The first step to proper bottle-feeding is choosing the right feeding bottle and nipple. Sure, you may have received lots of bottles as gifts during your baby shower, but are they right for your little one?
Well, your choice of feeding bottle will be dictated by your little one’s feeding needs. In most cases, a regular newborn baby bottle will do. However, some babies may develop gas issues over time. In such situations, bottles with an an infiltration system work well. These bottles are also great for preventing these issues from developing in the first place.
On the other hand, if your baby is used to breastfeeding, it is a good idea to get a bottle that mimics a breast to make the transition easier. Such babies have a harder time figuring out how to latch on conventional nipples, so these bottles make things simpler for them.
As you choose your feeding bottle, it is also important to consider how easy it will be to clean it. Get a bottle that is easy to take apart and clean. This will significantly lower the risk of contamination. An easy-to-clean bottle will have a wide neck and very few parts, including the nipple, bottle, and collar.
What about if your baby is already used to a certain type of bottle? Well, there is no need to change to a different type once you find something that your baby likes and is happy feeding from. In fact, making any drastic changes could actually have the opposite effect and make your little one have aharder time transitioning. Babies can be very resistant to change.
Finally, it is also important to pay attention to the flow of the nipple. Younger babies require a slower flow. As they grow older and become more confident feeding from a bottle, they can handle a faster flow. Eventually, they may start to prefer faster flows exclusively. It’s all about understanding and anticipating your little one’s preferences.