Preparing a baby bottle may seem simple, but small details can make a big difference in your baby’s digestion, comfort, and overall health. Even the most loving and attentive parents often make mistakes without realizing it, especially during the hectic early months. Here are the eight most common bottle-preparation errors American parents make, and how to avoid them for safer, calmer feedings. 

Why Proper Bottle Preparation Matters 

Incorrect bottle preparation can lead to issues like colic, reflux, gas, dehydration, or even bacterial contamination. Babies have delicate digestive systems, and even small errors in measurement, temperature, or hygiene can impact their comfort. 

With the right practices, bottle-feeding becomes smoother, safer, and much more enjoyable for both baby and parent. 

Mistake #1: Using Water That Is Too Hot or Too Cold 

Water temperature greatly affects formula mixing and safety. Many parents mistakenly use boiling or very hot water, which can destroy nutrients in the formula, or extremely cold water, which may not dissolve the powder properly. 

Correct approach 

• Use warm water around 98–104°F (37–40°C). 

• Never pour boiling water directly over formula powder. 

• If prepping in advance, gently warm the bottle rather than reheating the formula. 

Mistake #2: Adding Formula Scoops Incorrectly 

Adding “heaping scoops,” shaking extra powder, or adjusting the ratio can cause digestive discomfort, or even dehydration. 

Always follow this rule 

One leveled scoop per the exact amount of water recommended by the formula brand. 

Over-concentrated formula stresses the kidneys; under-concentrated formula deprives your baby of calories and nutrients. 

Mistake #3: Shaking the Bottle Too Vigorously 

Parents often shake bottles hard to dissolve the powder, but this introduces air bubbles that contribute to gas, colic, and reflux. 

The better technique 

• Gently roll the bottle between your hands. 

• Swirl instead of shake. 

• Let the milk rest a few seconds before feeding. 

Mistake #4: Ignoring Sterilization or Cleaning Shortcuts 

With a newborn, fatigue is real, and shortcuts happen. But skipping proper cleaning can introduce bacteria and mold. 

Best hygiene practices 

• Fully disassemble the bottle before washing. 

• Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. 

• Sterilize regularly during the first 3 months. 

• Let bottles air-dry completely before reassembling. 

Mistake #5: Using Plastic Bottles That Release Microplastics 

Many parents don’t realize that repeatedly heating, shaking, or sterilizing plastic bottles can release microplastics into the milk. 

Microplastics may cause inflammation, digestive discomfort, and long-term exposure concerns, making material choice important for baby’s health. 

The safer alternative 

Choose medical-grade silicone bottles like Elhée, which do not release microplastics and remain stable under heat. 

Mistake #6: Using the Wrong Nipple Flow 

Nipple flow affects digestion more than parents expect. A flow that is too fast can cause choking, reflux, or overfeeding, while a flow too slow frustrates the baby and traps air. 

General guideline 

• Newborns: extra-slow or slow flow 

• 2–3 months+: slow to medium flow 

• 6 months+: faster flow depending on the baby’s comfort 

A natural, breast-like nipple shape also helps reduce air intake and mimic natural feeding rhythms. 

Mistake #7: Reheating Bottles Improperly 

Microwaving milk creates hot spots, damages nutrients, and may increase microplastic shedding when used with plastic bottles. 

Safer methods 

• Use a bottle warmer. 

• Warm the bottle under warm running water. 

• Never reheat the same bottle multiple times. 

Mistake #8: Preparing Bottles Too Far in Advance 

While convenient, preparing bottles too early increases the risk of bacterial growth, especially with formula. 

Best practice 

• Prepare formula bottles right before feeding when possible. 

• If storing, keep them in the refrigerator and use within 24 hours. 

• Discard any leftover milk after feeding, never save it. 

How Elhée Makes Bottle Preparation Safer and Easier 

Elhée bottles are crafted from 100% medical-grade silicone , making them naturally safe, hygienic, and easy to use for daily feeding. 

• Wide opening for easy formula pouring 

• Soft, velvety silicone gentle on baby’s skin 

• Slow-flow nipples ideal for preventing colic 

• Advanced anti-colic system to reduce gas and reflux 

• Non-toxic, BPA-free, BPS-free, phthalate-free 

• No microplastic shedding, even with heat 

For busy families, Elhée simplifies feeding while providing peace of mind with safe, premium materials. 

Conclusion: Small Details Make Feeding Safer and Smoother 

Most bottle-preparation mistakes happen out of habit, fatigue, or lack of guidance, and that’s completely normal. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can dramatically improve your baby’s feeding comfort and digestion. 

By choosing high-quality tools like Elhée’s medical-grade silicone bottles and following safe preparation practices, parents can offer a feeding experience that is nurturing, stress-free, and perfectly suited to their baby’s needs. Explore the collection to support safer, gentler, and more comfortable feedings, every day.