Choosing the type of bottle can be a challenge, given the variety of shapes and types available, which may confuse you. There are also differences between plastic bottles and those made of glass, in addition to the variety of bottle nipple shapes depending on the child's age. In this article, we will present you with a range of plastic and glass bottle types, and we will explain the differences between them to facilitate the purchasing process. If you are a new mother, you certainly need to buy a feeding bottle (bottle) for your child. So, we will help you through  to explain the difference between the types of glass and plastic feeding bottles, to help you choose the right bottle for your child.

How often should feeding bottles be sterilized?

 

During the first four months of a child's life, it is essential to take care to wash and sterilize the feeding bottle well after each use. This can be done by separating the parts and placing them in boiling water, using a sterilizer, or even the microwave. After four months, sterilization can be reduced to once a day, with the bottle being cleaned after each feeding. After the baby’s first year, the number of sterilizations can be reduced and the bottle can be washed with soap and water after each use.

What are baby bottle nipples made of?

 

Most nipples are made of silicone or latex, and come in a variety of shapes. Sometimes bottles have different “flow rates,” depending on the size of the nipple hole, and you may need to try several types to find out what your baby prefers and what makes it easier for him to drink. Be sure to check the nipples regularly for signs of wear or cracking, and replace any that are damaged or discolored immediately.

How do I wash baby bottles and nipples?

 

You can wash them with detergent and hot water, either by hand or in the dishwasher. It is best to do this after each use. However, it is advisable to hand wash plastic bottles, as some studies suggest that chemicals can leach from plastic when exposed to high temperatures.

Can I add any ingredients to my baby’s bottle milk?

 

You should only give your newborn breast milk or formula in the bottle, without adding water or juice. Make sure to mix the powder well with the water according to the instructions on the label. However, be careful not to add too much water, as this can deprive the baby of proper nutrition, and may lead to low salt levels, which can cause cramps. In addition, too much water can lead to indigestion.

What is the right temperature for milk?

 

You can give your baby a bottle of cold or room temperature milk. If your baby prefers warm milk, you can put the bottle in warm water or under hot tap water for one to two minutes. You can also use a warm bottle, but avoid using a microwave as it can heat the milk unevenly and burn your baby’s mouth. Make sure to shake the bottle well, and put a drop of milk on your hand to test its temperature, but do not test it on your wrist because it is less sensitive to heat.

How to choose the right milk powder?

 

Most parents start with powdered milk extracted from cow's milk. You can also choose soy milk or hypoallergenic milk, but make sure it is fortified with iron. You can buy ready-to-use powdered formula. By the time your baby reaches 6 months, he should be drinking between 6 and 8 ounces at each feeding.

**When should you change baby bottles?**

 

It is important to change baby bottles periodically to ensure their safety. There are several cases that require replacing the bottle, including:

1. **Bottle size**: The bottle should be changed if it is small in size and no longer meets the baby's nutritional needs, or if it is uncomfortable for him while feeding.

2. **Damage**: The bottle should be replaced immediately if it is broken or cracked, to avoid milk leakage from it.

3. **Change in smell or color**: The bottle, whether made of plastic or glass, should be replaced if you notice a change in its smell or if its color becomes faded, as this is an indication of its unhealthy state.

**Shelf life of plastic bottles**

It is recommended to replace plastic feeding bottles every 4 to 6 months to maintain the safety of children. Although there is no specific shelf life, good handling of bottles and using them correctly can increase their lifespan. Make sure to clean the bottle well after each feeding, and dispose of its contents within two hours maximum after feeding.

You can continue to use the bottle as long as it is intact and does not contain any breaks or scratches.

*How do I hold the bottle correctly?**

 

When you are tired, it may be easier to place the bottle on a pillow and let your baby feed himself. But there are many benefits to holding the bottle while feeding. This enhances the bond between you and is safer. Leaving your baby with a sprung bottle increases the risk of choking and tooth decay, and can also lead to ear infections. So, enjoy the moments of breastfeeding!

**How ​​do I hold my baby while breastfeeding?**

 

Put a bib around your baby’s neck and keep a cloth nearby to clean up any milk that may leak during feeding. Cradle your baby’s head and raise it slightly away from the rest of his body. Hold the bottle and watch your baby while he feeds, this will help you know when he is done. Try burping him in the middle of the feeding to reduce the milk flow.

**How ​​long can I use bottle milk?**

 

Prepare milk as needed, not in large quantities, and always discard any formula left in the bottle. Wash the bottle immediately, and if you have mixed powdered formula, you can store it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. If you leave formula out of the refrigerator for more than an hour, it should be discarded. For breast milk, you can store it in the refrigerator for use within 7 days, or freeze it. Breast milk can last in a regular freezer for 3 months at 0 degrees, or 6 monthsIn the deep freezer.

**Should I change the type of milk powder?**

 

If your baby is vomiting frequently or has difficulty feeding, pay attention to the type of milk used, as some babies can have an allergy that leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or dry, red skin. If you notice these symptoms, talk to your baby’s doctor, who may suggest that you change the type of milk. Do not make any changes before consulting your doctor.

**How ​​do I know when my baby is done feeding?**

 

Your baby will indicate that he is done feeding in different ways. He may stop sucking, move away from the bottle, or if he is older, he may push the bottle away. It is important to give him a chance to change his mind, but do not force him to finish what is in the bottle. If your baby tends to spit up after feeding, you may need to offer smaller but more frequent feedings, making sure to keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding, keeping in mind that sitting on a chair is not a suitable alternative.

**Does not sterilizing the baby's bottle affect the baby's health?**

 

Yes, the sterilization process is an essential part of the steps to maintain your baby's health, especially if he depends on formula feeding.

**How ​​many times should the baby's bottle be sterilized per day?**

 

It is preferable to sterilize the baby's bottle once or twice a day to maintain its effectiveness, with the necessity of following the correct sterilization steps.

**How ​​long can milk be kept in a glass baby bottle?**

 

You can leave the milk at room temperature for a maximum of two hours, or you can keep it in the refrigerator all day and then heat it when needed.

**Breastfeeding bottle: glass or plastic? An ongoing struggle!**

 

Parents, especially with the arrival of their newborn, face a major challenge in choosing the right type of baby bottle. The baby bottle is one of the most important feeding tools, so it must be chosen carefully to ensure the health and safety of the baby.

**Glass baby bottles:**

**Advantages:**

- **Natural material:** Made of inert materials that do not react with the milk and do not affect its flavor or nutritional value.

- **Easy to clean:** It does not absorb odors or stains, making it easy to clean and sterilize.

- **Heat resistant:** It can withstand high temperatures, allowing milk or water to be heated without worrying about deformation or the release of harmful substances.

- **More durable:** It lasts longer than plastic bottles, especially with repeated use.

- **Chemical free:** It does not contain BPA or any other chemicals that may harm the child's health.

**Disadvantages of glass bottles:**

- **Heavy weight:** It may be heavy for some children, especially newborns.

- **Fragility:** It can break easily when dropped, which poses a risk to the child.

- **High price:** It is often more expensive than plastic bottles.

**Advantages of plastic bottles:**

- **Light weight:** Easy to carry and use by children.

- **Shatter resistant:** It can withstand shocks and falls, making it ideal for outdoor use.

- **Affordable:** Usually less expensive than glass bottles.

- **Variety of colors and shapes:** Available in attractive colors and shapes that attract children's attention.

Disadvantages:

- Possibility of containing harmful substances: Some types of plastic may contain BPA or other chemicals that may be harmful to the health of the child.

- Odor absorption: May absorb odors from milk or juices, making cleaning difficult.

- Poor durability: May be easily deformed or damaged with repeated use.

- Inability to withstand high temperatures: May deform or release harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures

**Features of silicone baby bottles:**

- **Safe and harmless:** Silicone is a safe, colorless and odorless material that does not pose any risk to human health. Even when breast milk is stored at normal temperatures, it does not deteriorate easily.

- **Easy to wash and sterilize:** Silicone baby bottles are highly heat resistant compared to traditional plastic bottles, making sterilization easy and effective.

- **Odorless:** Silicone is a non-toxic, colorless and odorless raw material. Therefore, there will be no unwanted odors from food or liquids inside plastic or rubber bottles, which helps maintain the freshness of the contents.

- **Easy to carry:** When going out, several straws and bottles (silicone parts) can be separated and assembled together, which reduces their size and makes them easier to carry.

- **Affordable:** Silicone baby bottles are free of harmful hormones and do not cause poisoning. Therefore, there is no need to change the baby's bottle, but it is sufficient to change the straw for long-term use.

**How ​​to care for baby bottles?**

Baby bottles require special care and constant attention, in addition to cleaning and sterilization, especially if the baby is in the first months of his life. At this stage, the baby's immunity is weak, making him vulnerable to bacteria, which can lead to health problems such as colic and frequent diarrhea. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of cleaning and sterilizing your baby's bottle. Here are some options for cleaning and sterilizing the bottle:

First, wash the bottle daily using lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid. It is preferable to use a thin brush to reach all parts of the bottle. This brush should also be used to clean the nipple to get rid of milk residue, then rinse the bottle with hot water to remove any residue from the cleaning liquid. The bottle can also be cleaned and sterilized using the cooling method, by placing it in the freezer after washing it, as the cold helps kill all types of bacteria. It is recommended to place the plastic bottle in the freezer for an hour.

Bottles can be sterilized by boiling, by allocating a special pot for this purpose, and not using it for cooking. Heat the water in the pot until it reaches the boiling point, then put aBottle parts in water. Close the pot tightly for a quarter of an hour to ensure that all types of bacteria are killed.

You can also use sterilizing tablets available in the baby bottle section in children's stores. All you have to do is buy these tablets and put the bottles in them for an hour, then dry them using a cotton towel, and then you can keep them in the refrigerator. Another option is to use electric steam sterilizers, which can be purchased from the baby bottle section in children's stores. You can also use a microwave by putting water in a glass bowl and placing the bottle parts in it for a few minutes.

It is preferable to sterilize glass bottles using boiling water, as this is the most suitable option. Bottles should be sterilized once a day. It is also recommended not to put juices or ground baby food in the milk bottle, as this may change its color.

**How ​​to sterilize plastic and glass baby bottles using chemical solutions**

 

We can use tablets that dissolve in water or disinfectant solutions to sterilize baby bottles. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Prepare the sterilization solution according to the instructions on the package.

2. Place the baby bottles in the sterilization solution, making sure they are completely submerged and free of bubbles.

3. Leave the bottles in the solution for the time specified on the package, usually less than half an hour.

4. After removing the bottles from the solution, do not rinse them to avoid transferring germs again, but leave them to dry.

**How ​​to sterilize baby bottles with steam**

 

Baby bottles made of plastic or glass can be sterilized using an electric sterilizer, which works in a similar way to boiling. This device relies on high temperatures sufficient to kill bacteria. The following steps can be followed to ensure this is done correctly:

1. Place the baby bottles and accessories inside the device with the feeding opening facing down.

2. Follow the instructions recommended by the device manufacturer regarding the appropriate amount of water and the method and duration of operation.

3. The baby bottles can be left inside the device closed until use.

**How ​​to sterilize glass and plastic baby bottles using a microwave**

You can easily sterilize baby bottles using a microwave by following these steps:

1. Read the microwave instructions carefully to ensure the appropriate temperature for the sterilization process.

2. Avoid placing any bottle that contains metal parts.

3. Place the baby bottles inside a plastic container filled with water, and avoid placing them directly in the microwave to avoid melting or damaging them.

**How ​​to sterilize glass baby bottles**

 

In addition to the previous methods, glass baby bottles can be sterilized using one of the following effective methods:

**Sterilization with vinegar**White vinegar is an effective way to get rid of germs and bacteria, and it can be used to sterilize surfaces and tools effectively. To sterilize baby bottles using vinegar, you can follow these steps:

1. In a deep bowl, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water, making sure to mix the mixture well.

2. Place the baby bottles in this solution and leave them to soak for a sufficient period of time.

3. After that, we wash the baby bottles and all their accessories with cold water.

Vinegar will help remove any stuck-on stains or unwanted odors. It is important to note that after using this method, the bottles should be washed well to ensure that this does not affect the quality of the milk when placed inside them.

**How ​​to sterilize glass bottles using salt** Salt is a common ingredient in sterilization processes, and the method of using it to sterilize bottles is simple and easy as follows:

1. First, we wash the bottles using lukewarm water.

2. We prepare a large, deep bowl, and fill it with water with the addition of a handful of salt.

3. We put the bottles in the salt solution for five minutes.

4. After that, we remove the bottles from the bowl and wash them well with lukewarm water.

5. You can use a bottle brush while washing to ensure that they are well cleaned.

6. We dry the bottles using clean kitchen towels to get rid of any remaining water.

It is important to note that this method is not used to sterilize bottle nipples, to avoid salt sticking to them, which may harm the child.

**Methods for sterilizing plastic baby bottles**

 

In this paragraph, we will review several effective methods for sterilizing plastic baby bottles:

**Method 1:**After the child has finished breastfeeding, we wash the bottle with warm water, then fill it with boiling water and add a quantity of dishwashing soap. We close the bottle and leave it for 30 minutes.

After that, we use a bottle cleaning brush to clean the bottle from the inside, making sure to remove all milk residue.

Once we are sure that the bottle is completely clean, we rinse it again with warm water well, then leave it to dry to avoid bacteria forming on it again.

**Method 2 (sterilizing tablets)** These tablets are effective in killing bacteria when placed in boiling water. It is necessary to leave the tablets inside the bottle with boiling water for at least a quarter of an hour to ensure that all germs and bacteria are eliminated.

**How ​​to wash baby bottles**

 

After explaining how to properly sterilize baby bottles, we will review how to clean plastic and glass baby bottles to ensure their safety for the baby:

1. First, wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

2. Disassemble all parts of the bottle, including the bottle, cap, nipple, and all other contents.

3. Get rid of any milk residue by rinsing it with running water, whether warm or cold, while avoiding soaking it while it is not clean.

4. Place all parts in a bowl designated for cleaning baby bottles.

5. Fill the bowl with hot water and add soap to it.

6. Using the baby bottle brush, scrub each piece and make sure to pass water through the nipple holes to ensure its cleanliness.

7. Rinse the baby bottle and all its parts well to get rid of soap residue usingRunning water.

8. Place the bottle and all its components on a clean paper towel or clean cotton towel.

When should you sterilize baby bottles?

 

There are some cases that require sterilizing baby bottles, including:

1. **When using the bottle for the first time** The mother may think that the baby bottle she buys is clean and sterile, but it is important to realize the amount of germs that may be present on it as a result of the filling and packaging process. Therefore, the bottle must be sterilized immediately after purchasing it and before using it.

2. **When the bottle falls on the floor** The child may drop the bottle on the floor, which is common at this age. Before offering the bottle to him again, it must be sterilized again, even if it has been sterilized previously, especially if there are people entering the house with their shoes or if there is a pet.

3. **When leaving milk residue inside the bottle for a long time** If the mother leaves the bottle without cleaning it for a long time, such as leaving it from night until morning, it is best to follow an appropriate sterilization method after washing it, to get rid of germs and bacteria that may have formed inside it during that period.