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Baby Bottles
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Feeding
time is a special bonding time for a parent and a baby. Breastfeeding
has long been known to create strong bonds. But, research
shows that it isn’t necessarily the way that you feed
the baby that creates the bonds, but rather the time that
is spent with your little one. Feeding your infant is a valuable
bonding experience, no matter how it is done. Choosing a good
bottle can help to make this special time more meaningful
and comfortable.
Baby bottles come in many shapes, sizes and colors. There
are so many different styles and manufacturers that choosing
one can become quite overwhelming. Once you do choose one,
you may find that your baby does not like it. This is common.
It may take a few tries before you find one that your baby
is comfortable with.
There are basically two different categories of bottles:
reusable and disposable. Reusable bottles can be used hundreds
of times throughout infancy and should be sterilized between
uses. Disposable bottles work with single-use disposable bags
that attach to a plastic holder. They do not need to be sterilized
and are very convenient for use away from home. If you decide
to use both reusable and disposable bottles, consider finding
a brand that makes both. This will allow you to use the same
nipple on both bottles and avoid nipple confusion for your
baby.
Within these two categories, there are several different
choices of baby bottles. The most important difference and
the one that your little one will be the most aware of, is
the nipple. It will make the most difference in how comfortable
your baby is when feeding from a bottle. Bottle nipples vary
in the material they are made from as well as their shape.
Nipples are usually made from latex, rubber or silicone.
Latex nipples are usually brown. They have a distinctive
smell to them. They also absorb milk fats which causes them
to decompose quicker than other choices. They can also change
shape over time. When the nipple begins to crack or tear,
it is time to replace the nipple. Silicone nipples, on the
other hand, never change shape or take on odors. They have
a slick texture and are usually clear in color. Both nipples
are safe for your baby, but you will probably find that your
little one prefers one over the other.
Aside from the material of the nipple, you baby will also
prefer a particular shape of nipple. While you may find some
slight variations between them, there are basically three
different shapes of nipples: traditional, orthodontic and
natural shaped. Natural shaped nipples are great for babies
who breastfeed because they are shaped the most like a mother’s
breast.
Baby bottles, even with the same features, do vary slightly
from brand to brand. Some brands offer extras like a special
shape or tube to prevent colic and gas. But, the bottom line
is that you may have to try a couple of them out before you
find one that your baby is happy with. The nipple will ultimately
make the most difference in your infant’s comfort level
with his or her baby bottle.
Related information articles:
Baby Behavior
Baby Care
Wonderful Sounds
for Sleep
Feeding and Nutrition
Upscale Baby Clothes
Baby’s 1st Request
Solving Naptime
Problems
Baby Swimwear
Massage
for Babies
Immunizing
Your Baby
Baby
Hygiene
Upscale Baby Clothes

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