There are many moms out there who think of choosing the alternative to breast-feeding, and that is, bottle-feeding. Bottle-feeding allows freedom especially to moms as they have more time for duties other than those involving baby care. When a baby is bottle fed, the parent gets the exact measurement of milk her baby gets. It will also help mom to know how much more her baby needs to be full. If your mother instincts tell you to go bottle-feeding then go ahead, but be sure to know these things

Choosing the Right Bottle:

Bottle material: Glass, silicone, plastic, and stainless steel are the most common materials.

• Plastic came to picture in lieu of glass bottle. It is light, ubiquitous, shatterproof and inexpensive. However, there are chemical in polycarbonate plastic could lead to certain cancers, changes in the brain and reproductive system, and early puberty. Also, plastic bottle needs to be replaced regularly as the quality deteriorates.

• Silicone bottles are light, unbreakable, BPA-free (BPA stands for bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins), and often soft but more expensive than plastic and glass. Silicone bottles are not available in drugstore and supermarket.

• Stainless steel is light, unbreakable, BPA-free, and lasts for a long time, but like silicone, these bottles can be expensive and hard to find.

Bottle shape: There’s no much problem in choosing the right shape of bottle as the market provides ergonomically designed bottles. Traditional ones are tall and slightly curved or angled.

Venting systems: Vented baby bottles are also known as natural flow bottles (named after the popular vented bottle by Dr Brown) or anti-colic bottles. Baby bottles can be vented from the nipple, by use of a straw or by a valve in the base of the bottle. It prevents colic or gas vacuum can cause air bubbles to become trapped inside the nipple. .

Size and number: The number of bottles you'll need to own can range from about 4 to 12. Stick with 4 on the first 4 months and then continue to 5-12 as your baby grows a bigger appetite.

Bottle Care

Before you first use new bottles, sterilize them by submerging them in a pot of boiling water for at least five minutes. Then let them air dry on a clean towel or handy bottle-feeding gear, such as bottle drying racks and dishwasher baskets

Note: Don't boil plastic baby bottles, heat them in the microwave, or wash them in the dishwasher because chemicals will be released when exposed to too much heat.

When to replace a bottle

It’s time to say bye to your bottle when these things happen:

• Cracks, chips, or breaks — Your child could cut, pinch, or otherwise injure himself. This is especially dangerous if you use glass bottles. single scratch, dent or chip could be hazardous. Just throw it away if you see one.

• Discolouration of the bottle is another warning sign. And remember, if you use bottles with disposable liners, you should throw away the liner after each use.

If you have decided to bottle-feed your baby, you’ll have to start by selecting a formula. Your pediatrician will help you pick one based on your baby’s needs. If you need further reference, feel free to take a whirl in our article about Formula Milk!