For decades, new moms and child care experts have been debating about breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. The choice is a personal one, and each mom and family needs to make the choice that is right for them. Whichever you choose, though, there are certain essentials you're going to need.
Breastfeeding: The Natural Way
Most will agree that breastfeeding is less expensive and requires only a mother and her hungry infant. Certain accessories, however, help to make breastfeeding more convenient and comfortable for both mom and baby. Sometimes, too, getting started can be difficult, so instructional videos or breastfeeding books may be a good investment.
Nursing bras offer easy accessibility and increase mom's privacy during nursing time. Many mothers also prefer to use breast pads. Some are disposable, and others can be washed and re-used. These are designed to absorb leakage between feedings.
Moms can also use nipple shields that prevent clothing from adhering to nipples and allow air to circulate to the skin during these months. Lanolin is an inexpensive cream that can be applied to sore or cracked nipples to help heal skin, and is almost an essential during the early weeks of nursing. This cream is also safe for the baby; just wipe off the extra before a feeding.
Breast pumps
Many mothers have to go back to work before their children are weaned, and breastfeeding pumps allow moms to express milk and store it for these times. Reputable companies such as Medela or Ameda offer high-quality breast pumps that help moms to continue nursing even after returning to their jobs.
Many different types of breast pumps are available. For example, manual breast pumps are convenient and inexpensive, and are handy for occasional use. Electric breast pumps allow milk to be collected more quickly and are more powerful than manual pumps. The most convenient types, however, are the double electric breast pumps, which permit pumping both breasts simultaneously.
Several additional items are necessary for use with breast pumps. For example, bottles will be needed for feeding, and bottle warmers are helpful in warming the bottle to the proper temperature for feeding. Freezer bags allow milk to be frozen or stored for longer periods of time, and carrying cases or car adapters often make transporting a breast pump easier.
Comfort accessories
Calm, relaxing environments make breastfeeding more comfortable for both baby and mother. Choose from an assortment of extras that make this normal process even more natural. Purchase nursing pillows to optimize a baby's position, or rest aching feet atop a nursing stool after a long day. Cushioned glider roc kers are a great addition to any nursery, and are sold in a wide array of colors. Use nursing covers or shawls to provide privacy in public, and help the baby to eat with fewer distractions.
Bottle Feeding Choices
Some babies have difficulty nursing, or have multiple allergies. In some situations, bottle feeding may be best for mom, baby, or both. Bottle feedings also allow dad to take part in feeding time, and encourages father-infant bonding.
Formula feeding can be more expensive. Many different brands and forms of baby formula are sold by manufacturers such as Carnation, Enfamil, and Similac. Powdered baby formula is the most economical and is easiest to store.
In comparison, concentrated baby formula can be prepared more quickly, but is somewhat more expensive than powdered formula. Ready to serve baby formula is the most convenient, but is also most expensive.
Some manufacturers offer milk-based baby formulas. These have been developed and marketed based on the theory that cow's milk is the closes substitute to human milk. Some babies, however, do not digest milk-based formulas well, have multiple allergies, or are raised in vegetarian families. Soy-based baby formulas are helpful for these babies.
Bottle feeding accessories
Parents who choose bottle feeding will need to invest in baby bottles. A variety of systems are available, including disposable baby bottle systems, reusable baby bottles, and Dr. Brown's bottles.
Reusable bottles may have straight or angled necks; both angled necks and disposable systems reduce the amount of air swallowed by the baby during a feeding. Dr. Brown's bottles feature a special vent system designed to help eliminate air bubbles, and are perfect for use with colicky babies. Buy baby bottle brushes to clean a reusable baby bottle properly between each use.
In addition to bottles, parents will need to buy a good stock of replacement nipples. Different nipples are designed for use with different bottle systems, so choose the right nipple for the bottle system you're planning to use.
Rubber or latex nipples tend to be soft and flexible, but some babies are allergic to them. Silicone nipples tend to be stiffer and maintain their proper shape. They are usually safe for dishwashing. Another option preferred by some parents is orthodontic nipples, which are designed to prevent the development of jaw or tooth problems.
As a baby grows, he or she will need a nipple that offers faster flow, so keep this in mind while feeding. Nipples tend to wear quickly, so replace them if they become damaged.
Baby bottle warmers offer the safest way to warm bottles to the proper temperature at feeding times. Formula coolers or carrying cases are perfect for keeping bottles safely cooled during travel.
In addition to these essentials, other items are helpful for bottle feeding babies. Baby bibs are designed to keep clothes safe from formula or food spills, while burp cloths are designed to protect a parent or caregiver's clothing from spit-ups during burping. Feeding pillows are designed to prop baby at the right angle and height for feeding. Pacifiers are used by many parents to sooth a fussy infant between feedings.
When They Grow: Choosing a Baby High Chair
When a baby can sit up unassisted (usually between six and seven months), and is starting to eat solid foods, it's time to graduate her (or him) to a high chair. Safety is a major consideration in choosing a high chair. First, consider stability. A standing high chair should be durable and built with a wide base. If buying high chairs that clamp onto tabletops, choose models with strong, durable clamps.
Considering buying products certified for safety by the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JMPA). Don't buy chairs with sharp ages, and use only high chairs that have restraint belts that fasten between the baby's legs and around his or her waist.
Some high chairs are easier to clean than others, so determine how important this is before making a purchase. Also, decide what extra features, such as collapsible design or wheels, are necessary before going shopping. Different chairs are made from different materials, so choose between models made from metal, wood, or plastic.
During the toddler years, a child will outgrow his or her high chair, but may still be too small for a regular table chair. Booster chairs offer the perfect solution, allowing the child to sit at the table, while raising him or her to a comfortable height for eating.
Other accessories that are important for feeding babies include baby spoons, sippy cups, and baby utensils. Special dishes often make meal times easier, and some parents prefer to make their own baby food by using a food grinder. This allows them to control what their children eat more carefully.
Healthy eating habits begin in infancy, and grow throughout childhood. Encourage your children to become healthy adults with good eating habits. Start today - it's never too soon!