EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
KID
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“One night, my 3-year-old asked me if she could sleep in my bed. I told her no. She said, “That’s not fair! Why does Daddy get to sleep in your bed?” READ MORE
Kids' Health
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How to select the right one, and other tips Choosing the right bottle and nipple for your baby can be overwhelming. Store shelves are overflowing with different selections – all claiming to be the best. One “prevents colic,” another is “most like mother herself,” and others “flow” better. The good news is that there is no one right choice. The worst you’ll do is spend too much money on a fancy system that doesn’t really make much of a difference. If your baby is a healthy newborn, weighs 7 or more pounds, and arrives on or close to his due date, he will likely adapt to almost any bottle and nipple. If your baby weighs less than 6 pounds, he might do better with a shorter nipple. The roof of the mouth is the “on” button that triggers a baby to suck. Smaller babies may do better with smaller nipples. While there are no hard and fast “rules” regarding bottles and nipples, there are some general guidelines that might be helpful. > Some bottles claim to reduce colic. The truth is, babies get gassy every day. Gas is to babies what acne is to teenagers. It’s just a part of being that age. The anti-gas, anti-colic bottles aren’t a bad idea, but there is just no guarantee against gas or colic. Regardless of the bottle system you use, it’s a good idea to burp your baby frequently – before, halfway through, and after each feeding. > What you put in the bottle is more important than what bottle you use. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast milk feedings for the first 6 months, with continued breast milk feedings as you add solids, for as long as mom and baby enjoy it. This recommendation is based on the risks of formula, as well as the fact that breast milk decreases the incidence of most childhood diseases. > Some bottles claim to be “most like mother herself.” No bottle or nipple requires the same tongue, lip and jaw movement as breastfeeding. It is a good idea to get your baby used to breastfeeding before offering too many bottles. If your baby continues to nurse well after the introduction of a bottle, nipple confusion shouldn’t be a problem. If after the first bottle, however, your baby seems to have trouble with nursing, just wait a little while longer before you give him another bottle. > Don’t give your baby a bottle to sleep with. This is harmful to the teeth. > Introduce a sippy cup as soon as your child can hold it (about 6 months of age). Bottle use after the first year is not good for your baby’s teeth. > Know the appropriate volume of milk to put in the bottle. Milk comes out of the bottle fairly fast. Babies have a choice – swallow the milk, or choke on it. Most babies will continue to swallow the milk, even if it is too much. Ask your baby’s healthcare provider about the right amount for your child. > Plastic or glass? Since science can’t provide a definitive recommendation, here are things to consider: If plastic bottles become discolored, or if rubber nipples become sticky, discard them. Glass bottles are fine, but can break easily. > Do I have to sterilize bottles and nipples? No. Eating is not a sterile event. Wash your baby’s dishes like you would your own; hot, soapy water is fine. > Relax and enjoy your baby. The bottle/nipple choice isn’t the most important parenting decision you’ll need to make. If your baby seems to prefer one bottle over another, let him decide. Mary DeNicola is a lactation nurse practitioner at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). To learn more about CHOC, visit choc.org. |
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