No matter the historical period in which we find ourselves, motherhood has been one of the most important stages in the lives of those women who decided to be mothers. The care and upbringing of children is one of the most demanding and relevant activities for the future of any family and even the subsistence of the species.
And the bottles what role do they play in this task? Well, different utensils have been used since ancient times and evolved along with humans. In fact, the first bottle-shaped ones - the modern ones - appeared until the 16th century and as they became more popular, they replaced worldwide the use of cow horns and terracotta vessels that had been used.
Glass bottles, some metals and even wood were used to feed the little ones, of course they were conditioned sponge pacifiers, leather and, later, plastic, to allow babies to feed.
Of course, knowledge related to maternal care has also been nurtured by medical and scientific findings, allowing bottles to follow a path of improvement. An example of this is the Chicco NaturalFeeling line, which offers moms options for feeding their babies in their early stages of life.
Now, given the diversity of existing bottles, how to choose the most suitable for a small? What should all moms looking for to feed their children in the best way?
The ABC of bottle choice
There are several factors that every mother should consider when choosing the most suitable for her child.
Material: there are glass and plastic, each of them offers some kind of benefit. For example, the former are more durable, can be washed very deeply and do not release any substance in the baby's drink. However, they are heavier and difficult to support for the little ones - eye with falls, as they can fracture.
The plastic ones can be made of polypropylene (they are marked with a 5) or polyethylene (the numbers 1, 2, or 4 are printed), both materials are safe and free of Bisphenol A (BPA). They are also durable, do not break, are lighter and easier to transport.
In any case, the bottles must be continuously sterilized so that no residue of any kind remains on the internal walls.
Size and design: Bottle size and shape matter. Why? The first factor will allow babies to consume the appropriate portions according to their requirements (depending on their age and complexion - a nutritionist / pediatrician can be the guide for this).
As for the design, the ergonomic bottles allow babies to hold them in a simpler way and if the part of the mouthpiece, where the pacifier goes, is large enough, it facilitates washing with a broom.
Pacifier or nipple: This is an important factor to consider, as it is the part of the bottle that your little one will introduce into his mouth. There are rubber and silicone and take many forms (rounded, elongated, flat or even with the shape of the mother's nipple).
On the other hand, the size of the hole in the pacifier will allow the liquid to leave the bottle to a greater or lesser extent.
Returning to the example of Chicco, for example, they offer an inclined nipple that allows the baby to have its neck and head in a correct and natural position, in addition to reducing air intake thanks to its double anti-colic valve. Ergonomically it is very similar to feeding on his mother's chest.
Baby bottle care tips
Once you choose the right bottle for your baby, give it proper care and follow some of these recommendations:
Change the pacifiers regularly, remember that they begin to show leaks or cracks with use and the passage of time.
It is not necessary to sterilize bottles and pacifiers after each use (every third day can be a good period). Just make sure you wash them well every time.
If the bottle has a fissure, leaks or a bad smell, it is time to replace it.
If the milk comes out too fast from the pacifier, it may be damaged, so it is time to change it.
Do not wash the bottles with hot water, this can make the material less durable.
Between bottles, teats and babies
Now that you know more about the bottles you should use to feed your little one, choose the one that is right for him. If you require more information, approach your baby's pediatrician, surely it can offer you specific alternatives for your case. Of course You can also get closer to what is done by brands like Chicco in research matters and recommendations through its Observatory with wellness solutions.
