New and innovative baby products are finding their way into the market pretty quickly these days. Along with many other interesting baby products, the classic feeding bottle still holds the same significance as it did the first time it was introduced. Though feeding bottles serve the same purpose today, they are altered to meet the different needs of babies worldwide.
The different types of bottles available can confuse new parents. To understand what suits your baby best, you must be aware of your options and their pros and cons.
In this blog post, we have discussed in detail the many types of feeding bottles available and the advantages of using one to feed your baby. To ease you into the task, we have also included a set of tips and guidelines to follow when you bottle-feed your baby.
Happy reading (and feeding)!
Types of feeding bottles
These are some of the most popular types of feeding bottles available in the market today
1. Standard feeding bottles
These bottles come with basic features. They don’t provide any extra benefits and serve the primary purpose of a feeding bottle. These are also the ones you can spot at every baby store under different brand names.
2. Anti-colic bottles
Colic is a painful infection in the abdomen that comes as a result of indigestion or gas. These anti-colic bottles come with vents, tubes and bags to prevent the chances of colic for the baby. These bottles and teats are designed in such a way that it limits the intake of air while sucking.
3. Angle Neck bottles
Straight bottles with an angled neck are known as angle neck bottles. They are designed in such a way that the teat is full of milk at all times. It makes drinking milk from the bottle easier for babies.
4. Disposable bottles
Disposable feeding bottles are ready-to-use bottles that come sterilized. All parts of the bottle, from the cap to the nipple, are fully sterilized for the baby’s safety. Once you finish feeding the baby, you can dispose of these bottles and clean up the mess once and for all!
5. Vented bottles
Vents in vented bottles maintain air pressure at the back of the bottle while preventing liquid leakage. An anti-vacuum chamber is set up at the base of the nipple that permits one-way airflow while regulating liquid flow. These bottles prevent choking and create almost no mess.
Make sure you choose the right option to make your baby feel secure and comfortable while feeding.
At 1st Step, we have the best feeding bottles you can find for your baby. To meet the needs of a growing baby, we have bottles in three categories- 60ml, 125ml, and 250ml. All our bottles are BPA-free and are made of polypropylene, assuring maximum safety for the baby.
The advantages of bottle-feeding your baby
Though breastfeeding is considered the best form of nutrition for a baby, many moms tend to formula feed (or even feed breast milk in bottles) their baby. Bottle-feeding the baby is an equally healthy alternative that has a lot of advantages to it.
Here are a few pros of bottle-feeding a baby
- Anyone can bottle-feed a baby at any time of the day, wherever they please. Except for the mother, breastfeeding doesn’t let anyone else bond with the baby. However, while bottle-feeding, fathers, grandparents, siblings, and other family and friends can enjoy bonding with the baby.
- When you bottle-feed your baby, it’s easier to keep track of the baby’s daily milk intake. Since you feed your baby only a standard amount of milk, you can get a rough estimate of the baby’s appetite.
- Scheduling feedings become easier when you resort to bottle-feeding. Breastfeeding mothers tend to be on call 24/7 with no time for themselves. But when it comes to bottle-feeding, other family members can take up the responsibility and share the load!
- Mothers who bottle-feed their babies with formula don’t have to be conscious of their diet and food intake. While breastfeeding mothers have to limit certain foods that can harm the baby, bottle-feeding has no such problem.
- Bottle-feeding is a great option for moms who think their babies are under-fed due to insufficient breast milk. In cases like these, you can lean more towards formula feeding the baby. It’s a good alternative that will prove to be beneficial for both you and your baby.
- Mothers who breastfeed their babies have to feed them once every 3-4 hours. This might get hard, especially if the mother is working or has other commitments. When it comes to formula feeding, babies don’t get hungry very frequently as baby formula takes longer to digest than breast milk.
- One more advantage of formula feeding is getting to choose the exact type of formula milk that best suits your baby. There are many different types of formula milk available in the market, even hypo-allergenic ones. Formula feeding is also a good solution for lactose intolerant babies.
Bottle feeding has its own pros and cons. Make sure you research well and choose the best option for your baby.
Tips and guidelines to follow when bottle-feeding your baby
Bottle-feeding your baby can be challenging during the first few times if you haven’t gotten your way around it. To make it easier for you, here are a few tips you can keep in mind the next time you bottle-feed your baby
- The first step is to check the temperature of the bottled milk. Make sure it’s lukewarm and suitable for your baby. The ideal milk temperature when you bottle-feed your baby is the normal body temperature, 98 degrees Fahrenheit. One way to check the temperature is to pour a few drops of milk on your inner wrist and see if it feels warm.
- Secondly, pick a position that is comfortable for both you and your baby. Most parents always choose a semi-reclining position that supports the baby’s head and neck. Ensure that the baby’s head is not completely flat on the surface or way too forward.
- It’s absolutely unadvisable to leave your baby unattended and let them feed themselves with a propped-up bottle. This risky situation might lead to the baby choking on the milk. The parent is always encouraged to bottle-feed the baby by holding them close.
- When feeding, allow the baby to take in as much milk as they are comfortable with. Make sure the milk completely fills the nipple to prevent your baby from gulping in too much air, which could cause gas and fussiness.
- Every few minutes, you can stop and softly burp the baby. If you find the baby extremely fidgety during feeding, they can have a gas bubble. Take a break and softly massage or rub their back.
- After you finish bottle-feeding your baby, discard any leftover formula or breast milk. Only prepare the feed as needed - one feed at a time.
- Every baby is different. Some might get full quickly, while other babies can consume more. Make sure to follow the baby’s cues and pace your feeding accordingly.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s all about the baby! No matter how prepared you are as a parent, your baby can surprise you in new ways! But don’t worry, every problem has a fix, and every baby needs different care and attention.
Choosing to bottle-feed your baby can be a huge step for you and your baby. The goal is to make sure that your baby receives the necessary vitamins and nutrients as it adapts to its environment without being overfed or underfed.
For top-quality feeding bottles, do check out 1st Step’s products.
If you found the blog helpful, let us know in the comments below. Share it with new parents who might need some guidance!
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September 02, 2022 — Aatish Mandot
Tags: Baby Care Products
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