You have reached the point where you need to start bottle feeding, and now you are stuck with the hard decision on what type of baby bottle and nipple to try. There are a few items you need to consider as you start bottle feeding your infant.
The first thing you will notice while looking at all the choices for a baby bottle, it comes down to two primary styles of holding the milk. The first, and most traditional method, is the breast milk or formula is stored directly in the plastic or glass bottle. The second method uses small plastic bag inserts to hold the milk. The plastic bags can make cleaning a little easier, and some parents report less problems with gas, and spit-ups using this style of bottle.
More important than the method for storing the milk is the nipple you use on a baby bottle. This is the part of the bottle which makes feeding easy, or very difficult. The first consideration should be on the speed of milk flow. Choose the nipple based upon the age of your baby. Newborn infants need a much slower nipple, which just lightly drips out of the nipple when the bottle is held upside down. As your baby grows they will be able to use faster nipples, which drip rapidly, or even stream out of the nipple.
Nipples for your baby bottle come in many different shapes and materials. The shape makes more difference than the actual material. You have three basic shapes to consider. The first is the traditional nipple. It has a round end to the nipple. Your second choice is the flat tipped nipple. In appearance and shape it more closely resembles a mother’s nipple. The final choice it the orthodontic nipple. It can easily be recognized by one side of the nipple being flat.
Which one is best for your baby? The one they enjoy and will nurse from happily. Do not let all the hype make your decision, test with your baby and discover which nipple they enjoy. It will make feeding much easier when your baby chooses for you, instead of trying to teach them to like the one you prefer.
Irregardless of which baby bottle and nipple you choose, you must follow a few simple rules to protect your baby. You must clean bottles and nipples thoroughly, making sure to rinse all the soap away. Dishwashers can be a very effective means of cleaning bottles.
You may wish to buy an electric or microwave baby bottle sterilizer to keep the bottles as bacteria free as possible. Another item you must watch very closely is the condition of the nipples. Nipples wear out over time, and will start showing signs of thinning, tears, or enlarging holes. When you notice any type of problem with a nipple, immediately drop it in the trash, and replace it. You should not risk your baby’s safety with a worn nipple.
You are beginning on the next adventure with your baby. Buy a few different nipples to try with your baby bottle and discover what they enjoy. You will find your transition to bottles can be very easy.