Baby Bottle - A Guide for Parents!

1. Bottle Use:

Despite to what many people think, use a bottle to feed the baby is not only indicated for mothers who don't want or can't breastfeed. It can also be used as an important accessory for the breastfeeding phase.

Have you thought about it? Many mothers need to go back to work during the breastfeeding phase and use the breast pump to pump milk, either to stimulate the milk flow, or to remove excess milk until the body gets used to the supply and demand, but this is a subject for another time. What we want to draw your attention here is to show you some situations in where the use of a bottle could be convenient for the mother and/or the child:

1- Use associated with the breast pump, as a milk storage, so later can be used just connecting the nipple to feed the baby without having to transfer from one storage to another/bottle.

2- To allow dad to participate in breastfeeding at night or at any time of the day while mom rests or does some other activity;

3- As a complement to the child's feeding when breast milk is often not enough and the doctor recommends formula early on.

4- To store breast milk (many brands bring or sell a lid for this purpose).

5- When the mom's breast is very injured due to the adaptation process of breastfeeding and the mother needs to feed the baby in another way.

6- Mother's health problems that restrain breastfeeding, making it necessary the use of a bottle from birth.

7- Among other reasons.

Baby bottles are manufactured in different types of materials, such as plastic, glass and silicone.

It is important to check that plastic ones are free of BPA (Bisphenol A). BPA is a chemical used in the manufacture of plastics and in the inner lining of various food cans, including baby milk formulas, and can cause various health problems, such as changes in the child's motor, nervous, behavioral and intellectual development. BPA is more easily released into food after heating the plastic, but it can also be released on contact alone, even without heating.

All plastic baby bottles sold at MacroBaby are BPA Free.

There are many brands and models available on the market and it is important to check the advantages and differences between them. A key feature in baby bottles is the anti-colic system, each brand develops its own, but it is worth checking the system and trying to find an option that reduces or completely eliminates the internal air, thus minimizing the occurrence of colic in the baby.

Check different models of baby bottles available on the market:

• Plastic:

It is the most popular model among brands. They are lightweight, easy to handle
and do not break. It has the disadvantage of retaining residues, leaving a smell in
the plastic, so it is necessary to make regular changes.
This model in the photo is a MAM bottle that developed a continuous flow anti-
colic system. Its base is ventilated with small holes balancing the air pressure
inside it and making the liquid flow without bubbles or foam. Its nipple is ultra
soft, orthodontic and symmetrical (there is no wrong side), its base is removable
- which makes cleaning much easier. Besides being the only one that has a self-
sterilization system. Just add 20 ml of water, put the pieces inside and place in
the microwave for 3 minutes).
There are many other brands, of excellent quality, that also manufacture plastic
baby bottles, such as: Dr. Brown, Avent, Tomme Tippe and Nuk.

• Glass:

They are more resistant, durable, retain less residue, are more scratch resistant
and easier to sanitize. However, it is a little heavier and a silicone protector should
be used to minimize the risk of breakage.
This model in the photo is from Dr. Brown who also developed a unique anti-colic
system called positive pressure flow, similar to breastfeeding. As the baby feeds,
the air passes through the ventilation system and goes to the bottom of the bottle
and because of the vacuum system, it does not allow the milk contact the air. This
same system is available in the plastic model. Other brands also manufacture the
glass bottle: Lifefactory and Avent.

• Formula Storage:

This bottle has a milk storage that allows you to keep an exact measure of the
formula without it mixing with the water. It is an excellent option to use outdoors,
preventing the milk from becoming contaminated and losing its nutritional
properties. Brands: POP Yum, B.box, Twist Shake.

• Silicone:

The bottle is 100% silicone. It is flexible, durable and easy to sanitize.

This model is branded as Comotomo, but there are others currently on the market. It has the advantage of having a very wide mouth that allows you to put your hand inside, making easier to clean. Plus, it's super soft and parents love it!. Brands: Comotomo, Ola Baby and Nanobebe.

• Vacuum Suction Bottle:

It is a bottle that has a differentiated system for reducing colic and storing milk.
The bottom of the bottle is hollow, but composed of a silicone compartment. As
the child feeds, the air exits through the nipple and the bottom of the bottle and
does not return to the milk (typical vacuum suction). Plus, it's easier to clean
because its silicone compartment has a wide opening and can be pulled out for
cleaning. This model is the Nursh from TomyBoon.

• Natural Feeding:

Medela Calma is today the only bottle on the market that provides the baby with the closest possible suction to the natural behavior of breastfeeding.
Although the bottle is made of plastic as we have mentioned in other models before, Calma has a differentiated and specific technology in its nipple and allows
the baby to control the milk flow. The baby needs to apply a certain level of vacuum to drink the milk from the bottle.

• Hands Free

Podee Hands is a new bottle model in which the child does not need to use their
hands to drink the milk and can do it sitting down. This will help reduce reflux, cramps, and ear infections, being very easy to take on trips and for mothers of twins, for example.

• Special Needs:

This bottle category is aimed at children with special needs or with disabilities.
Their innovative design rewards weaker suction and helps reduce gas, vomiting
and colic associated with swallowed air. They are premature babies, diagnosed
with cleft palate, oral and facial deficiencies where breastfeeding is disabled.

• Squeezy Spoon:

This model use is when cup feeding is recommended; these auxiliaries end up offering more control when feeding than traditional cups.

Often many parents end up looking for this feature to help their baby breastfeed
without developing nipple confusion or preference until the transition to breastfeeding can be made.You can find some options with this system like: Primo Passi Squeezy Spoon, Medela Soft feeder, Munchkin Squeeze spoon, Boon Squirt spoon.

Usually baby bottles come with nipples for newborn and the customer will need to buy extra nipples for the other stage. You will use the same bottle and change only the nipples. To identify which stage of each nipple, check the product packaging. It is usually signaled by “drops”, the amount of liquid that exceeds the nipple of the bottle, but this can vary between brands. This information is contained on the packaging where you can check it out.

See the bottle nipples stage, remembering that each brand has its particularities:

Nipples can be latex or silicone. The latex ones are softer and more flexible and usually used for babies who have more difficulty in sucking, but it has a much shorter durability than silicone nipples. Finally, these are the ones most commonly found in most bottle brands. They are firmer and more durable.

Nipple stages may vary by brand, see below:

• Nipple - Stage 0: 

Normally this stage is indicated for premature babies, with its controlled opening it provides an ideal and comfortable flow for your baby. You can find this option only
with the brands: Avent and Dr Brown's.

• Nipple - Stage 1: 

Usually used from birth to the 1st month. Allows the minimum outflow of milk, 1 drop at a time, simulating the effort that the child would need to make like it was breastfeeding.

• Nipple - Stage 2: 

2 drops and is used between the 2nd and 3rd month. To maintain the child's development and provide the appropriate amount for each age.

• Nipple - Stage 3: 

3 drops and is used between the 3rd and 6th month. To maintain the child's development and provide the appropriate amount for each age.

• Nipple - Stage 4: 

4 drops and is used from the 6th month. Usually this is the last nipple stage and the child will use it until they don't need to be fed up by bottles.

• Nipple - Variable Flow: 

This nipple has an X or Y for thicker fluids, such as shakes and various fruit juices.

It is important to have all nipple stages, respecting the child's development.
We recommend buying all sizes of baby bottles (small, medium and large), as the baby starts drinking a small amount of milk and gradually increases. Also, is important to have one bottle for water, one for milk, one for juice, especially if you choose the plastic model that usually retains food residual.

Below we also listed some accessories, available on the market that can help in this routine.

They are:

 - Accessory to help the baby hold the bottle by himself, such as the Dr. Brown's.

- Baby bottle and cup holder for stroller, high chair, and more. Brands like: Lil'; Sidekick, Booginhead.

- Bottle brush. There are several models to suit all tastes. Such as: the traditional one, with sponge on the top, silicone, with the option to brush the nipple, and more. Brands: Mam, Dr. Brown, Avent, Boon, Munchkin.

- Detergent for cleaning baby bottles, with non-toxic ingredients that won't cause any harm to your baby's health.

- Drying Rack. Ideal for separating baby and adult products. When removing the bottle and accessories from the sterilizer, the steam leaves them wet and the excess water needs to be drained.

- Basket for washing bottle accessories in the dishwasher, making easier to organize and keep baby products separate and clean. Brands like Munchkin, Prince Lionheart, Dr. Brown and many others.

- Cleasing wipes. It can be used both for cleaning pacifiers, nipples, lids and the bottle itself. Ideal to carry in your bag to use outdoors. Brands: Munchkin, Nuby, Dr Browns and others.

- Sealing Disc - some brands sell as an accessory a disc to seal the bottle to not leak liquids during transport.

- Cleaning Tablet bottle wash. Excellent option to have in the bag. Just add some water, shake and all the milk residue will be eliminated. Avoid keeping a dirty bottle in your bag. The remaining milk can turn sour and generate proliferation of fungi and bacteria in the bottle.

• Sterilizer:

Baby bottles, pacifiers, teethers, silicone finger for cleaning the gums and all products that are placed in the child's mouth must be cleaned and sterilized to prevent bacteria proliferation.
Until at least the 3rd month, this sterilization is highly recommended. Washing with hot water is not enough. It is necessary to sterilize to protect the baby's health!

Check some models available in the market:

Microwave: It is a refractory with a lid that has the capacity to accommodate baby bottles and small items. You must add some water, add the products you want to sterilize, turn on the microwave for 2 to 6 minutes (it always depends on the manufacturer's indication and the microwave power) and everything will be sterilized. You need to be careful in which products to use, as the action of magnetic waves on plastic can release substances that are harmful to children. The most common is BPA, which must be FREE, but it is not known if other substances that have not yet been studied are released with the use of this product.

Microwave Bags: They are portable bags, fits in small spaces and can sterilize products such as pacifiers, baby bottles, bottle nipples, breast pump accessories, among others. Sterilize through the hot steam generated inside the sealed bag and eliminate bacteria. The same bag can be reused 20 times before being discarded. Ideal for traveling.

Eletric: Sterilizes with hot steam. Eliminates 99.99% of bacteria. They are the most suitable for safe, efficient and natural sterilization. There is no risk of contamination and they maintain the integrity of the product that will be sterilized. It's a little bigger than the microwave one, but it's the most recommended.

Portable: It sterilizes through ultraviolet light, is battery operated and is portable. Ideal to leave in the diaper bag because pacifiers always fall on the floor and mothers cannot sterilize them when they are out. We recommend your purchase regardless of having another type of sterilizer.

• Bottle Warmer:

Sometimes the bottle warmer seems to be unnecessary on a trousseau list, but it has a great importance in your baby's nutrition, comfort and safety.
Heating milk in the microwave can be dangerous, overheating or altering the nutritional properties of milk. In the same way as baby food, that is not normally heated evenly and can also cause burns in the child.
The ideal temperature for the milk is around 93 - 98º F and the heater will leave the milk and/or food at the ideal temperature and evenly so that the child can be fed safely.

Check some different types of bottle warmer available in the market:

Eletric: It is an electric container that heats the milk and the food container in a
few minutes, leaving it at the ideal temperature for the child. Some models are digital, have memory register and automatically turn off. after warming up. There are models for heating more than one bottle at the same time. Ideal for twins and not time consuming especially at night, because it heats up and keeps it warm
for several hours. Perfect for early mornings.

Smart Portable: In a thermal bag shape, it charges through a USB device that heats an internal plaque, transferring the heat to the bag that surrounds the bottle.
It also has a display that shows the internal temperature. Heating is slow, but it is excellent for keeping the milk temperature longer.