Making up infant formula milk correctly is extremely important. Working in a pharmacy you will be used to the importance of accuracy, but parents are not always aware of why it is so important to make up infant formula milk according to instructions. Exhaustion or a crying, fretful baby can be daunting and make parents rush and not take their time, yet following instructions to the letter is important for the wellbeing of both the baby and the family.

If you have the opportunity, talk to a parent who is starting to bottle feed their baby. Choose one infant formula, read the instructions and discuss in your team why these must be followed.

Think about:

• Why it is important not to add more or less infant formula to a bottle than stated on the product's instructions
• Why it is important to boil the water used to make the feed
• Why it is important to use the feed at the appropriate temperature.

Parents may be encouraged to follow instructions on infant formula packs more accurately if they understand the reasons why. Do you feel confident in your own understanding? Can you explain not only how to make up an infant formula feed but why it is so important to follow the pack instructions?

Look out for a parent who wants to buy infant formula milk for the first time. Take time to go through the instructions with him or her. What may seem obvious to you may not be so obvious to a new parent.