You’ve decided to bottle-feed your baby. Now it’s time to stock up on the bottle-feeding necessities that will make baby’s mealtime experience wonderful for both of you.
Nipples
Ultimately, your baby will decide which nipple you use. You may have to try out a few different sizes, materials and shapes before you find the one she’ll take most easily. You can choose from latex, silicone and rubber materials and traditional, orthodontic and flat-topped shapes.
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Bottles
Once your baby has selected a nipple, you can select the bottles that you need. Ideally, you’ll want to keep six to eight bottles (and as many nipples) on hand. Right-angled bottles let less air into the nipple and help prevent gas bubbles from building up. Streamlined bottles are designed for baby to hold herself. You can choose from glass, plastic and disposable (with throwaway liners).
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Formula
There are three types of formula: Powdered, concentrated liquid and ready-to-use. With help from your healthcare provider, you can find the formula that’s right for your baby. Powdered and concentrated formulas are less expensive than the convenient ready-to-use kind. You can combine varieties (as long as you’re using the same formula): Powder for everyday use and ready-to-feed for travel.
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Bottle brush
A bottle brush helps keep bottles and nipples clean. Ideally, you’ll find a brush that can clean both bottles and nipples.
>> How much formula does my baby need?
Drying rack
A special drying rack for bottles and nipples keeps them organized and off the counters when they’re not in use. Some have drainage compartments, while others have room for teething rings and cups.
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Sterilizer
Washing your baby’s bottles with soap and water in the kitchen sink may not be good enough. You can do at-home sterilization with a pan of boiling water or invest in a bottle sterilizing unit. Some sterilizers use intensive heat to clean the bottles while others use steam to reduce harmful bacteria.
Tip: Always sterilizer bottles and nipples before using them for the first time.
Bottle warmer
It’s never been easier to warm your baby’s formula. Bottle warmers work far better than the stovetop or microwave to heat up the filled bottles and keep them at a safe and constant temperature. Make sure the unit you choose accommodates your baby’s bottles. Bottle warmers are available for the home and for your vehicle.
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Insulated carrying bag
Insulated carrying bags keep baby’s bottles at just the right temperature when you’re on the road or running errands. Super handy!
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More bottle feeding info for mom
Which formula is best?
How to bottle feed babies without the guilt
Teaching your breastfed baby to take a bottle
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