Abstract: A formula dispensing unit (140) is provided including a container filling station (21), agitating means (110) to promote mixing of the ingredients after they have been placed in the container (120) and control means (138) including a control panel (136) to co-ordinate the operation of the container filling station and the agitating means. The container filling station accepts an empty container (120) and delivers into the container, metered quantities of ingredients to prepare an infant's formula. At a predetermined time the filling operation commences in which a metered amount of the powdered formula is first dispensed into the container followed by a metered amount of water. The control unit then initiates agitation before indicating that the formula is ready.