Selecting bottle feeding equipments does present confusing
moments since there is a big variety to choose from.
Right from the equiment to what goes in it i.e. the
formula, can be difficult to decide on. Basically
it can become a period of trial and error for new
mums and their new babies.
Feeding Bottles
• Basically there are three types of bottles:
glass, plain plastic and plastic with disposable liners.
Bottles come in two sizes with the small being 4 oz
and the larger one being 8-9 oz. But it doesn't stay
that simple since there is a lot of variation within
each category. Bottles can be short and stout, or
slim and long, fancy or plain looking. Some even come
with handles and others with a special bend to it.
• The pros of glass bottles are the contents
remain warm longer, the bottle remains clean and clear
even after many washings but it is also heavier and
breakable. Plastic bottles after many washes starts
to appear cloudy and messy but it only appears visually
unappealing. As far as hygiene is concerned it is
clean and germ-free if cleaned thoroughly. Another
plus is they are lighter to hold. Cost wise, they
are not too far apart.
• Manufacturers design bottles with the main
purpose of making it harder for air to enter the bottle
and eventually into the baby. For example bottles
with a bend in the middle are meant to be held at
an angle so that bubbles do not enter the bottle.
That's a plus but on the flipside these bottles can
be harder to clean. Another example of bottle type
that prevents air bubbles is the bottle with disposable
liners, where the liner collapses as the baby sucks.
Whichever you decide on, if the bottle is convenient
to use and suits your baby preference then any brand
or type will serve the purpose.
Are plastic bottles safe: Due to the recent
controversy many mothers are in doubt on the safety
of plastic bottles. Firstly do not overheat bottles
with milk in them. Do not store milk in plastic bottles
for longer periods. Discard and wash as soon as baby
is done with drinking. If you are still not comfortable
stick to glass bottles.
Even plastic bottles need to be replaced despite its
'indestructive' quality.
Nipples
• Nipples come in different sizes, shapes, texture
and flexibility. Experts feel that the ones that resemble
the breast the most is the best. This holds especially
true for babies who are making the switch from breast
to bottle. Standard, orthodontic and wide-based are
some of the shapes you will come across. Standard
types are cylindrical in shape and accompanies standard
bottles and have both the silicon and rubber versions.
The orthodontic is 'funny' looking but again fits
standard bottles; its funny shape and wider base is
designed to fit the baby's mouth well and so is favored
by experts. The wide based nipple have a broader base
with a shorter nipple tip. For the generic user it
is a wide choice out there but again whichever you
choose, ensure it is suitable according to the age
mentioned on the lable. More importantly your baby
will probably need to try a few before settling for
the ones that work best.
• Then you have to decide between the latex
and the silicon versions. Latex is made from pure
rubber and therefore natural; brownish and more pliable
the rubber nipple has its drawbacks: it has a certain
flavor which some babies do not take on to and tends
to become sticky with use. It needs to be replaced
more often. The opaqueness makes it harder to clean.
Conversely silicon is clear although synthetic. It
is definitely easier to maintain and lasts longer.
In the correct shape and size, it is the prefered
choice over the rubber ones.
• Third key aspect is the hole of the nipple.
Holes that are made for newborns are small, allowing
a slower flow while older babies have nipples with
larger holes which allow a faster flow. Wrong hole
size can be a problem. Small hole can be tiring for
the baby because the flow may be too slow. Too big
a hole can result in choking and too much air entering
the stomach causing hiccups. Some nipples have multiple
holes while some have only one. Some holes come with
round pricks and others are cut in X shape. Start
at the newborn stage for your new baby. Read the guidelines
on when to move up to faster flow e.g. from the newborn
stage to 3 months, 6 months etc. Be prepared for milk
flow to change with repeated washings.
Replace cracked or gummy nipples often.
Check by pulling the tip before each use. The milk
should flow freely one drop at a time, and not in
a stream. If it flows too fast or too slow it is time
to change.
Selecting a suitable Formula
• There are different types of formula divided
according to age groups, needs and health problems.
Getting the right formula can be a trial for the mother
if her baby is prone to constant diarrhea, develops
rashes on the face and bottom due to allergy, vomits
frequently after feeds or simply hasn't taken on to
a brand. Consult your pediatrician on what is best
for your baby.
• Baby formula comes in powdered form, concentrated
liquid or ready to serve liquid. The powder version
is more portable, cheaper although a little difficult
to blend in comparison to the liquid form.
• Formulas are either milk-based or soy-based,
with the latter formulated for colicky babies or babies
with allergy.
• 'Protein hydrolysate' formulas are made for
babies with digestive or allergy issues and cost more
but taste worse than the standard formulas but seem
to work well for some babies. These makes are easier
to digest and less likely to cause allergies.
• Whichever formula you decide on should be
iron-fortified. Low-iron formulas are nutritionally
incomplete. In addition other substances such as 'nucleotides'
are added to bolster the immunity, and DHA and ARA
found in breast milk are also supplemented in infant
formula to promote brain development. At the end of
the day any formula which has the correct nutrients,
which your baby likes and is agreeable to your baby's
system is a good buy.
Additional Stuffs You will
need
• For the exclusively bottle-fed baby you will
need 6-8 four oz bottles for the newborn and the same
number of 8 oz bottles for the older baby. The smaller
ones become good back-ups for the older baby eventually.
• A bottle brush for cleaning bottles, nipples,
the rings and covers
• A basket to contain bottle rings and nipples
once they are sterilized
• A standing tray to air-dry bottles once they
have been sterilized
• Formula dispenser to hold premeasured milk
powder when you are on the go
• Thermos to hold boiled warm water.
