Among the sea of decisions a new parent has to make, the myriad variety of feeding bottles available out there, make the task a tad bit more exasperating. It s quite normal to be confused when you are spoilt for choices. However, you need to consider quite a few factors before choosing the right bottle for your baby. Here s your guide to choosing the right type of feeding bottle for your precious one.
Wish to introduce formula milk but still in a dilemma? Read this. Before you choose a bottle type, it is necessary that you choose the right nipple. Since your baby will be transitioning from the comfort of breastfeeding to bottles, it is important that they accept the nipple and do not feel a major difference. Most babies refuse to latch on to a bottle because of the shape of the nipples.
Material: Nipples are usually made of silicone or latex. While the former is firmer and retains its shape for longer, babies are initially comfortable with softer and flexible latex nipples. Latex nipples may not last very long though.
Shape: You can choose from the bell-shaped traditional nipples that are commonly available or the specially designed orthodontic nipples. The orthodontic ones are flat on one side and have a bulge on the other. This helps the nipple rest on the child s tongue properly. For a breast-like feeling, wide nipples that usually come with big bottles are a good option. They are slightly flat on the top and hence resemble the breasts.
Disposable nipples: These are a great option if you are traveling. You can discard it after use if you do not have nipple sterilizers available.
Size: This is an important factor and depends on the age of your baby and the extent of flow you want. These nipples are usually marked with stages and newborns can be fed with the smallest size of the nipple with the least flow. You can opt for bigger sizes as your baby grows and is comfortable with more flow of milk.
No matter which type of feeding bottle you choose, sterilizing them properly is very important. These 5 tips for sterilizing baby bottles will make the job easy for you.
Plastic: These are commonly available and cheaper than other bottles. They are also sturdier. Hence, they are a popular choice. However, considering the BPA present in them and the health issues it may lead to, use of plastic feeding bottles must be discouraged. Also, you will need to replace a plastic bottle earlier than glass ones.
Glass: While the chances of glass bottles chipping and breaking is a little higher, you can use silicon covers to avoid this. Glass bottles are easy to clean and are free from any residue or grease after cleaning.
Disposable: These bottles come with liners that can be disposed off after feeding. They are expensive and you will need to keep a constant stock of liners when on the go. They are easy to clean and a great option when you do not have sterilizers available.
BPA free: If you wish to use plastic bottles, then opt for the BPA-free ones. These bottles are usually opaque. So if a clear bottle is marked BPA-free you may want to reconsider it. Using BPA-free bottles is one of the ways of limiting your baby from exposure to toxins. Here are 6 more ways to limit environmental toxins from entering your baby s system.
Sterilizer bottles: These bottles do not need separate bottle sterilizers as they can be sterilized in the microwave, making them very convenient. They are expensive than the other types and become hotter than glass or plastic bottles.
Angular bottles: While most bottles are cylindrical in shape, these are bent at the neck at a 45-degree angle. The biggest advantage of this type is that they allow the milk to collect near the nipple allowing less air which helps avoid gas and colic. Here are some tips to deal with vomiting in babies.
Anti-colic bottles: The passage of air instead of milk while feeding on the bottle is one of the causes of colic. These bottles are designed with a natural shaped teat or straw for proper milk flow which reduces the amount of air the baby swallows. These bottles may be tricky to clean and expensive when compared to the other available varieties but are worth investing in if your baby suffers from colic.
You may have to try a few bottles to understand which one suits your baby the best.
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