Learning how many baby bottles do you need, is important for all new parents.
You probably read all the pregnancy books and articles you could find while waiting for a baby and bought everything suggested.
Now that you’re back home after giving birth, it may have started to sink in that maybe you went a little overboard.
Seriously, how many baby bottles do you need?
Keep reading to find out if you’re set, or you need to make another trip to the baby store.
Related: Why is baby formula so expensive?
Related: Best bottle coolers
Related: Best bottles for preemies
How Many Baby Bottles Do You Need?
Generally speaking, choosing the number of baby bottles to get for your newborn depends on several factors, which include:
1. Breastfeeding or bottle-fed
For most mothers, the first six months are the most important breastfeeding moments.
However, this may not always be possible due to work or other commitments.
In that case, you can get 3 or 4 baby bottles, which you can use to store breast milk when you’re not around.
On the other hand, you’ll need at least 10 to 12 baby bottles if you decide to go with baby formula from the very beginning.
Please note that you don’t necessarily need to buy all of them at once as babies quickly outgrow their bottles.
Start with a small size and move on to bigger as the baby grows.
You can also start with a few different kinds and continue with your baby’s one seems to prefer.
2. The shape of the baby bottle
This determines the best position for feeding your baby to avoid colic and reduce gas.
Standard baby bottles allow for a more laid down position, while angled baby bottles are for a semi-upright feeding position.
3. Cost of baby bottle
Your baby will most likely get used to whatever type of baby bottle you get depending on how much money you have at the time.
Alternatively, you can include exactly what you want in a baby registry to be purchased by friends and family.
4. Nipples
When using a bottle, your baby is the best judge for determining whether you got the right nipple or not.
Most nipples are made of silicone, which is heat resistant and bites proof.
They also come in different flow strengths, but you can start with stage 1, which copies the breast milk flow rate.
5. Ease of cleaning
You don’t want to spend all your time cleaning a baby bottle, so make sure that you go for a brand that doesn’t have too many removable parts.
You should also make sure you get a bottle and nipple brush and sanitize the baby bottles after use.
What Type of Baby Bottle To Buy
There are several kinds of baby bottles available on the market. Each type has both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
1. Glass Bottle
Glass water bottles are quite durable and are pretty hard to damage unless they fall and break.
They can also be heated and cooled without warping, and are easier to clean.
However, they are not easy to find sometimes and can be quite expensive.
2. Plastic Bottle
Plastic baby bottles, on the other hand, are cheap and readily available.
However, they don’t last very long and have to be replaced every 3 to 4 months.
They may also come with harmful chemicals that can get into the milk and affect your baby.
3. Silicone Bottle
Silicone bottles are lightweight and chemical-free. They can also be gripped by a baby easily, are see-through, and don’t break.
Unfortunately, the biggest downfall about this bottle option is that it is pretty costly.
There is also a limited number of choices when it comes to silicone baby bottles.
4. Stainless Steel Bottle
One of the advantages of stainless steel bottles is that they can literally last forever. They also don’t break and are chemical-free.
Compared to other options, this is the most expensive and hardest to find.
Since they aren’t transparent, you won’t get to see how much milk your baby has drunk already.
It’s also worth noting that steel can retain heat. If you opt to use a stainless steel bottle for your baby, make sure you use a silicone sleeve.
5. Disposable Bottle
Disposable baby bottles are actually made of plastic that come with a disposable sterilized liner.
It is a good option for colic babies since this is what the liners help with.
They are a quick and easy option if you’re traveling. But in the long run, they aren’t worth buying. They also aren’t an eco-friendly option.
How To Choose A Baby Bottle In 2022
Do you need help picking out a baby bottle to buy? Here are some of the things you need to consider:
1. Material
There are different types of bottles available these days: glass, plastic, silicone, stainless, or disposable.
Whichever option you choose, make sure that the bottle is BPA and phthalates-free.
2. Shape
When it comes to shape, your two options include a standard and angled bottle.
If you are cradling your baby in your arms, you should use a standard feeding bottle.
If your baby is semi-upright, you can use an angled bottle.
3. Venting System
When you’re buying a bottle for a newborn, you have to check whether he is a colic baby or not.
This will help you buy a bottle with a venting system that will reduce swallowing air when your baby feeds from it.
4. Bottle Neck
One option that you should carefully think about is the bottle neck. This is important, especially if you plan to use a breast pump.
Some breast pumps require a wide-necked bottle. For convenience, you can use this bottle and be able to pump milk directly into it.
The more popular bottle neck style is the narrow-necked bottle. This is a standard size that works fine with most babies.
5. Size
When dealing with a newborn, you’ll want to use a smaller-sized bottle.
You can buy a 4oz or 5oz bottle and switch to a larger one once your baby starts needing more milk.
How Long Do Bottles Last?
It will largely depend on the type of baby bottle you use. The ones that really last and don’t require much replacing are silicone, glass, and stainless steel bottles.
If you are using glass bottles, make sure to check if there is some chipping around the bottle.
You need to replace plastic baby bottles every 2-3 months. Some indications that you need to replace the bottle are if it gets damaged, discolored, or starts to smell.
Make sure you check your baby’s bottle-feeding equipment thoroughly so you won’t encounter any issues.
Summary
Having a baby in the house is stressful, and wondering how many baby bottles you need shouldn’t be a worry.
Just relax, follow the recommended guidelines and go with your gut when it comes to what works for you and your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many baby bottles do I need and what size?
If you decide to bottle feed, you will need 8 to 10 baby bottles.
Meanwhile, you can stick to 3 or 4 if you will mostly be breastfeeding your baby.
Start with 4- or 5- ounce bottles for your newborn.
2. How many newborn bottles do you need?
Remember that newborn babies feed a lot in the first few months. But this doesn’t mean that they consume large quantities of milk every time.
Babies usually feed between 10 to 14 times a day. As he grows older, his need to feed will lessen gradually.
3. How many 4oz bottles do I need for newborn?
It will largely depend if you will be bottle- or exclusively breastfeeding your baby.
If you decide to bottle-feed your baby, it’s best to get 3 or 4 small bottles. They are a perfect size for your baby to grip.
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.
