Baby Bottle Basics: What You NEED to Know

After reading the title of this post, I am sure that you must be thinking what on earth does this ‘baby bottle basics’ mean. So let me help with the whole roller coaster of thoughts and tell you that when you buy that first bottle for your baby post their infant stage, then is the time when this period of ‘Basics’ starts off. I am sure that many parents have this problem of making a decision when it comes to getting bottles and nipples for children, these include: How would I know which works and ultimately is the best baby bottle?

Am I supposed to stop breastfeeding the child and supplement them with these bottles or I shall feed the baby through both? Will my little darling like it? and what not.

Many mothers often have questions related hygiene of these products and quite sometimes even ask questions like: ‘I should wash both nipples and bottles in the dishwasher or I should even boil them for better cleanliness?’, whereas others have dilemma questions like: ‘I wonder when is the right time to switch to stage 2 of nipples? I literally was thinking that now after 5-6 months my daughter is ready for it but then she just poured it all over her’.

Well, if you too are the one with such doubts and questions then read on as we have all the answers to your trickiest of questions.

Is sterilization an important thing to do before using the Baby Bottles?

Yes, of course, it is extremely important to sterilize the bottles before use. For this, all you need to do is place the bottle in a hot water pot for 10 minutes or you can even run them on dishwater in which you need to put hot water of 180 degrees.

And after this whole procedure, as per Doctors, the bottles can be used for 2 to 3 days if stored in a clean place which doesn’t attract any smoke, smell, or dust.

How to chose that perfect bottle for your darling baby out of so many options?

This question seems tricky but then in real, it all depends on the likes and dislikes of you and your baby. Baby Bottles have many categories, some help you with the reduction of colic and gas, whereas some are smooth to handle and clean. Also, apart from the personal choice, the experience of using multiple baby bottles till now also helps you in making a wise decision when it comes to shopping for bottles.

For how many hours can the baby formula survive?

Well, this answer can actually vary according to the different kinds of food you are putting in the baby bottle. If you talk of the formula, then it is assumed that it can be left in the bottle for maximum an hour from the time the baby first touched the nipple. And what it the baby is a slow eater and takes more time than this? Sadly, now is the time when you should throw it as there are possibilities that bacteria’s have always made the bottle top their base.

Is it a good idea to re-heat the formula?

If the formula in the baby bottle has cooled down for some reason then you can surely warm it up by holding the bottle in warm water for 2 minutes. After this, the formula is ready to feed the baby. And now is also the right time to refrigerate, but make sure to use the formula for the next feed. Make sure that you don’t overheat the formula as it becomes unhealthy for the next meal. It is scientifically proven that higher temperatures facilitate the birth of bacteria’s and reheating the already cooked formula will be nutritionless. Also, breast milk, in this case, is an exclusion as it can be stored for 10 hours at room temperature.

Is nursing a good idea?

Yes, as it is that many mothers supplement the mother’s milk with Baby bottles. Breast milk and formula are extremely normal to use as the body of the baby is able to digest it properly. Majority of the doctors believe that nursing isn’t harmful and one can even mix the two things up for more nutrition, whereas few doctors also say that supplementing can affect the milk supply. In all the idea of nursing is completely safe and harmless to the baby till the time hygiene is kept in mind.