10 things you need to know about… buying bottles

Even if you’re planning on breastfeeding, bottles are still a useful purchase

Whether it’s expressed breast milk or formula, a bottle is the only way you can get someone else to feed your baby for you (something worth remembering when you can’t face that 3am feed for the 12th night in a row!).

1. How many will I need?

It depends how many times a day you will bottle, rather than breast, feed your baby. Most come in two sizes - 120mls/4oz or 225mls/8oz. Buy a couple of the smaller size first – you won’t need the larger ones till your baby is guzzling that much in one sitting – and see how you get on.

2. Which bottles should I buy?

With so many on offer, the trick is to buy just a couple to start with until you find the right bottle for you and your baby.

3. What other equipment will I need?

Whether you use bottles for breast milk or formula, you’ll need a steriliser and bottle cleaning brush. If you’re going to be expressing, you’ll also need a breast pump.

4. Teats – latex or silicone?

Latex is more flexible; silicone lasts longer. Shape-wise, most aim to mimic a nipple so, again, it’s about what suits for your baby. Remember to check teats regularly for signs of deterioration - worn teats can be a choking hazard, either from flecks crumbling into the milk, or by the teat hole expanding and allowing too much milk through at one time.

5. Slow, medium or fast flow?

Slow is usually best for newborns. Most manufacturers number their teats, with 1 being the slowest.

6. Other teat options

Pre-sterilised disposable teats can be useful when you’re out and about. If your baby suffers from colic, look out for anti-colic teats which aim to limit the amount of air your baby takes in while she’s feeding.

7. What about anti-colic valves?

Most manufacturers offer some form of anti-colic valve bottle. Again, trial and error will help you find the right colic solution for your baby.

8. I’ve heard bad things about plastic bottles – what about glass?

Concerns about the safety of plastic bottles containing PVCs, which can potentially ‘leech’ into the milk when heated, mean glass is an increasingly available option. Baby bottles have to meet high safety standards however, and most are now made from polypropylene – a safe plastic, free from PVCs.

9. What’s the safest way to store bottles of formula/breast milk? 

The latest health and safety guidelines recommend that formula should be made up fresh for each feed (because formula itself is not sterile) so, when you’re out, you should transport your formula and hot water separately and mix them up as and when.

Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to four hours; in a fridge for 3 – 5 days, and in a freezer for as long as 12 months, depending on your type of freezer.

10. What about heating bottles safely?

If your baby prefers warm milk, bottles can be heated in a jug or bowl of hot water. Or you can use a bottle warmer which heats in four to six minutes. Remember never to use a microwave, as this heats milk unevenly and risks burning your baby’s mouth.