The baby bottle
How do you prepare the bottle?
- Just before giving it to him: do not prepare the bottle in advance. If you have to go out, bring a bottle of water, possibly hot, by putting it in the thermal pocket of the changing bag, and bring the milk powder apart (in a small box). Stir them right before feeding the baby.
- Respect the doses: one scoop of powdered milk for 30 ml of water.
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Before preparing the bottle, wash your hands with soap and water. The table needs to be clean. Then, follow the directions on the milk carton.
Tap or bottled water?
Contrary to popular belief, tap water is perfect for diluting powdered milk. However, check with the municipality about the quality of the water and respect these rules:
- let the water run for a couple of minutes before filling the bottle
- uses only cold water
- avoid using filtered water in jugs, microbes proliferate there
- if the tap is equipped with a diffuser, clean it regularly from limescale, using white vinegar.
If you use bottled water, read the label to make sure it is suitable for infant feeding. Also know that an open bottle of water must be kept in the fridge and consumed within 24 hours.
The good temperature of the bottle
- The bottle can be given at room temperature (the same as breast milk); if you prefer to warm it, use a bottle warmer. Beware of the microwave: the heat is poorly distributed and can cause burns.
- If the milk has been heated, the bottle must be consumed within the next half hour; if it is at room temperature, within one hour.
- Before giving your baby a bottle, always check the temperature by pouring a few drops of milk on the inside of your wrist.
Clean the bottle
The ideal is to clean it immediately after a meal. Empty the bottle, rinse it with cold water to remove milk residues, dip it in hot water and dish soap, and then clean it with a sponge. Don't forget to clean the pacifier well, the part where it is screwed and the ring. Finally, don't use a rag, but let it dry upside down. If you have a dishwasher, a 65 ° C cycle is enough. Be careful though, the rubber pacifier must not be put in the dishwasher.
About sterilization
- Some recommend it, some don't. According to many pediatricians, you never get a truly sterile bottle, since the water and milk that will be placed inside it are not.
- According to the Ministry of Health, the sterilization of bottles is not necessary: a thorough cleaning is enough.
- Sterilization is justified only in some cases: just after purchase, if the bottle has not been cleaned immediately after the meal or even if the hygiene conditions leave something to be desired.
- So sterilize the bottle or not? The choice is yours ... If this gesture reassures you, do it! True, our grandmothers and mothers have always boiled baby bottles and sometimes it can be difficult to get rid of this habit.
See also:
It's time for baby food! Bibs, saucers and high chairs for your baby
Traveling with children: which means of transport to choose
Traveling by plane with children? No fear! Here are the tips to have everything under control
16 benefits of breastfeeding: that's why breastfeeding is good for mom and baby
