Choosing a feeding bottle can be confusing, especially
when you are both breast feeding and giving formula milk to your baby, as this
may end up causing your baby getting confused because of the difference between
your nipple and the bottle nipple. In any case, the best way to go is by trial
and error, because you cannot predict which bottle your child will like until
he tries it. When buying a feeding bottle, go for bottles with features that
minimize air bubbles, such as drop-in inserts, vents, or an angled top, as
these help protect against gassiness.
Also keep in mind to avoid bottle with the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which is found
in many food and liquid containers, including baby bottles. BPA is used for its
properties of hardening plastics, protecting foods from bacterial contamination,
and preventing cans from rusting.
Studies on animals regarding the effects of
BPA use in containers have revealed some concerning findings in terms of effects
on the endocrine functions. Additional studies will be needed to conclusively
determine what level of BPA exposure might cause similar effects in humans. Meanwhile,
reducing exposure to BPS is advised by abiding by the following steps:
·
Avoid clear plastic baby bottles or containers with the
recycling number 7 and the letters “PC” imprinted on them, as many of these
bottles contain BPA.
·
You may want to go for certified or identified BPA-free plastic
bottles.
·
When selecting a feeding bottle, choose ones that are made of
opaque plastic, because such bottles (made of polyethylene or polypropylene) do
not contain BPA. You can also look for the recycle symbols with the number 2 or
5 in them.
·
An alternative would be to use bottles made of glass, but be
aware that glass bottles carry the risk of injury to you or your baby if the
bottle is dropped or broken.
·
Heating plastic bottles may lead to the release of BPA from
plastic, so you need to keep in mind the following:
o Do not boil
polycarbonate bottles
o Do not heat
polycarbonate bottles in the microwave
o Do not wash
polycarbonate bottles in the dishwasher
