Health Update: Microwaved milk (CORRECTED)

CORRECTION (PUBLISHED 29 DECEMBER 1992) APPENDED TO THIS ARTICLE

MICROWAVES should be used with caution when heating formula milk, doctors warn in the US journal Pediatrics. It is crucial to shake the bottle well before feeding the baby and to remove the nipple or cap before heating.

Several incidents of scalding have been reported in infants fed milk heated by microwave, chiefly because the feed is heated unevenly. The US paediatricians say formula should be heated in volumes of at least 4oz and that 8oz bottles should not be heated for more than 45 seconds. The milk should always be tested first.

CORRECTION

Microwave danger

Microwaves should never be used for heating babies' milk because of the risk of scalding, according to the Department of Health. This advice is contrary to guidelines given by American doctors in the US journal Pediatrics, published on the Health Page on 1 December.