When it comes to feeding equipment you have a lot of options today. In fact it is a matter of what suits you and your baby best and as soon as you find this you will be able to work that out. Find out how to understand and buy feeding equipment for your baby and take its care.If you are expecting a baby or you have already welcomed your bundle of joy, there are few important things that you should stock. There are certain items that you will need from day one and it is advisable to have it before hand.
When it comes to
feeding equipment the first thing that you need to decide is whether you are going to breastfeed your child or bottle feed. Although, this decision sometimes depends on situations and health conditions of the mother, many take the decision much before the child has arrived.
Breastfeeding Buys
When it comes to cost efficiency, breastfeeding is highly economical as compared to
bottle feeding. You might simply need some breast pads for the first few weeks and cooling pads in case if you cope with sore nipples. If your baby is unable to take milk at a time or you have to return to your workplace, you need breast pumps to express excess of milk produced which sometimes cause discomfort also. Breast pumps are also useful if you decide to feed expressed breastmilk to your baby in your absence.
Bottle Feeding Essentials
If
breastfeeding does not work for you or you opt for bottle feeding your child for any other reason, you will have to buy some feeding essentials for your baby. The fundamental products are feeding bottles, formula milk and a sterilizer. However, bottle feeding should be avoided as much as possible. A bowl and a small spoon can be used to feed a baby in case if breastfeeding is not possible.
Feeding Bottles
Along with feeding bottles you need screw on caps, teats, teat covers and a jug in which you will warm the formula.
Be prepared to have plenty of formula cans because you will find that consumption might be a can per week. You must buy
formula milk as prescribed by your baby’s paediatrician. For preparing formula milk you must read the instructions given on the carton or tin carefully.
Sterilizers
The feeding equipment of infants have to be kept scrupulously clean so that germs and infection are kept at bay and your child is safe. This is the reason why sterilizers are very important. During their first year, babies are vulnerable to bacteria, viruses and parasitic infections which can lead to mild attacks of infection to severe ones. Although, it is not possible to create completely germ free environment for babies in their first year, you can take precautions on what get directly in contact with the child.
When it comes to sterilizers, there are three types of sterilizers available from which you can choose the best suited one.
- Cold Water Sterilizers - These are practical and cost efficient ones. However, sterilizing bottles in this device will take comparatively more time than others.
- Electric Sterilizers - This is one of the most popular bottle sterilizers preferred by many new parents. This device helps sterilize 8 bottles at a time along with teats and other accessories.
- Microwave Sterilizers - It offers quick sterilization and is perfect if you have to sterilize few bottles and teats at a time.
Highchairs
You will need high chairs only when your child turns six months old. High chairs are expensive and you should select one of the best suited one for your child. Look for the one that is portable and easy to clean.
Bowls
Nowadays you get bowls that are stuck on the plate and do not flung to the floor. You can have matching spoons also.
Sippy Cups
These cups are designed for easy drinking and they come with a lid and a spout.
Bibs
It is advisable to prefer cotton bibs or quick drying ones.
With so many baby products available in the market, you might find it difficult to figure out what you need the most. The above tips will help you take better decision.
Which are the must have feeding equipment for a baby? How to buy feeding equipment for a baby? How to take care of baby’s feeding equipment? Discuss here.
