It is important to know about baby feeding bottles, whether you are exclusively bottle feeding or are supplementing breast milk with a bottle or two. You could need feeding bottles if you’re expressing breast milk or if you want to wean baby off the breast. What sort of bottle should you get, what should you avoid and what are other things you should know about feeding you baby from a bottle?
1. Material Quality
Firstly you should look for good quality, food grade plastic. Make sure that the plastic used is pthalate free and free of BPA, because of the concerns regarding the toxicity of these chemicals that are frequently found in plastics.
2. Shape of the Bottle
Secondly look at the shape of the bottle: does it have an easy to grip shape? If you’re planning to express breast milk, make sure that the bottle connects easily to a breast pump.
3. Nipple Type
Thirdly pick the right type of nipple or teat. Ideally pick the ones that are created to mimic the shape and feel of the breast. Also pick nipples that have a vent system – this helps prevent the child from swallowing too much air along with the milk – a common cause for colic.
4. Should Be Spill-Proof
Make sure that the bottle also comes with travel discs to prevent spilling if you have to carry along an unfinished bottle.
5. How many?
Consider how many baby feeding bottles you will need. If you’re only supplementing once a day with a bottle, you may only need one bottle, but if you have to bottle feed exclusively or have to express breast milk, you will need several.
6. Cleaning
When buying the bottles, get cleaning and sterilizing equipment as well so that you’re fully equipped with all that you will need. You could buy a steam sterilizer (electric or microwave) or you can sterilize the bottles using the old fashioned stove top method. Another useful item is a bottle drying rack which you may consider buying.
Don’t heat a bottle of milk in the microwave because it causes uneven heating. You may think the temperature is right when you test it on your hand, but there may be hotter pockets that may cause burns.
Bonus Tip: How to Feed
Elevate your baby’s head a bit when feeding to let your baby swallow and breathe comfortably. Never prop up a bottle because of the danger of choking. Make sure the teat is always filled with milk to prevent your baby swallowing air. Always throw away unused formula.