Formula Feeding - Use the Right Bottles and Nipples

For many mothers breastfeeding is not possible or it is not one of the preferable options. There are times when you have to be away from the baby or you need to get back to work. In such situations you have to feed your baby from the bottle. One main advantage of feeding the baby from a bottle is that either of the two you or anyone else can feed the baby at any point in time. You will also have a perfect idea of how much milk your baby had.

Today you can choose from variety of bottles and nipples which come in different shapes and sizes. You if want nipples which lasts longer then you can opt for the silicon nipples. Otherwise, there are the latex nipples which do not last for over a month.

Though you may try your best to choose the perfect bottle and nipple for your child, ultimately it is only your baby who will decide the bottle that you should use. To begin with, you need to check, which is the nipple your baby is most comfortable with. Only after this you can decide upon the bottles and other accessories that you need to buy.

Nipples – The Right One

The variety of nipples which you can choose from are rubber, latex and silicon nipples. The latex nipples are very soft and flexible. But it does not last for long. Silicon nipples on the other hand are more long lasting as they are firm and thus hold their shape for a long period of time.

You also have the option of choosing the nipple shape. The nipple that you choose can either be flat-topped or orthodontic and even traditional. The orthodontic nipples are custom made to suit the palate and the gum of your child. They have a bulb, which are flat sided that is perfect to rest on your baby's tongue. The flat-topped nipples are made emulating the mother's breast.

Apart for the shape, you can also choose the size and the flow speed of the nipple. You will have try a few nipples before you know which is the one that suits your baby best. Make sure that you do not use a nipple for your infant that is meant for the toddler.

There are certain things you can make a note of which will help you to decide if it is time for the nipples to be replaced. When feeding the baby, the milk should flow out of the nipple steadily. In case, you find that the flow is heavy then it means that the hole in the nipple is big and hence should be replaced. Make sure that from time to time you check the wear and tear in the nipple and replace it accordingly. In case of discoloration and thinning also it should be replaced immediately.

Choose the Right Bottle

Earlier, there were not too many options when it came to choosing the bottles. Today there are variety of bottles available in the market. You can either choose the right angled bottles which does not allow excess air to pass into the nipple. There are also disposable bottles and the streamlined ones which the baby can hold on its own.

You can also choose from the plastic and glass bottles. Though plastic bottles are unbreakable yet they need to be replaced at regular interval as they deteriorate after certain period of time. On the other hand the glass bottles do not need to be replaced regularly until there is a crack or chip in it or until it breaks. The glass bottles are also perfectly suited to retain the nutrients milk.

Thus there are many options available for you to choose from. Make a note of what your child likes and accordingly choose from the options available.