Bottles and Nipples
You can add warming up, cleaning and keeping track of bottles and nipples to your list of parenting challenges. Most can be thrown in the dishwasher, and using a bottle brush will be helpful for all that stuff stuck on the bottom of the bottle. Here are some key accessories to help:- Bottle Sterilizers are most effective to ensure all the bottles and pieces are sterilized properly. Remember, many bottles and nipples may have internal pieces. Look for bottle sterilizers that can accommodate all these little items, even pacifiers.
- Bottle Warmers are just the trick to properly warm up a bottle. Most can accommodate varying size bottles and can even heat baby food jars. Once filled with water, they produce steam to warm the bottle in minutes. They prevent uneven hot spots, boiling and overheating, which can occur using the microwave or the stovetop. Many bottle warmers will even keep bottles cold for hours too. Look for models with auto shut off, one less thing for you to worry about. Are you constantly on the go? Look for bottle warmers that can be plugged into the car lighter, ideal for all those long family trips in the car.
- Bottle Drying Rack. A bottle drying rack has pegs to invert the wet bottles, allowing air to circulate more quickly and keep them organized. In addition, the drying rack will accommodate nipples and all other bottle parts and accessories.
- Insulated Bottle Carrier Taking your bottles on the go? Don't forget an insulated bottle carrier to keep bottles at the perfect temperature. You can usually remove a cold pack from the tote to allow for thermal insulation as well. Some breast pumps will come with a cool carrier, which is the perfect solution to keep pumped breast milk properly stored until you get home.
Safety Tip
Be sure to sterilize all bottles and nipples before first use. Usually this calls for them to be boiled for a specific period of time. Most manufacturers will provide directions. If you make the investment in a Bottle Sterilizer, that can do the trick as well. If you plan to use the dishwasher for all your bottle and accessory cleaning, be sure to follow instructions for what needs to be placed in the top rack to avoid unnecessary damage.
Always check all nipples for cracks or damage. They should be replaced at any sign of tearing or cracks. This can be dangerous for baby and could create a choking hazard.
Minimizing the Mess
Of course, with all these feedings there is sure to be lots of spitting up, spills and a mess for you to clean. Burp cloths for you and bibs for baby should do the trick to help minimize the mess! You will need a lot, and remember to pack some in your diaper bag too.
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