So you've decided that bottle-feeding is the best choice for you and your baby. Or perhaps you plan on breastfeeding, but supplementing with the occasional bottle while you are at work or to take turns with Daddy. There's a lot more to bottles today than when you were a child. Today's baby bottles come with accessories to help new parents.
Tailoring Feeding to your Baby
A newborn doesn't drink as fast as an older baby, nor can she hold as much milk at one time. Most bottles can accommodate nipples with different sized holes or a different number of holes. These will allow you to control the flow of the milk for your baby's comfort and age level.
Alternate nipples can also include ?natural? shapes, which make switching from breast to bottle easier on your baby. If your baby seems to be having trouble with one nipple, try a natural or orthodontic nipple instead.
Bottle Warmer
Most babies enjoy their bottles at body temperature, as though from Mother's body. A good bottle warmer brings the milk up to the correct temperature without overheating. If you're expecting twins, look into a warmer that accommodates more than one bottle.
Sterilizer
If you own a dishwasher, the temperature of the water should adequately sterilize your bottles. If you don't, and if you feel boiling empty bottles on the stove is one chore you can do without, invest in a sterilizer. You can usually sterilize up to six bottles at a time this way.
Bottle Holder
Experts recommend you always hold your baby while feeding her. However, a bottle holder can be a relief to parents of newborns, who get up several times a night. Bottle holders are generally O-shaped and covered with fabric and beads to give moldable support. You can lie down with your baby and bottle-feed her this way without arm discomfort. Just be careful not to fall asleep while feeding your baby!
Bottle Brush
Whether or not you own a dishwasher, you will want to add a bottle brush to your list of accessories. Bottle brushes get into all areas of the bottle and loosen dried milk or juice before you are ready to run the dishwasher.
A Firm Grip
Babies love to help hold their own bottles. Help baby get a handle on feeding with a ?grippable? bottle. These are usually ribbed along the sides so the bottle won't slide from Baby's hands. Some are also hourglass-shaped to conform more naturally to your baby's hands.
Bag Inserts
If sterilization is too time-consuming, or if you just want to make certain of a sterile feeding each time, purchase a bottle with a bag insert. The bag fills with milk; when Baby has had her fill, simply remove and dispose of the bag, then use a new one for the next feeding.
Some bottle bags have the added feature of collapsibility. As the milk empties, the bag collapses on itself. This reduces the amount of air your baby receives during the feeding and may cut down on gas and discomfort.
When using a bottle with a bag insert, be sure to never place very hot liquids inside. If you plan on pre-sterilizing a batch of formula, allow the formula to cool down to room temperature before filling.
New bottle accessories appear every day as experts try to accommodate bottle-feeding mothers. Look around, check with other new mothers and fathers for tips, and find the right bottle accessories for you.
