formula without using the scoop!  Here’s what he does to make large batches of formula at our house.

This is what we use to make our batches of formula: gallon sized pitcher, quart sized measuring cup, large whisk, and can of formula.

This is what we use to make our batches of formula: gallon sized pitcher, quart sized measuring cup, large whisk, and can of formula.

This is the formula we are currently using for the quads, but you can use these directions to make any can of formula.

This is the formula we are currently using for the quads, but you can use these directions to make any can of formula.

First, check the back of your can to see how many ounces the ENTIRE can makes. In this case it says 90 fl oz.

First, check the back of your can to see how many ounces the ENTIRE can makes. In this case it says 90 fl oz.

Using a measuring cup measure out exactly the number of ounces you need. This will create a fill line that you mark with a sharpie. The final batch will always be to this mark including water.

Using a measuring cup measure out exactly the number of ounces of water you need. In this example I measured out exactly 90 ounces because that is the number of ounces the entire can makes.  This will create a fill line that you mark with a sharpie. The final batch will always be to this mark including water. (CAUTION: this is only to make the mark and NEVER again, if you use this amount of water to make the formula, the formula will be diluted)

Then pour the entire can into the pitcher.

After the line is made, empty the pitcher of water and begin the process.  Then pour the entire can into the pitcher.

Add in enough water so that you do not go over the fill line.

Add in enough water so that you do not go over the fill line.

Mix the batch using a whisk. It dissolves pretty quickly so about 30 strokes. This concludes the entire batch of formula.

Mix the batch using a whisk. It dissolves pretty quickly so about 30 strokes. This concludes the entire batch of formula.  In this case, we made 90 ounces.

To add more simply fill up enough water for the number of ounces you need. In this example I need an additional 20 ounces.

To add more simply fill up enough water for the number of ounces you need. In this example I need an additional 20 ounces.

Now add 10 scoops of formula to make your additional amount.

Divide the number of ounces you want by 2, that is how many scoops you need.  Now I added 10 scoops of formula to make the additional amount.

Simply line up the bottles and begin pouring.

Simply line up the bottles and begin pouring.

Notice that this pitcher has a wide opening. Anything smaller will only drip and create a mess.

Notice that this pitcher has a wide opening. Anything smaller will only drip and create a mess. This pitcher now has in it a full 90 ounces plus my additional 20 ounces.

 

6 thoughts on “Making Formula by the Batch”

  2. I alwys thought that any formula feeds could be used within half hr of its making.I am amazed at knowing this that you make the feeds for the full day in advance!!!

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    • You can only keep formula for an hour after the baby begins drinking it. However, formula can be made 24 hours in advance. This makes it so much easier with quads!

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