Sometimes women feel confused when they are about to start formula feeding, which bottles to use, which formula type to buy, & how to prepare it, & also how to ensure that the bottle is clean.
This is what you will learn throughout this article…
Which is better? Glass bottles or plastic bottles?
Your baby might give you hints about what type of bottles he likes more. Plastic bottles are lighter & cannot be shattered easily. However, glass bottles can stay with you for years unlike the plastic ones that have to be thrown away faster.
Things to know about bottle nipples.
Most of them are made from silicon or latex and have different types and shapes. Milk flow rates vary in each type according to the size of nipple hole. You can use many types till you know what suits your baby more.
Check bottle nipples frequently & get rid of any cracked or discolored one.
How to wash the bottle?
You can wash it with detergent & hot water or putting it in dishwasher if it is made from glass.
Remember to wash it after each single use.
What to add in the bottle?
You can fill the bottle with breast milk or formula only, do not fill the bottle with water or juice.
Prepare the formula as mentioned on its package, do not add extra water or less water as this can harm your baby.
Which formula type to buy?
Most mothers start with cow milk, but you can buy soy milk as well.
There are many forms of formula (Powder, concentrated, & ready to use) but it has to be iron-fortified.
Is it better to make the formula warm or in room temperature?
You can formula feed your baby with milk of room temperature, but if he likes it warm then put the bottle in hot water for 1-2 minutes. Do not put the bottle in the microwave as this can harm your baby’s mouth.
After warming the bottle in hot water, shake the milk well & add drops of it on your hands to check its temperature. Do not try this on your wrist as it is less sensitive to heat.