Infant formula is the only processed foodstuff which wholly satisfies the nutritional requirements of infants during the first months of life, until the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding.

Infant formulae are intended to replace breast milk when the baby is not breastfed.

Introducing partial bottle feeding (so-called combination or mixed feeding) may have a negative effect on breast feeding, both because baby can come to prefer the ease of the bottle, and also because breastfeeeding works on a supply and demand basis: reversing a decision not to breast feed is difficult and time consuming. 

Infant formulae should always be prepared and used as directed.  Unnecessary or improper use of infant formula may present a health hazard. 

Social, health and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding.

You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, infant feeding specialist, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant formulae and on all matters of infant feeding. 

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If you DO give powdered infant formula to your baby then please make sure you closely follow the guidelines for safe preparation, as the powder is not sterile and is known to contain live bacteria, including salmonella, enterobacter sakazakii and E-coli, which is why the instructions for making up formula say it should be made up with water at about 70 degrees and then allowed to cool before giving to baby, and that made-up bottles should be kept for no more than 2 hours before use or being thrown away.

Salmonella and E. sakazakii can grow in the reconstituted formula if stored above 5°C for a sufficient time and the organisms multiply rapidly at room temperatures. The most effective measure to minimise risks in high-risk infants (pre-term, underweight, immunocompromised) is to use commercial sterile liquid formulas.

Before you begin it's wise to read the full guidelines for preparation, issued by the UK Food Standards Agency.