Bottle Feeding
Sometimes the most natural way just isn't possible. Whether you work outside of the home, can't or really don't want to breastfeed, or just want to avoid dirty looks in public,
bottle feeding your baby is a necessity. But it can be a little more complicated. Here are a few things to consider before you choose to bottle feed your baby.
The Downsides of Formulas
* '''Immunities''': Despite how far baby formulas have come over the years, they will never be able to support a baby's immune system like mom's milk, thanks to her red and white blood cells and immune-boosting substances.
* '''Nutrients''': Did you know a mother's body changes the levels of nutrients in her milk daily and even hourly to suit the needs of her baby? Now that's hi-tech.
* '''Bonding''': Though you certainly can and should hold your baby close while feeding, mothers attest that breast feeding creates a very special, unique bond between you and your child.
* '''Cost''': Though some mothers find themselves eating more while breastfeeding, the cost of extra food doesn't come anywhere near that of baby formula.
* '''Convenience''': Not only are your breasts already there and ready to use, they don't have to be scrubbed and sterilized the way bottles need to be.
* '''Gas''': There are generally way fewer air swallowing problems with breastfeeding than bottles. And that means less crampy crying and spitting up.
The Upsides of Bottles
* Easier to schedule.
* Zero failure rate.
* Portable and can be used anytime, anywhere.
* Can be a great supplement to
breast pumping. Fill bottles ahead of time so they're ready to use when and wherever baby gets hungry; this way, you can still give your baby the nutrition of breast milk.
Choosing a Bottle
Baby bottles are simple containers, but there are still some choices to make:
* '''Size''': Most bottles hold between four and twelve ounces; your baby's age and size will determine what's appropriate.
* '''Material''': You can buy
bent shape for upright feeding (sometimes recommended for prevention of gas and even ear infections).
* '''Lining''': You can purchase
liners for bottles to avoid the hassle of sterilization.
* '''Special features''': If your baby has problems with gas, some bottles have
burpers.
And now onto everyone's favourite topicnipples'>nipples!
Types of Baby Formula
If you're not doing the breast pump thing, here are a few options for filling the bottle:
A Few Products to Make Your Life Easier
*
Breast pump attachments for bottles.
*
Bottle sterilizers and steamers.
*
Bottles that open from the bottom, for easier cleaning.
*
Bottle warmers (milk doesn't necessarily need to be warm, but some babies prefer it).
*
dishwasher baskets make cleaning easier.
Final Tips and Warnings
* '''Always clean''' (and for newborns, sterilize) bottles and nipples before each use.
* '''Never reuse''' formula or breast milk; germs from the baby's saliva quickly multiply in a warm bottle.
* '''If you heat a bottle, test''' a drop of its contents on the inside of your wrist before you give it to your baby to avoid burns.
* Also to '''prevent burns''', never warm up a bottle in the microwave; it could create pockets of heat that can scorch.
* '''Don't screw on a nipple too loosely or too tightly'''; too loose and it will leak, but too tight and your baby will swallow air and get gas.
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