Young parents know it best, but choosing the right baby bottle can feel like navigating a maze. There are simply so many options out there!
If you’re part of the new mum club, combing those aisles of baby bottles can give you a headache. Regardless of whether you choose to go au naturel, eventually the need for one will arise.
No matter where your newborn is on their growing-up journey, it’s important to know all the criteria that make a good baby bottle. Just in case you need one.
Qualities you’d need to pay attention to are size, shape, material, teat and any other special features that can smoothen feeding time.
So, don’t stress. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out how to choose the best baby bottle for you and your little one.
Bottle Size
Depending on how little your little one is, the size of their bottle should reflect their age.
It goes without saying that smaller bottles are better for newborns, while bigger bottles are better for toddlers.
However, you’ll find that babies grow up quickly, and before you know it, they’re already outgrowing their newborn bottles.
Fortunately, most newborn feeding sets do come with bottles of varying sizes to match your little one’s development.
In terms of actual volume capacity, newborns don’t need huge bottles (around 120 ml is usually perfect). As your baby grows, you can move up to 240 ml or more to match their appetite.
Bottle Shape
Don’t underestimate the shape of a baby bottle.
There are wide bottles, narrow bottles, curved bottles and angled bottles.
With so much research now, we know that not all baby bottles are created equal.
Some designs are better for some babies than others. And it is important to find out which type your baby prefers.
This, again, usually depends on your baby’s age and plenty of trial and error.
The general rule of thumb is to look for wide bottles for newborn feeding and narrow bottles for toddler feeding.
Go with whatever feels comfy in your hand and easy for your baby to hold later on.
Bottle Material
We can assume that all baby bottles are made from safe and toxic-free materials. After all, we are using them to feed our children!
But with the fear of microplastics, many parents are choosing glass or silicone bottles.
Other than safety, there are also other criteria you should think about, such as durability, and in some cases even aesthetics.
If you are thinking about choosing normal plastic bottles, be sure to find those that are BPA-free. And always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for appropriate use and handling.
Some plastic bottles do not fare well in the microwave, steriliser or dishwasher.
Bottle Teat
This one’s key! Even if you find the perfect bottle with the right size and material, the wrong bottle teat could easily derail your options.
Look for slow-flow teats for newborns to prevent choking, and choose a shape that your baby latches onto well.
But that’s not all!
We have come a long way in terms of baby bottle teats.
New technology now has given us realistic, human-like ones that mimic the mother’s nipple.
Why would this matter? Well, for babies who are transitioning from breast to bottle, this makes all the difference in the world. A human-like teat can help prevent nipple confusion.
This allows the baby to transition smoothly to bottle feeding.
Special Features
Many baby bottles in the market nowadays have many special features that help make feeding time that much easier.
From anti-colic valves to self-sterilising bottles to temperature indicators, baby bottles have come a long way.
While these are not strictly necessary, they do make your job as a parent easier.
If there is one feature you can splurge on, it’s definitely the anti-colic feature.
This often comes in the form of angled bottles and special teats.
These features work by helping reduce air intake during feeding. Focus on what suits your baby’s needs.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Finding the best baby bottle for your little one doesn’t have to be a chore. But it does come with some trial and error.
You may need to switch to different types of bottles throughout your little one’s feeding journey. But know that you will eventually find the perfect fit.
Whether they’re transitioning from breast to bottle or starting with a bottle from the get-go, with some research and a little bit of patience, your little one will be gulping down their meal before you even realise it.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and parenting advice, stay tuned to Motherhood.sg!