What is the most effective way to heat a bottle of formula?

Heating a bottle of formula by holding it under running tap water until lukewarm is recommended because it gently warms the formula without creating hot spots that can occur with microwave heating. Microwaves can heat unevenly, which poses a risk of burning the baby’s mouth or throat if the formula is heated too quickly or inconsistently.

Using running tap water is a controlled method, allowing the caregiver to monitor the temperature as it warms. It also helps ensure that the formula reaches a safe and comfortable temperature for feeding, preserving both the integrity of the nutrients in the formula and the safety of the baby.

While bottle warmers can effectively warm bottles, they may not always be as readily available or as quick to setup as using running water from a tap. Therefore, using tap water strikes a good balance between availability and safety. Submerging the bottle in boiling water can also carry risks, such as overheating the formula or damaging the bottle, especially if it is made of plastic.