Whether you are planning on using formula or breast milk, at some point all parents will require a bottle to feed their child. Some breastfeeding mothers will begin to exclusively use bottles to feed their newborns. There are a few bottles that have been found to be the best to be used on newborn babies. Each of these choices is made free from BPA materials and is reasonably priced for parents.
What Are the Best Bottles to Use for Newborns?
1. The First Years 3 Pack Breastflow Disposable Bottle
Pros: Those that are having trouble with breastfeeding often find that this bottle choice is helpful. The baby can latch onto these the same way they would a breast which can make breastfeeding easier with time. The nipples have a slow flow due to their unique shape.
Cons: The problem with this shape is they are a bit difficult to get together and take apart until you have had a chance to use them and become familiar with their functionality.
2. Adiri BPA Free Natural Nurser Ultimate Bottle
Pros: Being BPA-free materials and Phthalate-free, Adiri bottles are specifically designed to help mimic the idea of natural breastfeeding with the shape of the bottle and nipple. Some babies that are very attached to breastfeeding will not take other types of bottles when they are familiar with the Adiri.
Cons: The only problem with these is that they do tend to leak.
3. Tommee Tippee Bottles
Pros: These bottles are easy to keep clean and assemble without the risk of leaking. They also last for long periods of time without showing signs of wear and tear. Babies that use these bottles also show fewer instances of choking. The wide-necked nipple design also makes it easy for babies to latch on.
Cons: The stage 1 nipples which come with these bottles have a slow flow which can cause them to collapse but the stage 2 nipples appear to avoid this problem.
Watch a video for recommended bottles for newborns from a mom:
How to Properly Bottle Feed Newborns
Notes:
There is a large variety of feeding supplies available on the market for babies so it can be difficult to determine which is the most appropriate. There is no research that suggests that one particular brand of bottle is better than others so go with what appears to work best for you and your child. To begin feeding you will need:
- Around six bottles
- About six teats
- If you are formula feeding, some form of formula milk
- Sterilizing equipment
- A teat and bottle brush
1. Sterilize the Bottle
New nipples and bottles can be placed in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes to sterilize them. You can then use hot water and regular detergent or place them in your dish washer to clean them. This should be done every time they are used. Some studies indicate that chemicals in plastic bottles may leak when bottles are exposed to heat, so for this reason many mothers choose to hand wash bottles.
2. Stick to Breast Milk or Formula
Your newborn should only be given formula or pumped breast milk in their bottle and not provided any kind of juice or water. Prepare formula exactly according to the package instructions as adding too much water can limit the nutrition your baby receives and too little water can put excess strain on the kidneys and stomach. You should only add cereal or follow special mixing instructions if they have been provided by your pediatrician.
3. Find the Right Temperature
You can give your child a room temperature bottle, but if your child prefers their bottle warm run the bottle under a hot tap for 1-2 minutes. You should not use a microwave because this will not heat evenly and could cause a hot spot that will burn your child. Shake the formula up and pour a drop on your skin to ensure the temperature is safe. Use your hand rather than your wrist for this as hands are more sensitive.
4. Hold Your Baby Correctly
Have your child wear a bib and keep a cloth nearby in case your child spits up during feeding. Cradle the baby’s head so it is higher than their body and hold the body. Watch them while they eat to make sure you know when they are finished. When they slow down their eating you can burp them.
5. How to Know When Baby Is Done
Your baby should let you know when they are not interested in feeding anymore. You may notice them turn away from the bottle, stop sucking or even push the bottle away. Do not make them finish their bottle if they are no longer interested, but you might want to give them a chance to change their mind to be sure they are no longer hungry.
6. How to Burp Your Baby
If your baby requires a burp during or following a feeding session, hold them on your lap or on your shoulder and begin to gently rub or pat their back. Laying the child on their stomach on your lap while supporting their head also provides a good angle for burping. Keep a cloth handy during burping as many children spit up some milk during this routine. If your child does not burp but appears to be comfortable this is fine as children may not burp with every feeding.
7. Cut Down on Spit-Up
If your baby tends to spit up frequently during feedings, try burping them every few minutes. Also avoid playing with your child or laying them down for 20-30 minutes after they have eaten. Spitting up is less common if your child sits up. If you are worried about how fussy your child is during feeding or they seem to be spitting up too frequently, ask your pediatrician about these symptoms.