Perfect prep and formula bottle prep machines

Formula prep machines are marketed as a quick and easy way to prepare formula milk with feeds ready at the correct temperature in minutes. 

They're claimed to simplify the process and marketed as an attractive prospect for sleep-starved new parents, especially considering newborn babies need to be fed at least 8-12 times every 24 hours. But are they worth investing in?

Below we explain how prep machines work, their key features and have a look at NHS guidance, as well as key concerns about whether they are safe to use. Plus, we show where to buy them if you want compare prices at key retailers.

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What is a bottle prep machine?

Prep machines are intended to make formula bottle feeding quicker and easier than the standard kettle method.

Manufacturers claim they can produce formula feed at the correct temperature and consistency within minutes, meaning you don't need to faff around or wait for the formula to get to the right temperature. 

Simply choose the amount of formula you want to be produced and the machine dispenses a hot shot of water above 70°C that kills any bacteria in the formula and helps to dissolve the powder. Then cooler water is added to produce a bottle at body temperature that you can feed to your baby straight away.

Some prep machines are designed slightly differently and boil water like a standard kettle, then quickly cool the boiled water to 70 or 40˚C, or keep it heated at a set temperature for making formula later.

As always, you'll need to test the temperature of the formula on your wrist before feeding your baby.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer guidelines in terms of cleaning and maintenance if you own a prep machine. Run the cleaning cycles often, change the filter when needed, and it's advisable to regularly flush sterilising fluid or boiling water through the pipes of the machine.

Some of the most popular prep machines include:

• Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine - Available from Tommee Tippee (£74.99)
• Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced - SQUIRREL_TEXT_50019446
• Babymoov Milky Now Bottle Prep Machine - SQUIRREL_TEXT_50019447

Does the NHS recommend prep machines?

Some NHS Hospital Trusts do not recommend using prep machines. This is because some models do not heat water at a high enough temperature (70°C) to kill harmful bacteria and germs. 

Dr. Vicky Sibson, director of First Steps Nutrition Trust, explains, 'There are many different baby formula preparation and feeding devices on the market, designed and advertised to make life easier when bottle feeding hungry babies who just can’t wait, or who need a feed in the middle of the night. The marketing typically seeks to reassure parents that these gadgets are safe and adhere to NHS guidance.

'Unfortunately, a lot of the time such claims are not true, or there is a lack of evidence available in the public domain to be sure. It’s important that parents/carers who bottle feed their babies understand the NHS guidance and the risks to their baby’s health it seeks to address. We would advise parents to talk to their midwife, health visitor or GP if they want more information so that they can make a fully informed decision about how they make up their baby’s bottles, knowing the risks of different ways of doing this, especially if they choose to use a device.'

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Concerns around formula bottle prep machines

If the water is not at least 70°C when added to the powder, any bacteria intrinsic to the formula powder will not be killed. Some prep machines require you to decant the powder into the machine so that it can be mixed with the water internally, and this also creates extra risks of contamination.

In addition, some machines repeatedly boil water and this concentrates elements, which again is not safe. It also runs contrary to the NHS advice that you should always use fresh water when preparing powdered infant formula.

A study by Swansea University, UK, revealed that 85% of the 74 Perfect Prep Machines tested by parents in UK homes did not appear to produce water that would be hot enough, and this could pose a serious risk to infant health.

If you have any concerns about your prep machine, you're advised to buy a food thermometer and test the temperature of the hot water that comes out of the machine. Do not use this tested water in a feed due to potential contamination. 

If the temperature is below 70°C, do not use the machine to prepare infant formula and contact the machine manufacturer. We recommend following the NHS’ step-by-step guide on how to prepare formula feed.

For further information on this, take a look at the First Steps Nutrition Trust's advice on infant milk safety and the best way to prepare formula for your baby.

How long can you keep a bottle made by a prep machine?

Formula milk should ideally be made when needed to reduce the risk of infection. The NHS advises parents to use formula stored in the fridge within 24 hours. 

If it’s stored in a cool bag, it should be used within four hours. If it’s stored at room temperature, it should be used within two hours. 

There are a number of portable products available to help with preparing formula milk on the go. 

The Tommee Tippee GoPrep and Nuby RapidCool Portable Baby Bottle Maker claim to cool fresh formula feed to the right temperature in two minutes. 

Alternatively, there are lots of portable bottle warmers to choose from, which will heat up pre-made formula bottles.

Can you use any type of formula milk with a prep machine?

Prep machines should be compatible with all types of formula milk. 

Tommee Tippee says their machine works with any brand of powdered formula milk, while Baby Brezza says their machine works with virtually all formula brands.

If you're using a specialist baby formula, it is worth checking with the manufacturer to confirm that it is suitable.

Can you use any bottles with a prep machine?

Key brands are claimed to work with any brand of baby bottle. 

Baby Brezza says their machine works with virtually all bottle brands and sizes, while Tommee Tippee says its machine has an adjustable base that's designed to accommodate different shapes and sizes of bottle. 

Double-check the specification details of the prep machine before purchasing to make sure your bottle is compatible.

Where to buy a bottle prep machine

There are plenty of retailers to choose from. Below we round up five of the most popular high street brands and online retailers. 

Whether you're shopping online or in-store, make sure you pay attention to the shop's returns policy. 

• Amazon has a wide range of prep machines from recognisable and more niche brands, starting from £85.
• Boots offers prep machines from Babymoov and Tommee Tippee. Prices start from around £70.
• John Lewis customers can pick between the a few Tommee Tippee models, as well as one Babymoov machine. Expect to spend between £70 and £100.
• Mamas & Papas sells a couple of Tommee Tippee machines for around £85.