Selecting the right baby feeding bottle is imperative for keeping your child healthy. You should buy the bottle even before the baby arrives in this world. Though breastfeeding is still the best, there may be some situations where you may have to use the container. Maybe the mother’s body is not able to produce enough milk, and the baby remains hungry. Also, the mother may be working and may not be available to breastfeed the baby as and when the need arises.
Baby feeding bottles come handy in such times, and thus, they are a popular entity in the baby products market. However, since your baby’s health is also essential to be taken care of, it is mandatory to select the correct brand bottles. Also, the babies have exact feeding preferences right from the beginning. Thus, it is always advisable to let your baby try two to three bottles before settling on one brand.
Here are some tips which can assist you in selecting the rightmost baby feeding bottle.
Contents
Nipple shape of the bottle
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If you are a young mother, you should go for a bottle nipple, which is wide-based and which resembles a mother’s nipple. The reason being that many babies find it difficult to switch over from the mother’s breast to bottle nipples. Thus, having a bottle nipple similar to the shape of the mother’s breast helps the child in adjusting. On the other hand, if you are feeding formula milk to your infant, then the shape of the bottle nipple does not matter.
The material of the bottle
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Since the market of the feeding bottle is vast, you may find different types and brands of containers. There are two types of bottles, the plastic and glass made bottles. Both of these materials have their pros and cons. The plastic bottles are easy to hold, and there is no danger of them breaking down. Unfortunately, many studies have revealed that plastic contains chemicals that may be harmful to the human body. Therefore, you will find many parents going for glass feeding bottles. Also, it is easy to clean these glass bottles, and you can get a cloth cover for them. That would make sure that even if the bottle breaks, the cloth cover protects your baby’s skin from getting cuts and bruises.
Nipple flow rate
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Another significant point to consider when buying a feeding bottle is the nipple flow rate. Different brands bring out distinct models of the jars, with each having a flow rate. Some nipples are designed for a slow flow rate, while some are designed to offer a fast flow rate. Newborn babies require a nipple having a slow flow rate as it is essential for them to have a grip over the bottle first. The fast flow of milk can result in stomach issues for the child. As the child grows, you can switch over to the fast-flowing nipples. Also, observe the baby when he is feeding so that you can select the bottle nipple having the right flow of milk.
Shapes Of The Bottle
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Babies have a fragile immune system. Thus, they get easily prone to stomach infections and pain. Many babies swallow more air than required while taking feed. That results in colic pain and tummy pain. Thus, many bottles come equipped with an effective air-vent system, which can prevent these issues. Moreover, these bottles also help in the reduction of post-meal uneasiness for your baby. Also, check whether the cleaning brushes can go smoothly inside the container as cleaning the bottles is also essential.
The material of the nipple
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The nipple of the bottle also comes in different materials. The silicone nipples are more in demand as compared to the latex nipples. The reason being that silicone nipples do not pick up any foul smell or taste even after regular use. Also, the silicone nipples do not carry the risk of allergies, which the latex nipples can quickly get. Besides, some babies may find it difficult to chew the silicone nipples, and therefore, there is no risk of choking. However, make sure that you watch your baby while he is taking a feed from the bottle to be aware of any problems he faces.
Always buy for anti-colic valve bottles
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When the baby drinks milk from the bottle, the space that the milk occupied before being sucked by the baby is not replaced by anything, generating a vacuum effect that forces the baby to pause the shot by opening the mouth and swallowing air, which later it will cause colic.
The anti-colic system is achieved by valves that cause the air to penetrate the bottle instead of being ingested. Thus, filling the vacuum and allowing the child to feed comfortably and maintain the suction rate without pausing. The anti-colic valve bottles are specially designed to prevent air intake, helping to reduce irritability, reflux, and cramps after milk intake.
Polypropylene or glass?
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There are two types of materials: glass on the one hand, and plastic or polypropylene, on the other. Each material has its pros and cons.
The glass ones are easier to clean and more hygienic. They do not absorb the flavors or smells of food and also tend to be better preserved as time passes. However, glass is a more fragile material, and heavier as well, if we are going to transport it.
Polypropylene bottles are lighter and more durable. They are much easier to transport and do not break if they fall to the ground or if the child begins to hold it alone.
For all the above facts, many parents opt for glass bottles in the first stage, which usually gives priority to hygiene and cleanliness. Besides, the special heat-resistant glass maintains the temperature of the milk for a longer time, an ideal feature for the little ones.
Later on, the glass bottles are replaced by polypropylene ones, when children begin to hold the bottle by themselves. Also, the range of bottles is available with the same safety guarantees and fun messages and drawings to enjoy the whole family.
Conclusion
Many brands are venturing into the business of manufacturing bottle nipples and feeding bottles. However, not all may be correct for your baby. Thus, you should always observe the baby while it is using the bottle and then buy the perfect one. You can also check hotbabygear.com to help you choose the right feeding bottle for your infant.
