Choosing the best milk bottle for your infant might not be as easy as you think. There are boundless selections that can be overwhelming with all the options and brands you find in the market. Writing down all you need on your checklist can be mind-boggling if you do not have ideas on what milk bottle to purchase. 

What should you put on the list? Keep reading to help you decide what’s best for you and your baby’s needs. 

1. Know Your Troubles

It is essential to determine if you are having trouble with breastfeeding and might want to switch to bottle feeding. 

The U.S Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommend exclusive human milk feeding, commonly referred to as exclusive breastfeeding, for the baby’s first 6 months, which is one of the best ways to start an infant in lifelong healthy nutrition. 

On the other hand, a study shows that while infants sustain breastfeeding milk, most are not continuing to breastfeed as recommended. Sixty per cent of mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than six months due to lactating and latching issues and other breastfeeding concerns. 

Good nutrition must be the top priority for every mother out there. Newborn babies need the best appropriate bottle to receive the right amount of nutrition, either from infant formula or breastfed formula. After knowing your troubles with feeding your newborn, you should also be able to figure out the important factors to consider, such as bottles and teats, features and sizes, styles and shapes, bottle material, and the shape and level of the nipple. 

2. Bottles and Teats Needed

The number of bottles and teats will depend on how frequently you plan to feed your infant. Newborn babies are fed between 10 and 14 times in 24 hours and reduced as they grow. 

If you intend to exclusively bottle feed your baby with infant formula or breastmilk, you might need around four to six bottles and teats to start the bottle-feeding journey. This allows sterilising in between feeding times. You can also buy one bottle and teat if your goal is to bottle-feed occasionally or once a day.  

3. Bottles and Teats Features To Check Out

Feeding Teats

Nipples or teats resemble a mother’s nipple. Its flexibility makes it easier for an infant to suckle. 

There are two forms of teats, silicone and latex.

  • Silicone Teat is clear, durable and firm. Silicone can withstand boiling heat water. It is sturdy thus, it can last longer. 
  • Latex Teat is softer and may not last long, unlike sturdier silicone teats. Latex is associated with allergies, so it’s best to steer away from babies. 

A wide variety of bottle teats can lead to confusion when it comes to choosing for your baby. They appear in different widths and lengths. Many consultants advise starting with a cheaper teat to see its performance before investing in expensive brands. 

Feeding Bottle Types 

Different baby bottle types vary in materials and designs, including plastic, glass and anti-colic. Each has its pros and cons. 

  • Plastic Baby Bottles: Plastic bottle is one of the most common and widely available materials you can see on the market. They are lightweight and won’t break easily. Although all plastic bottles are BPA-free now, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of chemicals and should follow the recommended guidelines.  
  • Glass Baby Bottles: Glass bottle is one of the safest bottles for newborns. It contains no harmful chemicals and is much easier to clean. It is durable and can last longer. While plastic baby bottles are lightweight and at a low price, glass baby bottles are usually more expensive and heavier for infants, with chances of breaking when hit on hard surfaces. 
  • Anti-Colic Baby Bottle: These bottles are costly as they have materials designed to reduce colic symptoms. The bottles have air vents that reduce the baby’s air bubbles while feeding. Anti-colic bottles may have different teat flow options and valve systems.
  • Silicone Baby Bottle: Silicone bottles are flexible, toxic-free and lightweight. It is safe for newborns. The downside is that silicone bottles are harder to find and are much more expensive than other options. 

Bottle Sizes 

Choosing the right bottle size can be very confusing. There are baby bottles that hold 150ml, and there are larger ones with 250ml. 

Newborns take in a small amount of milk in the first few weeks. Smaller bottles give a more realistic estimate of the baby’s appetite and are more suitable for this period. Feeding them with larger bottles may lead to overfeeding. You may need to move to use larger bottles if you find your baby’s appetite increasing. 

Teats should also be short and comfortable, which allows your baby to take most of it in the mouth. This makes it simpler and easier for the baby to latch as it imitates the mother’s nipples. 

Conclusion

Now that your checklist is complete, you can easily ponder what to purchase for your baby’s supply shopping. In your milk bottle hunting, you must not forget that every newborn is different. The vital part in choosing the right bottle for newborns is to follow your baby’s feeding cues that they need more milk and know how many bottles and teats to choose. 

Check for the labels when considering the sizes, durability and safety. When it comes to cleanliness, be sure to sterilise the bottle before and after using it. Keep in mind to get into the little nooks with the bottle brushes. You never know what lies within those details.

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