Choosing A Baby Bottle: For Confused Moms

Are you a new mom? Being a new mom means facing a lot of decisions that you have to make not only for yourself but for our little one. Being an advocate for that tiny new being puts the pressure on you and pushes you to give only the very best. The first few choices that you have to make will make you really confused, but do not worry, because it decision making will get better in time. When I was a new mom, I’ve had my share of troubles, and the one thing that really troubled me and my baby was choosing the right baby bottle.

At first, I thought baby bottles were all the same. Turns out that there are a handful of baby bottle brands and types that you can choose from. Here are a few tips that I was able to gather as I went through choosing the right baby bottle for my baby:

1. Try to breastfeed as long as you can. Breast milk is best for babies. If you are a new mom, avoid the use of breast pumps and bottle feeding as long as you can. New moms often produce little milk in the first few weeks. Letting your baby suck on your breast stimulates the production of milk.

2. Consider whether you want to combine breastfeeding and bottle or bottle alone. If you prefer a combination, make sure that you choose a bottle with as close to the form of natural breast as possible. You do not want your child to have nipple confusion. Most of the time, babies will prefer bottle nipples and may not want to be breastfed anymore. Nipples close to the form of natural breast often have a wide base and short nipple tip.

3. Avoid buying a lot of baby bottles before your baby have tried them. You do not want a lot of money put to waste because your baby prefers another kind. Try buying 2 bottles first and then add a few more when your baby is ok with it.

4. Choose a bottle that reduces air bubbles. Breastfed babies are not likely to have colic and become fussy after feedings than bottle fed babies. This is because bottles especially in the past are not airtight. Air can get in during feedings that causes colic. There are bottles that have built in vents or tubes that redirects the air outside the bottle.

5. Make sure that you choose a nipple with the right nipple flow. When you buy a baby bottle, check that the nipple that comes with it is appropriate for your baby’s age. Younger babies especially newborns should use a slow flow nipple to prevent choking. If your baby is still having problems with the nipple flow, there are nipples especially made for premature infants. These nipples have the slowest flow.

6. Let your baby decide. In the end, your baby is the boss. Listen to what your baby tells you and you are sure to make the right decision.