Baby Bottle Feeding Guide: Keep It Safe and Simple

Feeding a baby with a bottle can feel tricky, especially the first few weeks. The good news is you don’t need a PhD to get it right. All you need are a few clear steps that keep the bottle clean, the milk fresh, and your baby happy.

Choosing the Right Bottle and Nipple

Start with a bottle that matches your baby’s age. Newborns usually prefer a slow‑flow nipple, while older infants can handle medium or fast flow. Look for BPA‑free plastic or glass – both work, but glass is easier to sterilise. If you’re unsure, check the packaging for the recommended age range.

Make sure the nipple is the right size for the bottle’s neck. A loose fit can let milk seep out, creating messes and a breeding ground for germs. When you first assemble the bottle, give the nipple a quick pull‑test – it should stay snug but still move freely.

Cleaning and Sterilising Made Easy

Right after each feed, rinse the bottle with cool water to remove milk residue. Then wash it in warm, soapy water using a bottle brush. Pay special attention to the nipple’s little holes – they’re easy to miss.

Once a week, give all parts a proper sterilise. You can boil them for five minutes, use a microwave steam steriliser, or pop them into a dishwasher’s top rack. After sterilising, let them air‑dry on a clean rack. No need to towel‑dry; towels can re‑introduce bacteria.

Many parents wonder if bottles need to be bone‑dry before the next use. The short answer: not really. A little moisture won’t hurt as long as the bottle is stored upright and the nipple is free of milk. Just make sure the bottle isn’t left damp for days – that’s when mold can grow.

When you’re ready to fill the bottle, use freshly expressed breast milk, ready‑made formula, or warmed water for formula. Warm the milk to body temperature by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Test the temperature on the inside of your wrist; it should feel comfortably warm, not hot.

During the feed, keep the bottle angled so the nipple stays full of milk. This reduces the amount of air your baby swallows, which can cause gas or fussiness. If your baby seems to be gulping air, try a slower‑flow nipple or a bottle designed to reduce air intake.

Finally, always label any leftover milk and store it in the fridge. Use it within 24 hours and discard any milk that smells sour. By following these simple steps, you’ll keep feeding time smooth and your baby safe.