February 2016 Moms
robinj716
member
Formula Feeding/Making Bottles
robinj716
member
For those whole formula feed, how do you make your bottles?
I am currently using Philips Avent bottles. Lately LO has been a little more gassy. I use bottled water and add the formula then shake the bottle. I'm starting to wonder if he's getting too many air bubbles in it from me shaking the bottle.
I was considering switching to Dr.Browns bottles, but wasn't sure if shaking to mix would render the same problem just with a different bottle, not to mention all the parts you have to clean with those bottles.
I have considered pre-mixing the formula in one of those formula mixer jugs and heating it, but I didn't really want him getting used to warmed bottles and then not take room temp bottles when we are out and about. I've tried cold formula from the fridge before and it made him have an upset stomach.
I have also considered the baby Brezza machine, but that just adds another thing to have to clean and only it only makes ounces in even sizes, 2,4,6,8, etc.
So for those who formula feed, what do you do?
ETA: after re-reading my post it sounds like I am super lazy, but I am not. I just want the most practical/effective option, without adding a bunch of unnecessary things, however I'm willing to do what I need to do for my little guy.
I am currently using Philips Avent bottles. Lately LO has been a little more gassy. I use bottled water and add the formula then shake the bottle. I'm starting to wonder if he's getting too many air bubbles in it from me shaking the bottle.
I was considering switching to Dr.Browns bottles, but wasn't sure if shaking to mix would render the same problem just with a different bottle, not to mention all the parts you have to clean with those bottles.
I have considered pre-mixing the formula in one of those formula mixer jugs and heating it, but I didn't really want him getting used to warmed bottles and then not take room temp bottles when we are out and about. I've tried cold formula from the fridge before and it made him have an upset stomach.
I have also considered the baby Brezza machine, but that just adds another thing to have to clean and only it only makes ounces in even sizes, 2,4,6,8, etc.
So for those who formula feed, what do you do?
ETA: after re-reading my post it sounds like I am super lazy, but I am not. I just want the most practical/effective option, without adding a bunch of unnecessary things, however I'm willing to do what I need to do for my little guy.
Re: Formula Feeding/Making Bottles
For what it's worth, I also looked into the baby brezza and it really seems like you need to clean the spout after every use to avoid build up. I've also heard complaints about the pitchers that if you don't need to make close to the full amount it can hold that they don't mix properly.
When we were using powder I used the baby brezza formula pro but the machine got clogged up quite a bit despite cleaning the dispenser with every feeding. When I make the switch back to powder I plan to just use the machine for the water, since it keeps it at the right temperature for feeding, and mix in the powder myself once the water is dispensed. I also found that the powder mixed in much better with water that was slightly warmed versus room temperature or colder so you could always try that as well and see if it helps with the gas.
I use Similac sensitive powder, and I just gently swirl the bottle after adding the powder to the water (we buy jugs of nursery water). At first we shook the bottles to mix but it created so many bubbles and it was difficult to see how many ounces LO was actually eating. I use cheap bottles we got at Walmart. I have Phillips avent bottles, but the nipple size is too big for him right now (I didn't know they came in different sizes) so the smaller cheap ones work well now. LO is 3.5 weeks old and doesn't have any gas problems. Well he toots a lot, but he doesn't have trouble getting the gas out, lol!
I bought a Brezza on a whim and don't know how I lived without it. I was premixing bottles at night and throwing them in the warmer, but it is SO much easier to have a bottle in seconds when you have a screaming baby than trying to calm her for the 3 minutes to heat the bottle. She was waking herself up too much and was really hard to get back to sleep after.
Its really easy to clean. I just run a toothpick and wet rag over where the formula comes out and wipe down the funnel once or twice a day. You only have to take it apart to clean it 1-2 times a month.
As for making the bottles correctly, I used a food scale to make sure they were measuring out to the same amount as the ones I made by hand. I always check to make sure when it's made the amount in the bottle looks right. You can tell when it's clogged and they're watered down.
it keeps the formula from getting too bubbly and I used Dr. brown's bottles to cut the rest. I couldn't live without those bottles and my Brezza.
i would say to work with the nipple size as well to see what works best for your LO. The #1 nipple sizes seem to create more work for him, but he ends up drinking slower and less gas bubbles. The #2 nipples make him happier because he can chug without the added work, but it does cause more bubbles. Now he is to the point where he uses all the bottle brands I've bought in rotation because he's used to bottles now.
I also pre pre make his late night, during the night, and early AM bottles in the evening in 4 oz advent bottles. By the time I use them, it's not bubbly. Also HIGHLY recommend a bottle warmer too!!! I use the Phillips advent one, but it will fit any type and brand bottle. Only thing I wish it has was a timer and/or automatic off switch. Sometimes I forget to turn it off after taking the bottle out and it's annoying.
we are on the alimentum formula due to allergy.