Heading out for the day with your baby? Whether it’s a quick trip to the park, a visit to grandma’s or a full-blown family holiday, one thing’s for sure: feeding on the go can feel like a military operation.
But it doesn’t have to be.
At Bonya, we’re here to help take the stress out of baby feeding, wherever you are. This blog is packed with practical tips on how to prepare formula safely when you’re away from home, whether it's a day out or a weekend away.
All our advice follows official NHS guidelines, with a few Bonya tips thrown in for good measure. Because formula feeding should feel good, not chaotic.
Why It’s Important to Prepare Formula Safely
If follow-on formula is not prepared and stored correctly, it can grow bacteria and cause illness. That’s why the NHS recommends always making up a bottle fresh when you can, using water that’s at least 70°C to kill any harmful bacteria.
How to Prepare a Bottle of Formula On-The-Go
Here’s what to do.
If your baby is on powdered formula and you want to prep it while you’re out, follow these steps:
1. Take a pre-filled thermos of freshly boiled water. Make sure it’s safe to keep the water above 70°C.
2. Pack pre-measured formula powder in a clean, dry container (don’t pre-mix it). Measure out the quantity of scoops you need based on the amount your baby usually drinks, so there’s no faff when you come to make a feed.
3. When it’s almost time to feed, measure the hot water into a sterilised bottle, add the pre-measured powder, shake well, and allow it to cool to body temperature before giving it to baby.
This method follows NHS advice on preparing formula safely and kills any bacteria that may be present.
How to Prepare Bottles in Advance (when absolutely necessary)
If you need to prep formula in advance (say, you’re on a flight or out for the day with no hot water access), here’s what the NHS recommends:
1. Make up the formula using hot water (above 70°C).
2. Cool it quickly and store it in the back of the fridge.
3. Pack the bottle in a cool bag with an ice pack and use it within 4 hours.
Once a feed has started, it should be used within 1 hour, and any leftovers should be thrown away.
Other Travel-Friendly Formula Hacks:
✔️ Use formula dispensers
These let you measure out exact scoops ahead of time, so you’re not faffing around with powder and spoons in a car park.
✔️ Invest in a thermos that keeps water hot
This lets you make bottles fresh while still following NHS safety guidelines. Just be sure to check the manufacturer’s information on how long it will keep your hot water hot for.
✔️ Bring extra sterilised bottles
Because the only thing worse than a screaming baby is realising you’ve run out of clean bottles.
✔️ Pack a mini cool bag & ice pack
Great for storing pre-made bottles on warm days.
How To Sterilise Baby Bottles When You’re Travelling
Sterilising is just as important when you’re on the move. If your baby is under 12 months, make sure all feeding equipment is properly sterilised before use.
Here’s how to do it when you’re not at home:
1. Use cold water sterilising tablets in a portable tub or container.
2. Steam sterilising bags that are affordable, compact and go in the microwave (if you’ll have access). Check out these ones from Boots.
3. Boil bottles in a pan of water for 10 minutes if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen.
Flying With Baby Formula
The good news? You *can* bring formula through airport security in the UK, even if it's more than 100ml. Let staff know you’re carrying baby milk and be prepared for it to be screened.
You can bring:
✔️ Powdered formula
✔️ Ready-to-feed cartons
✔️ Sterilised water in baby bottles
Pro tip: Feed your baby during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure. Win-win!
We believe formula feeding should feel empowering, not like a logistical nightmare. Whether you’re travelling by train, chasing toddlers around soft play, or heading out for the day with your changing bag packed like a suitcase, you’ve got this.
Formula feeding on the go is totally doable, and we’re here to help you feel good doing it.
💚 For more support and feeding advice, visit the Bonya Formula Fog Hub.
