Bottles
& Accessories: A Buying Guide
by Melissa Wilson, Kids Managing Editor
 Bottles
Nipples
Formula
Bottle-Feeding
Accessories
Safety
Tips
Feeding on demand applies as much to bottle-feeding as it
does to breastfeeding. A newborn may have to be fed as often as
every two hours. While a nursing mom is self-sufficient in a
sense, bottle-feeding does involve getting a lot more
accessories together. Our handy buying guide might help you
decide what's just right for your baby.
Bottles
Nursing bottles come in three basic sizes: 4-ounce, 8-ounce, and
9-ounce. The 4-ounce bottles are typically used for newborns.
They can also be used for storing expressed milk and when the
baby gets older, as juice or water bottles. The 8-ounce and
9-ounce bottles are more versatile and long lasting.
There are enough types of bottles available today to make you
wonder which one is right for your baby. However, they can be
broken down into basically three categories:
- Standard bottles These have
straight necks and bodies and can be used over and over again.
All bottles are marked in ounces for easy and precise portion
control of the formula. It's best to buy clear plastic or
glass bottles so that you can observe the milk flow as baby
drinks it.
- Bottles with angled necks Designed
to keep the nipple filled with liquid to reduce baby's air
intake, bottles with angled necks also promote holding the
baby's head in an upright position. Many doctors believe that
feeding in this position helps prevent ear infection in
babies.
- Disposable systems Disposable
systems have a hard plastic shell called the nurser, which
holds disposable plastic bags. For one-time use, the bags are
presterilized to hold formula. The system comes with a special
nipple and screw-on collar that holds the bag in place. The
advantage of this system is that the disposable bags contract
to prevent babies from sucking in air bubbles that cause them
to spit up. Plus, it is ready to use and requires no cleaning.
The nipples, however, need to be thoroughly cleaned, as with
any bottle.
Nipples
When bottle-feeding your baby, make sure the nipple hole is of
the right size. If your child appears to be sucking too hard,
you probably need a fast/medium-flow nipple. An overly resistant
nipple could collapse under your baby's strong sucking motion.
On the other hand, if your baby seems to be sputtering and
gulping often, your baby could need a slow-flow nipple. For a
newborn, you know the nipple size is right when the milk comes
out in a spray for a second or two when the bottle is inverted,
and then trickles down to drops.
Types of nipples
- Traditional, bell-shaped nipples
These have a range of hole sizes from standard to small for
newborns, to large for toddlers or for pulpy juice drinks.
Some brands of nipples have just one hole and others have two
or even three holes to ensure an easy flow of the formula. It
is best to use the nipple and collar from the same
manufacturer to ensure a tight fit and to avoid messy leaks.
- Orthodontic nipples Orthodontic
nipples have an irregular shape and are designed to resemble a
mother's nipple in the baby's mouth after repeated sucking.
The nipples are elongated and have an indent in the center to
evoke the same tonguing action of breastfeeding babies. It is
believed that this helps in reducing the tongue thrusting and
bite problems caused by standard nipples.
- Latex nipples Elongated to promote
breastfeeding-like suckling action, latex nipples cause the
milk to be delivered at the back of the baby's tongue instead
of the mouth. However, latex nipples should be checked after
two to three months for deterioration, cracks, or clogging.
- Silicone nipples These are made of
a clear, heat-resistant material that can withstand being
washed in a dishwasher. Since silicone is a less porous
material than latex, it isn't as prone to bacteria. Typically,
silicone nipples last three to four times longer than latex.
However, all nipples must be checked every two to three months
for deterioration.
Formula
Babies need plenty of nutrients growing up, and next to mother's
milk, formula is the best source. In fact, formula alone can
meet a baby's nutritional needs for up to six months, after
which doctors recommend introducing solids, in the form of baby
food, to infants. Many start as early as four months, after
which the baby's diet includes a well-balanced mix of both. It's
best to check with your pediatrician, as every baby has a
different schedule.
There are two basic types of formula: cow's milk and soy. The
soy formula is designed for babies with a family history of
allergies. Do not give ordinary cow's milk to infants because it
does not have the nutrients babies need. Plus, their digestive
system is not yet capable of effectively breaking down and
utilizing its nutritional components.
Formula comes in three forms: liquid concentrate, powder, and
ready-to-feed. It is important that you follow the instructions
to prepare the formula, using the same measuring spoon provided
by the manufacturer. Diluting the powder or liquid concentrate
form too much or too little is not good for your child. Also be
sure to follow storing instructions. Usually, once the
concentrate or ready-to-feed cans/bottles have been opened, you
need to refrigerate and use them within the next 24 to 48 hours,
as specified by the manufacturer. The ready-to-feed does not
require any water. Formula should be at room temperature for a
feeding.
Bottle-Feeding Accessories
There are many accessories available to help you bottle-feed.
Whether it's warming, cleaning, sterilizing, or transporting,
there is a bottle-feeding accessory for you.
- Bottle brushes A must if you are
using a standard or angled baby bottle. Bottles often prove to
be a cleaning challenge without them.
- Day or night coolers/warmers These
help keep bottles cool for up to two hours or warm them up in
just minutes. They're a great help when you need to feed the
baby in the middle of the night.
- Bottle warmers for cars Perfect for
moms and babies on the go. Just plug right into the car
lighter socket and your baby's formula is heated in minutes.
- A hot/cold insulated bag Perfect
for carrying formula or snacks during extended outings with
your baby.
- Sterilizers Essential to keep
baby's nipples and bottles bacteria free. Don't forget to
sterilize them before their first use. There are several types
of sterilizers to choose from: stove-top bottle sterilizers
have rings and racks to hold bottles and nipples in place, and
self-standing electric and free-standing bottle sterilizers
have automatic cut-off mechanisms, which prevent damage to
bottles if water evaporates.
- Dishwasher racks and baskets Racks
and baskets help keep the nipples, collars, and pacifiers from
being tossed around in the dishwasher.
- Bottle organizers Good for helping
you store baby's bottles, nipples, collars, hoods, and
pacifiers in a clean and organized way.
- Feeding pillows Feeding pillows,
such as the beloved Boppy, can help you get baby up to the
proper angle and give your weary arms a little rest.
Safety Tips
- Never try to warm formula in the microwave, because it may
be unevenly heated and parts could scald baby.
- Do not let baby fall asleep with the bottle, as bedtime
bottles may lead to teeth decay from formula accumulation in
the mouth.
- Do not prop the bottle when feeding baby, as it may cause
choking. Always hold baby in a semi-upright position and angle
the bottle accordingly.
- Do not pour overheated liquid into a plastic liner, as it
can burst.
- Feed baby formula or breast milk only at room temperature.
Melissa Wilson acts as the managing
editor for Toys and Baby at Halfvalue.com. Her "kid-filled"
background includes several years as a nanny, cofounding a
children's birthday party business, and a stint as copywriter
and editor at a children's software company. |
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