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The Importance of a Baby Bottle Sterilizer

January 18th, 2010 admin No comments

Whenever you buy a baby bottle for your baby or toddler you will find instructions telling you to sterilize the bottle. Usually instructions will tell you to drop the bottle and adjoining pieces into a pot of boiling water. This method may have been the most effective way before the advent of a baby bottle sterilizer, which has now provided an alternative.

baby bottle sterilizerThere are a number of baby bottle sterilizer models on the market to choose from. Microwave compartments, microwavable bags and electric steamers are just a few. The microwave sterilizer container is simply a container that is microwave safe.

Water is added to the container, you then place the bottle inside of this container and microwave away. Make sure to read instructions on the bottle carton and complete according to the directions on the package. This is safe, convenient and easy to use. A disadvantage is its size. It may not fit into all microwave ovens.

An alternative to the microwave container method is the microwavable bag. This is a bag that you put the bottle in and straight into the microwave. It is also probably the cheapest way in terms of paid bottle sterilizing methods. You can use each several times before discarding it.

An electronic baby bottle sterilizer is a little more complex. It is a separate container that heats electronically in order to disinfect the bottles. Adjoining pieces of the bottle, like the nipple and ring can also be included. You may have a problem with the size of the bottle and the size of the baby bottle sterilizer, i.e., bottle not fitting. That can easily be avoided and is not a major issue.

The most simple way and effective way of sterilizing baby bottles is the microwave container. This is reliable and you do not have to worry about any parts malfunctioning as with the electric baby bottle sterilizer. Sometimes it is hard to pay a lot for just a plastic container, but for new parents it may be worth the investment.

The electronic sterilizing method is good for use in the home. As long as there is an electric outlet you can plug it right in. This means you can put it anywhere in your home, including your bedroom for convenience. With some electric sterilizers you can also use it to sanitize other toys your child gets into their mouth, like chew toys or pacifiers.

If you are traveling, the microwave bag may be the option for you. It is easy to pack and carry. As long as you have access to a microwave you will be able to sterilize your baby’s bottles, and accessories.

Before purchasing a baby bottle sterilizer it will save you headaches if you make sure that it will fit the bottles you already have. It is also convenient to think about how your bottles will get bigger as your baby grows as well. Although sanitizers disinfect the bottles, make sure you wash the bottles after they have gone through this process. The usual recommendation for washing bottles is warm water and soap.

Glass Baby Bottles Are Making a Big Comeback

January 15th, 2010 admin No comments

Everyone wants the best for their babies, especially when it comes to feeding. Some years ago traditional glass baby bottles were replaced by plastic ones. The plastic bottles had advantages and were more economical, but scientific research has proved that plastic bottles can be harmful.

Polycarbonate plastic is used to make plastic baby bottles. When the bottle is heated, a chemical called BPA (bisphenol-A) is released. This chemical attaches itself to the milk inside the bottle and is therefore ingested by the baby.

Parents have justifiably become alarmed at this news. This has prompted a resurgence of glass baby bottles. This is a good thing, especially when you consider that during recent years, manufacturers of cool drinks and sodas have started bottling their products in glass and done away with plastic containers.

Glass is pure, clean and totally recyclable. It contains no chemicals whatsoever therefore the milk inside cannot be contaminated. Glass baby bottles come in all shapes, sizes and colors. This means you can buy your baby’s bottle to match all his or her other baby items.

Obviously you can still buy the traditional straight shaped glass baby bottle. Other shapes include angle-necked bottles, curved bottles, wide-necked bottles, bottles that have openings at both ends, and even bottles shaped like a woman’s breast. The bottles that have openings at the top and bottom are very practical because they can be easily cleaned.

Of course the question on every mom’s lips is ‘What about the safety of glass bottles?’ You’ll be pleased to know that very thick glass is used to make baby bottles. This makes them very unlikely to break without significant force. Parents should also remember that it is up to them to ensure their baby’s safety.

You should never leave a baby unattended while he or she is feeding from a bottle. And when your baby is old enough to walk, never let him or her walk around holding a bottle. If you follow these two golden rules, a glass bottle will be perfectly safe for your baby, and you will have peace of mind knowing that no harmful chemicals are contaminating the contents.

To further enhance the safety of glass baby bottles, you can go online and make some inquiries about a revolutionary baby bottle made with glass that contains a silicone sheath to prevent breakage. These bottles are hypo-allergic and come in many colors.

Another new invention is a glass baby bottle that comes with a protective sleeve. This bottle comes with a non-toxic, latex free nipple. The sleeve, which has been approved by the FDA, contains no polycarbonates and it is completely recyclable.

Because glass retains heat longer that plastic, a glass baby bottle will keep the milk warmer for longer. Glass can withstand high heat so the bottle can be put in extremely hot water when sterilizing it. Unlike plastic, a glass baby bottle does not retain that nasty odor of old milk. Some glass bottles can be washed in a dishwasher. Make sure you check the label before placing a glass baby bottle in a dishwasher.

Baby Girl Gifts: What Should You Give?

November 3rd, 2009 admin No comments

Baby girl gifts are almost always in pink but there are a myriad of baby gifts to choose from. From boxes to playthings to trinkets to clothes and baby nursery bedding-the gift giver is sure to have a hard time choosing which gift to give. A diaper bag, baby bath items, baby bottles and other baby utensils are popular choices for baby girl gifts since these gifts are very useful. The new parents of that little bundle of joy will surely appreciate such gifts.

baby girl giftsHowever, with the advancement of technology, other gifts such as your baby’s own website are recommended by the techno savvy as one of the best baby girl gifts. A personal website for your newborn baby girl can be designed for posting photos and notes for everyone to see. Giving baby girl gifts need to be thought through. One thing to consider is if the parents will like it and if the baby can actually use it.

Infants are fragile and that is something that needs to be taken into consideration so giving baby blankets or pillows that are hypoallergenic are advised. According to the American Baby Group, factors that gift givers look at include the quality of the item along with the brand. Practicality is also a factor while some rely on professional advice on which baby gifts are the best.

Since taking care of a newborn child is a challenge both financially and emotionally, moms and expectant moms spend a lot of their time budgeting by using vouchers for baby items. So for the practical gift giver, get a voucher for baby girl gifts – this will surely make new moms and dads happy.

For other gift ideas, get a diaper cake. Babies need diapers and at the prices of diapers these days, the new parents will surely thank you for giving your gift a lot of thought. For those who want to give toys to the new bundle of joy, choose ones that make sounds when shaken because babies respond to what they hear and it helps babies develop their senses as well. Clothes are of course another popular choice for baby girl gifts. They are actually more popular than toys. For the frugal, get baby booties or stockings for the baby. Ballerina skirts or tutus are both cute and inexpensive but for a more practical choice, get shoes, coats and overalls.

Bodysuits are one of the best baby girl gifts; they are easy to clean and are soft and comfortable as well. Bodysuits for babies are the most important garment for the new baby girl because bodysuits protect infants from cold weather. There are myriad of color choices. Get a pair or maybe more, coupled with a lot of love for a perfect baby gift.

Baby girl gifts do not need to be outrageously priced. As long as they are useful and safe, they will get an A++ from the parents. It is the thought that counts as they say but be sure to give it a lot of thought on what to give. Enjoy wrapping those baby girl gifts!