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Family Life
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Babies and Infants
Baby Feeding and Nutrition
Baby Bottles and Formula
How to Use a Bottle Warmer Download Article All your questions about warming formula or breast milk answered Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 How long does warming a bottle take? 2 Do I add water to the warmer? 3 How do I warm a bottle? 4 Does it work with breast milk and formula? 5 Can I leave the warmer on all night? 6 Can I warm a bottle more than once? 7 Can I warm baby food in a bottle warmer? 8 Can I warm bottles without this gadget? 9 Is warming milk or formula really necessary? + Show 6 more... - Show less... Other Sections Related Articles References Co-authored by Christopher M. Osborne, PhD Reviewed by Denise Stern
Last Updated: January 17, 2025 References
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This article was reviewed by Denise Stern and by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Denise Stern is a Parenting Specialist and the CEO of Let Mommy Sleep, the country’s leading Baby Nurse and Postpartum Care service. After her own postpartum challenges, Denise started Let Mommy Sleep in 2010 to lend an extra hand to families with newborns. The service started by hiring Baby Nurses and Newborn Caregivers to provide childcare and education to parents during night hours. To this day, Denise and her company specialize in providing nurturing care to newborns and evidence-based education to their parents. Denise was the US Chamber of Commerce Leading Woman-Owned Business in 2013, a Washington FAMILY Magazine Mother of the Year in 2016, and on the elite White House Summit for Working Families hosted by the President and First Lady Obama in 2014. Let Mommy Sleep is the only company in the US that has developed a postpartum care curriculum that has since won a local government contract. Denise continues to be a leader in the in-home newborn care industry by building and maintaining a team of newborn care experts, baby nurses (RN/LPN) and postpartum doulas across the US. She received a BA in Public Relations from North Carolina State University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 57,218 times.
Bottle warmers are fairly simple devices, but, like most baby-related gear, you definitely want to be sure you’re using it right! This article answers many of the basic questions you might have about using a bottle warmer, so keep reading to learn a bit more about one of the many baby gadgets in your repertoire. And, if you’re still debating whether or not to get a bottle warmer, read on for some helpful advice as well.
Best Way to Use a Bottle Warmer
Put a bottle inside of the reservoir on the warmer. Fill the reservoir or warming chamber with water and turn on the warmer. Wait about 4-6 minutes for the bottle to fully warm up, and test the temperature of the formula or milk on your hand.
Steps
Question 1 of 9:
How long does warming a bottle take?
Download Article
Most devices take around 4-6 minutes to warm a cold bottle. When your baby is wailing with an empty tummy in the middle of the night, faster bottle warming is definitely better! That said, even the fastest bottle warmers take at least 3 minutes to warm up a refrigerated bottle of breast milk or formula, and 4-6 minutes is more typical.[1]XResearch source
Many warmers can also defrost and warm frozen bottles, but this will obviously take longer—likely twice as long or more.
You may be able to speed things up by reducing the warmer setting on your device. There’s no hard-and-fast rule that says you have to warm the bottle to body temperature—98.6 °F (37.0 °C). Warming to a lower setting like 80 °F (27 °C) may get the job done faster and just as effectively.
Advertisement Question 2 of 9:
Do I add water to the warmer?
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Yes, put water either in the warming chamber or in the reservoir. With most models, you put the bottle into the warming chamber and then add water to the chamber until it reaches a set line on the chamber’s interior. Some models, though, use a water reservoir that automatically feeds water into the warming chamber. In this case you’ll just need to keep the reservoir filled.[2]XResearch source
Always follow the specific instructions for your model.
It’s fine to use plain tap water from your faucet here—none of the water actually goes into the bottle or onto the nipple.
Question 3 of 9:
How do I warm a bottle?
Download Article
Put the bottle in, then water, then program the proper device setting. While you should always read and follow the product instructions, don’t worry—most bottle warmers are really easy to use! Put the filled bottle into the warming chamber, with its cap on if you want to be 100% sure none of the warming water gets onto or into the nipple. Add water to the chamber until it reaches the designated line inside the chamber. Turn the dial or press the button for the warming setting you want. Remove the bottle when the cycle completes, a light comes on, etc.—this depends on your model.[3]XResearch source
Before feeding your baby, give the contents of the bottle a gentle swirl just in case there are any hot spots. To be extra careful, also use the old trick of dribbling a bit of the milk or formula on the underside of your wrist.
Advertisement Question 4 of 9:
Does it work with breast milk and formula?
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Yes, any milk you can feed your baby can be put in a warmer. Bottle warmers work great with refrigerated breast milk and, if they have a defrost feature, frozen breast milk as well. Likewise, any type of powdered or pre-mixed baby formula can be warmed. For powdered formula, just mix it as normal before warming it.[4]XResearch source
While the device can definitely warm cow’s milk (or any other type of animal milk), you shouldn’t feed a baby any type of milk other than breast milk or formula until they’re at least 1 year old.[5]XResearch source
Pre-mixed formula that’s been opened but not used can be safely stored in the fridge for 48 hours. Powdered formula that’s been mixed but not used can be refrigerated for 24 hours.[6]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Breast milk can be safely stored at room temperature for 4 hours, refrigerated for 4 days, or frozen for 6 months.[7]X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Question 5 of 9:
Can I leave the warmer on all night?
Download Article
Avoid doing this even if your model lacks an auto-shutoff feature. It can be tempting to leave your bottle warmer on so that it heats up a late-night bottle for your crying baby that much quicker. However, bottle warmers aren’t designed to stay on for long stretches—like, for instance, slow cookers are—and may become a fire hazard. Many newer models have auto-shutoff features to prevent you from keeping the warmer on for long periods, but play it safe and shut your warmer off regardless.[8]XResearch source
Instead, speed up the warming process by using warm water! Run your faucet until the water is warm, or fill an insulated thermos with hot water at the beginning of the day or night.
Advertisement Question 6 of 9:
Can I warm a bottle more than once?
Download Article
It’s safest to warm a bottle just once, especially if it’s been used. Warming a bottle, letting it cool, and then warming it again increases the chances of bacterial growth and should be avoided. Definitely don’t rewarm a bottle after your baby has fed from it—discard any remaining milk or formula within 60 minutes of the time the feeding started.[9]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Question 7 of 9:
Can I warm baby food in a bottle warmer?
Download Article
Yes, most bottle warmers can be used for uneaten baby food. So long as the jar or container fits into the warming chamber, there’s really no reason you can’t warm up baby food with your device. Look for baby food instructions in the product guide—otherwise, basically just follow the process for warming a milk or formula bottle. Give the baby food a quick stir and test the temperature on your wrist (or in your mouth!) before serving it.[10]XResearch source
Do not use a bottle warmer to reheat leftover baby food from a previous feeding session. The food won’t get warm enough to kill bacteria that may have formed. Heat leftovers to 165 °F (74 °C) and let them cool to a safe temperature for your baby to eat. Don’t reheat these leftovers more than one time, and discard leftovers after they’ve been in the fridge for 24 hours (if they contain meat or eggs) or 48 hours (if they only contain fruits, vegetables, or grains).
Advertisement Question 8 of 9:
Can I warm bottles without this gadget?
Download Article
Definitely, but many caregivers do find it to be a convenient device. A bottle warmer is a pretty basic device—it warms up water that in turn warms up the contents of the bottle. You can achieve the same results by warming a pan of water on the stove or heating a bowl of water in the microwave—simply put the bottle into the heated water (after pulling it from the stove or microwave) until it reaches the desired temperature.[11]XResearch source
While some people say it’s okay to warm up milk or formula directly in the microwave, most experts advise against this. Microwaves heat liquids unevenly and the “hot spots” may get hot enough to kill off beneficial nutrients. Play it safe and use your microwave only to heat up the warming water, not the milk or formula itself.
Question 9 of 9:
Is warming milk or formula really necessary?
Download Article
Most babies are fine with drinking cool or even cold milk. Breast milk and formula are both nutritionally the same whether served at body temperature, room temperature, or chilled. Your baby might balk at first if presented milk or formula at an unfamiliar temperature, but that nearly always passes quickly. Some experts even think that serving milk or formula a different temperatures helps prepare babies for eating and drinking in the ways kids and adults do.[12]XResearch source
Premature babies might benefit from only drinking milk or formula that’s at body temperature. Talk to your baby’s doctor for specific advice.
It’s often said that cool or cold milk or formula is more likely to cause tummy trouble in babies, but the evidence for this is much more anecdotal than scientific.
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Reviewed by: Denise Stern Parenting Specialist This article was reviewed by Denise Stern and by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Denise Stern is a Parenting Specialist and the CEO of Let Mommy Sleep, the country’s leading Baby Nurse and Postpartum Care service. After her own postpartum challenges, Denise started Let Mommy Sleep in 2010 to lend an extra hand to families with newborns. The service started by hiring Baby Nurses and Newborn Caregivers to provide childcare and education to parents during night hours. To this day, Denise and her company specialize in providing nurturing care to newborns and evidence-based education to their parents. Denise was the US Chamber of Commerce Leading Woman-Owned Business in 2013, a Washington FAMILY Magazine Mother of the Year in 2016, and on the elite White House Summit for Working Families hosted by the President and First Lady Obama in 2014. Let Mommy Sleep is the only company in the US that has developed a postpartum care curriculum that has since won a local government contract. Denise continues to be a leader in the in-home newborn care industry by building and maintaining a team of newborn care experts, baby nurses (RN/LPN) and postpartum doulas across the US. She received a BA in Public Relations from North Carolina State University. This article has been viewed 57,218 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 8Updated: January 17, 2025 Views: 57,218 Categories: Featured Articles | Baby Bottles and Formula
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Download Article All your questions about warming formula or breast milk answered Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 How long does warming a bottle take? 2 Do I add water to the warmer? 3 How do I warm a bottle? 4 Does it work with breast milk and formula? 5 Can I leave the warmer on all night? 6 Can I warm a bottle more than once? 7 Can I warm baby food in a bottle warmer? 8 Can I warm bottles without this gadget? 9 Is warming milk or formula really necessary? + Show 6 more... - Show less... Other Sections Related Articles References Co-authored by Christopher M. Osborne, PhD Reviewed by Denise Stern 
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Reviewed by: Denise Stern Parenting Specialist This article was reviewed by Denise Stern and by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Denise Stern is a Parenting Specialist and the CEO of Let Mommy Sleep, the country’s leading Baby Nurse and Postpartum Care service. After her own postpartum challenges, Denise started Let Mommy Sleep in 2010 to lend an extra hand to families with newborns. The service started by hiring Baby Nurses and Newborn Caregivers to provide childcare and education to parents during night hours. To this day, Denise and her company specialize in providing nurturing care to newborns and evidence-based education to their parents. Denise was the US Chamber of Commerce Leading Woman-Owned Business in 2013, a Washington FAMILY Magazine Mother of the Year in 2016, and on the elite White House Summit for Working Families hosted by the President and First Lady Obama in 2014. Let Mommy Sleep is the only company in the US that has developed a postpartum care curriculum that has since won a local government contract. Denise continues to be a leader in the in-home newborn care industry by building and maintaining a team of newborn care experts, baby nurses (RN/LPN) and postpartum doulas across the US. She received a BA in Public Relations from North Carolina State University. This article has been viewed 57,218 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 8 Updated: January 17, 2025 Views: 57,218 Categories: Featured Articles | Baby Bottles and Formula 
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Most devices take around 4-6 minutes to warm a cold bottle. When your baby is wailing with an empty tummy in the middle of the night, faster bottle warming is definitely better! That said, even the fastest bottle warmers take at least 3 minutes to warm up a refrigerated bottle of breast milk or formula, and 4-6 minutes is more typical.[1] 
Yes, put water either in the warming chamber or in the reservoir. With most models, you put the bottle into the warming chamber and then add water to the chamber until it reaches a set line on the chamber’s interior. Some models, though, use a water reservoir that automatically feeds water into the warming chamber. In this case you’ll just need to keep the reservoir filled.[2] 
Put the bottle in, then water, then program the proper device setting. While you should always read and follow the product instructions, don’t worry—most bottle warmers are really easy to use! Put the filled bottle into the warming chamber, with its cap on if you want to be 100% sure none of the warming water gets onto or into the nipple. Add water to the chamber until it reaches the designated line inside the chamber. Turn the dial or press the button for the warming setting you want. Remove the bottle when the cycle completes, a light comes on, etc.—this depends on your model.[3] 
Yes, any milk you can feed your baby can be put in a warmer. Bottle warmers work great with refrigerated breast milk and, if they have a defrost feature, frozen breast milk as well. Likewise, any type of powdered or pre-mixed baby formula can be warmed. For powdered formula, just mix it as normal before warming it.[4] 
Avoid doing this even if your model lacks an auto-shutoff feature. It can be tempting to leave your bottle warmer on so that it heats up a late-night bottle for your crying baby that much quicker. However, bottle warmers aren’t designed to stay on for long stretches—like, for instance, slow cookers are—and may become a fire hazard. Many newer models have auto-shutoff features to prevent you from keeping the warmer on for long periods, but play it safe and shut your warmer off regardless.[8] 
It’s safest to warm a bottle just once, especially if it’s been used. Warming a bottle, letting it cool, and then warming it again increases the chances of bacterial growth and should be avoided. Definitely don’t rewarm a bottle after your baby has fed from it—discard any remaining milk or formula within 60 minutes of the time the feeding started.[9] 
Yes, most bottle warmers can be used for uneaten baby food. So long as the jar or container fits into the warming chamber, there’s really no reason you can’t warm up baby food with your device. Look for baby food instructions in the product guide—otherwise, basically just follow the process for warming a milk or formula bottle. Give the baby food a quick stir and test the temperature on your wrist (or in your mouth!) before serving it.[10] 
Definitely, but many caregivers do find it to be a convenient device. A bottle warmer is a pretty basic device—it warms up water that in turn warms up the contents of the bottle. You can achieve the same results by warming a pan of water on the stove or heating a bowl of water in the microwave—simply put the bottle into the heated water (after pulling it from the stove or microwave) until it reaches the desired temperature.[11] 
Most babies are fine with drinking cool or even cold milk. Breast milk and formula are both nutritionally the same whether served at body temperature, room temperature, or chilled. Your baby might balk at first if presented milk or formula at an unfamiliar temperature, but that nearly always passes quickly. Some experts even think that serving milk or formula a different temperatures helps prepare babies for eating and drinking in the ways kids and adults do.[12]