Buying guide for Best baby formula mixers
Convenience is invaluable during the first year of parenting an infant. For this reason, a baby formula mixer is a helpful addition to the kitchen of any new parent.
Babies require numerous feedings per day. For bottle-fed babies, this means preparing lots of bottles each day. But preparing a bottle takes time – formula must be measured, added to water, and thoroughly mixed – and the process can stress you out when your hungry baby is crying.
With a baby formula mixer, you can prepare a bottle of smooth formula with little effort. These machines vary in complexity, from self-sufficient electronic machines that are similar to coffee makers to pitchers with manual parts that stir the formula. Some mixers are battery powered and can be used on the go.
Which is the best baby formula mixer for you?
Manual baby formula mixers
Manual baby formula mixers are washable pitchers with pouring spouts. The lid has a handle attached to a mixer that spins and stirs the formula when the handle is raised and lowered. They are available in a range of sizes.
Manual baby formula mixers are great for preparing formula in bulk and having multiple bottles ready. Once mixed and poured, the bottles can be stored in the fridge or warmed for immediate feeding. Most parts are dishwasher-safe and easy to put together. Manual mixers are affordable and simple, but they can lead to formula waste if all of the formula is not used within 24 hours.
Electric baby formula mixers
Electric baby formula mixers are plug-in machines with compartments for formula and water. These machines prepare the entire bottle for you, from mixing to warming. They are fast and exact, and some can even be controlled by a smartphone. Remote control is useful when you’re in another room with the baby and need to have a bottle ready by the time you reach the kitchen!
Electric baby formula mixers have control panels with buttons to set temperature, ounces, and more. These mixers cost more than manual mixers, and they can also be more complex to clean. Most are compact in size, but some take up a fair amount of counter space.
If you’re looking for reasons to try an electric baby formula mixer, note that a high-quality machine will prepare bottles at the right temperature. What’s more, while the bottle is being made, you’ll have both hands free to care for your baby.
Battery-operated baby formula mixers
The most compact baby formula mixers are handheld wands powered by batteries. Similar to a milk frother, you place the wand in a bottle and turn it on to stir the formula. These machines are easy to store and clean, and they fit in a diaper bag for portable use. Because they are battery-powered, you may want to keep extra batteries on hand.
Note that these battery-powered wands do not help with making the bottles, but they are useful for stirring individual bottles without creating the bubbles that cause gas.
Other battery-operated mixers are pitchers with push-button automatic stirring.
Expert tip
These machines may be good for child care centers or home child care where there are several bottles that need to be made in a short period of time.
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Is a baby formula mixer worth it?
A baby formula mixer can help make bottle prep easy and fast. Some are very affordable, and they can save you time and stress – especially if your little one is already crying for a bottle.
Parents of multiples are some of the best candidates for a baby formula mixer. After all, it’s time-consuming to prepare multiple baby bottles by hand. Manual mixers allow you to prepare all bottles at once for feeding rather than making each bottle individually. Electric mixers make bottle preparation more efficient, as each bottle is quickly prepared and already warmed.
What features do baby formula mixers have?
Manual baby formula mixers are made with nontoxic plastic that is often dishwasher-safe. They consist of a pitcher with a handle, spout, and lid. The lid has an opening for pouring; turning the lid closes off the spout during mixing. A handle in the middle of the lid attaches to a mixer that stirs the formula.
Electric baby formula mixers are designed like coffee machines with control panels. They have a funnel for dispensing and a ledge on which you place the bottle.
Battery-powered mixers consist of a handle with buttons and a mixing attachment.
Some parts of both types of mixers are washable, but the electrical and battery portions should be wiped clean rather than submerged in water.
Baby formula mixers can be found online and in stores. For convenience, check out a comprehensive online marketplace like Amazon.
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How much do baby formula mixers cost?
Inexpensive
Inexpensive baby formula mixers cost between $10 and $20. Most manual mixers and handheld wands fall in this range.
Mid-range
Mid-range baby formula mixers cost between $20 and $40. Some wands and simpler powered mixers, like battery-operated pitchers, come at a mid-range cost.
Expensive
Pricier mixers tend to cost over $40. Luxury electric baby formula mixers are expensive and cost around $200 or more.
Expert tip
Never put a bottle of formula in the microwave.
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How to prepare a baby bottle using a baby formula mixer
Electric
Electric baby formula mixers are easy to use. The separate formula and water compartments need to be filled, and the unit must be plugged in. Select the number of ounces and your desired temperature, and press start. Alternatively, some units can be controlled via a smartphone application.
Battery-powered
Handheld mixing wands require batteries. Place only the metal part in the bottle, and press the button to stir until the mixture is free of clumps.
Manual
Manual mixers have different parts that must be connected before use. Follow the included instructions to attach the parts. Push and pull the handle on the lid to mix the formula until it is smooth with no clumps. Then, pour the formula into a bottle, and warm the bottle if necessary. Store leftover formula in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Tips
- Keep it clean. Electric baby formula mixers can build up residue, and most parts of a baby formula mixer touch what your infant drinks. Follow the cleaning instructions supplied with your product to the letter.
- Follow formula expiration rules. Prepared formula must be stored in the refrigerator. After 24 hours, discard any leftover formula. To avoid waste, try to make the approximate amount needed for one day at a time.
- If you buy an electric mixer, consider keeping a manual mixer on hand as well. If your electric baby formula mixer needs to be cleaned or malfunctions, it is useful to have a backup. It is also helpful to have a pitcher mixer for times when you need to prepare bottles in bulk since electric mixers only make individual bottles.
FAQ
Q. Are baby formula mixers safe?
A. Baby formula mixers are considered safe when used correctly. However, because electric baby formula mixers are machines, they could malfunction and dispense incorrect portions of formula and water. They could also build up bacteria if not cleaned regularly and as directed.
Q. Are electric baby formula mixers worth the high cost?
A. Caregivers who need convenience, especially those with multiple infants or young children, will likely find the investment worth it as long as they are diligent about keeping the machine clean and following instructions. These machines help prevent formula waste and save time. If you care for just one child, you may be fine using a more affordable manual or battery-powered mixer.
Q. How often should I clean a manual baby formula mixer?
A. Pitcher baby formula mixers should be cleaned after every use. Hand wash it if you need it right away, or put it in the dishwasher if you can wait.
Q. Can I place my manual baby formula mixer in the microwave?
A. It is not recommended to microwave bottles because it can cause hot spots that burn the baby. Use warm water to make the formula, or warm the bottle in a bottle warmer or under warm running water.
