There’s a box tucked away in our sunroom. I try not to let people see it, but inevitably, someone stumbles upon it, sometimes literally, and bottles go flying everywhere. Every shape and size imaginable: Glass, plastic, lots of little parts, stupid easy bottles... we have them all.
I’ll admit it. We’re bottle-hoarders.
When we first found out we were pregnant, we registered for one type of bottle, thinking that it was the best as Amazon reviewers said so (and they’re infallible, right?): Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow. My hippie side, after learning that those bottles were pretty good, snatched up a glass set as well. Then... it ended up that Tycho didn’t like them. So we bought a set of Tommee Tippee bottles, which worked great with the dispensers we bought. Oh, and we always bought the sets, never single bottles, because “this could be it!” But nope, no-go there, either. So in came the cheapies, the pricies, and finally, finally, we settled. Tycho’s been using Playtex Nursers ever since.
Suffice it to say, there’s definitely no one-size-fits-all bottle. Even the ones with the best reviews online didn’t work for us, so is that really the “best” bottle? What if the bottle your baby prefers is nothing like you imagined it would be, does that make it “wrong”? Absolutely not!
But while there certainly isn’t a “best”, there really are a lot on the market, and they do differ. Different nipple shapes, different contraptions for purportedly reducing colic and gas, different everything. So how do you know which is best for you?
Oh, and we’re going to cover introduction of the bottle and how to feed, too. Fun times!
Selecting a Bottle
First, don’t commit to a brand too soon. This was our problem. We chose Dr. Brown’s and ended up with about sixteen bottles we no longer use, all because the reviews said they were awesome. And they are, just not for us! So read those reviews, then get one or two of that type (and others) to see what baby prefers. And go for the bigger sizes: While baby may only take a couple ounces at a time in the beginning, that will soon ramp up.
Go cheap first. Babies tend to like whatever they’re first exposed to, and if baby likes cheapies? Then so will your wallet!
Second, if baby doesn’t like that bottle, troubleshoot. What seems to be the issue? If its flow is too fast, try a slower nipple. Most bottles come with slow-flow anyway, but they do make even slower flows. Baby is sucking hard, looks frustrated, and the nipple is maybe even inverting? Experiment with a faster flow. If the nipple is too big, try one with a smaller or shorter nipple. If baby is swallowing a lot of air or gulping, make sure the bottle is being held at least at a 45-degree angle. You might need a bottle that helps reduce air flow, too.
Or it might be you! If the bottle is awkward for you to hold or seems “drippy”, either around baby’s mouth or where the nipple meets the bottle, it may be time for a switch.
When to Introduce a Bottle
If you’re formula-feeding from the start, then your answer is easy: As soon as baby is born! Some mamas decide to introduce the bottle later, though, either with breastmilk or formula, or mama may be returning to work and needs to start somewhere.
Breastfeeding? Wait at least four to six weeks before introducing a bottle so you and baby can get the hang of breastfeeding. It does take practice, and introducing a bottle too soon may lead to nipple confusion and a preference for the bottle. Any longer than six weeks, though, and baby may refuse the bottle, so if you’re returning to work, stick with the 4- to 6-week guideline.
How to Prep Bottles
Yes, there’s some preparation when it comes to the bottle itself. No matter the brand, you never want to just fill a new bottle and go. You’ll also need to wash the parts after each use – sounds brainless, but trust me, sometimes it’s forgotten!
For new bottles, sterilize all of the parts in boiling water for five minutes before first use. After the initial sterilization, hand-washing in hot, soapy water works fine. Be sure to get all the little nooks and crannies with a detail brush, especially if your bottle has several fine parts. Note that the nipple does detach from the base of most bottles, so you’ll want to separate the parts as those can get nasty real quick. Cleaning bottles in the dishwasher works, too, after the initial sterilization; you might want to look into a basket that keeps small parts contained.
All parts should be thoroughly air-dried, preferably with a bottle-drying rack. If you need to store bottles before they’re dry, wipe them dry completely with a soft cloth or paper towel.
How to Feed Baby
I really wanted to name this part “Care and Feeding of Your Bottle-Fed Baby.” Guess I kinda did. :) Anyway, so it’s mostly as simple as sticking a bottle in baby’s mouth and letting them go at it, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Heating bottles: Most babies will take bottles at room temperature (Tycho even liked his cold on hot days!), but some prefer their meals heated. If your babe is particular, note that there’s no need to buy a warmer. Simply fill a large glass measuring cup or small saucepan with hot, not boiling, water and submerge the bottle for a minute or two. Shake gently, then test the bottle before serving.
Never EVER use a microwave to heat a bottle. Doing so can create hot spots that burn baby’s mouth, even if shaken after heating. For breastmilk, microwaving may also destroy proteins and vitamins within the milk itself.
Holding bottle: The bottle should be held at least at a 45-degree angle to prevent as much air getting to baby as possible. A good rule of thumb is to always have the nipple and neck of the bottle to always be filled with breastmilk or formula. Never ever EVER prop baby or bottle. This can lead to baby choking. Never let your baby fall asleep with the bottle in his mouth, either, or put a bottle in the crib with baby; remove the bottle if baby falls asleep.
Holding baby: Find a comfortable place to sit with your baby. You might want a nursing pillow, especially when baby is little, or a pillow propped under your arm for support. You want both of you to be comfortable!
Baby should be held in an upright position; drinking a bottle while lying down may increase the risk of ear infections and is associated with bottle caries. Switch baby either halfway through the bottle or at each feeding so baby doesn’t develop a side preference. This will also help with eye stimulation and development.
Also, I should note that you should never shove a nipple into baby’s mouth. Instead, allow baby to draw the nipple in his mouth by stroking baby’s lips to illicit a wide, open mouth. Then allow baby to accept the nipple. (This is especially handy for breastfeeding mamas, but is also respectful of baby’s eating habits and desire, too!)
Make this a real bonding time! Nurture your baby, stroke his face, hold him close, and snuggle a bit. There’s no reason why bottle-feeding should be less a bonding experience than breastfeeding.
Burping baby: Baby may need this throughout the feeding, or may wait until the middle or end of a feeding. Better to burp more often if needed! To burp baby, sit him up on your lap facing away from you, with one hand cupping his chin. You may also put him over your shoulder (my favorite). Then gently rub or pat his back for a minute or so. Baby may not burp, may give a good burp, or possibly even spit up a bit, so be sure you have a cloth over your lap or shoulder!
Enjoy It!
Feeding time is about as common an occurrence as naptime for bitty babies, and gets to be more fun (and messier!) as baby gets older, so enjoy every moment you have feeding your baby! Snuggle up nice and close, maybe talk a little, and gaze into those little eyes. Soon you’ll have a baby throwing green beans and mashed potatoes your way, so seriously... revel in this moment of quiet while you can. ;)
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