When a parent decides to bottle feed their baby whether with expressed breast milk or formula they need to ensure they have the correct equipment which includes, bottles, teats, cleaning brushes and sterilising equipment. You may stock these products within your pharmacy and you should make yourself familiar with the products so you can point your customers in the right direction.

In the first year of a baby's life all bottle feeding equipment should be sterilised as they are susceptible to infections due to their underdeveloped immune system. Milk provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria therefore any equipment should be sterilised thoroughly before use.

It is advised that feeds should be prepared on demand rather than pre-prepared due to the risk of bacterial growth, however if feeds are pre-prepared the it is recommended that they are used within four hours if they are kept in the fridge.