Choosing which formula to feed your baby can seem as complicated as selecting a fine wine for a dinner party (remember those?!). Ditto choosing a bottle to serve it in. We're here to help--with some tips about finding the right bottle, nipple, and formula for your baby, plus a list of other essentials to have on hand. (Note: This advice applies if you're breastfeeding and supplementing with formula, or pumping milk to give to your baby in bottle.)
- BOTTLES
- Size matters most, depending on your baby's age. Buy smaller (4- or 5-ounce) bottles for your newborn; switch to larger (8- or 9-ounce) bottles when she's around 3 months old. Then consider shape (angled bottles make it easier to feed a baby in a semi-upright position; older babies who can hold the bottle may find it easiest to grip the "waist" of an hourglass-shaped one); small parts (the fewer the better--as in fewer bits to lose and clean); and reusable versus disposable (disposable meaning plastic liners that fit inside reusable holders).
- NIPPLES
- Of course you'll want to make sure the nipple you choose is compatible with the bottle you use, and the right "flow" for your baby (newborns need a slow flow, older babies can handle a faster one). Beyond that, think about what it's made of (your choices are latex, which is tan in color, soft, and flexible; rubber, which is durable but not as flexible; and silicone, which is clear, firm, are can be boiled) and how it's shaped: A long rounded tip is easiest for most babies to suck; flat-on-top orthodontic nipples are thought to be most like mom's nipple.
- FORMULA
- Unless your baby is a preemie or has a health problem that requires a special formula, your choices boil down to cow's milk or soy-based (only recommended for babies who can't digest lactose or have a milk allergy). What you will want to think about is whether a formula is fortified with iron (that's ideal); has DHA or ARA (additives that are thought to boost brain development); or is organic. And since you'll be the one prepping your baby's bottle, consider whether you want the ultra-convenience of pre-mixed formula, or a less pricey powdered one (which gets points for being easy to bring along on outings if you're sure you'll have a safe source of water to mix it with).
- BOTTLE WARMER
- Most babies are perfectly content to suck down dinner (or breakfast, lunch, snacks) straight from the fridge. But if you prefer to take the chill off, a bottle warmer will make for easy heating. Some features to consider: an automatic shut-off, an indicator that signals when a bottle's warm, plug for a car cigarette lighter for on-the-go heating, compatibility with different sizes and shapes of bottles.
- BURP CLOTHS
- Plain cloth diapers are soft, easy to wash, and won't blow your baby budget. Plus, they're great for dusting when you no longer need them for spit-up duty.
- BOTTLE BRUSH
- When you have to hand-wash bottles (or simply want to), nothing beats a long-handled, skinny round brush designed precisely for that purpose.
- DRYING RACK FOR BOTTLES AND NIPPLES
- These clutter cutters come in a variety of sizes and configurations, so think about how much countertop you can afford to give up; look for a collapsible one if space is really at a premium. And make sure to buy a rack that will accommodate small pieces (nipples, bottle tops, pacifiers, etc).
- PLASTIC DISHWASHER BASKET
- Cut down on bottle-part casualties by putting nipples, lids, and other small pieces in a closable basket that fits in your dishwasher.
- BOTTLE STERILIZER
- Baby bottles will get plenty clean in the steamy heat of the dishwasher, but if you don't trust yours to do the germ-torching trick, you may find that a bottle sterilizer is a time- and-laboring saving alternative to boiling bottles on top of the stove.
- By the way, mealtime is prime bonding time, one of your best opportunities to really take a good, long look at your child. Check out her perfect little nose and ears, stare into her big baby blues, tell her all the wonderful things you have planned for her.
