What to Expect: The Ultimate Guide to Baby Feeding Accessories
A newborn baby is a precious gift, and parents everywhere spend countless hours putting together lists of possible baby names, learning about prenatal health care, baby toys and getting ready for the big day. But even once those little bundles of joy arrive, you still have plenty of things to worry about, one of them being feeding time.
There’s no shortage of feeding supplies designed to make life with a new baby just a bit easier. However, all of the products can be very overwhelming for new parents, making your head spin! But no need to worry, by choosing the right accessories, you’ll have everything you need for a stress-free feeding experience.
Breastfeeding
One of the most rewarding experiences a new mother can have is breastfeeding. You get to give your baby the yummy nourishment and affection they need while bonding with them. It’s also healthy for both you and your baby. And it costs nothing.
Breastfeeding Pillow
Breastfeeding pillows are among the most popular baby feeding accessories on the market today. The reason why women are so drawn to breastfeeding pillows is that they make the breastfeeding process more comfortable and easier, especially when trying to breastfeed while sitting up.
The breastfeeding pillow can be used in many different ways depending on how it is designed. There are some that have a c-shape or horseshoe shape that wraps around your body. These pillows can be used in a variety of positions including propping up the baby while sitting upright, placing the baby in an angled position, or even lying down with the pillow nestled behind you and your baby.
Nursing Pads
Nursing pads are the kind of practical baby feeding accessories that are a blessing for new mothers who are breastfeeding. They provide extra coverage for the nipples and make it easier for you to feed your baby when starting. It is common for women to have concerns about their nipples leaking milk while feeding, which can sometimes be embarrassing in public. Since the nursing pads are made with a soft fabric that absorbs liquid, they prevent this from ever happening.
It is important to choose the right nursing pads if you want them to be effective. Some of the things to watch out for if you want to buy them include the shape, absorbency, and durability of the product. You should also look at how comfortable they are in terms of size and whether or not they fit your bra well.
Breast Pump
Breast pumps allow mothers to express breast milk outside of the home. They are portable and can be used anywhere. Two types of these useful baby feeding accessories are available: manual and electric. Manual pumps are useful for occasional use or for women who may not have access to electricity. Electric breast pumps are more convenient and faster than manual pumps.
A breast pump consists of a manual pump or an electric motor that is attached to a bottle where the expressed breast milk is stored until it is ready to be used. A shield is placed over the nipple, allowing the suction to draw out the milk from the breast. A valve is also included in the pump – this allows air into the bottle only when suction is released from the bottle, thus creating a vacuum effect that draws out the breast milk. There are many brands of breast pumps on the market, choosing one can be difficult. The most important factor to consider when purchasing a breast pump is comfort.
Bottle Feeding
There are several methods to feed your baby, but each has its own benefits. For instance, breastfeeding is a natural way of feeding your child, without the use of bottles or formula; however, it may not always be convenient. That’s why many mothers choose bottle-feeding over breastfeeding.
Some of the most basic infant feeding accessories include bottle-feeding essentials, sterilizers, bottle warmers, and bottle drying racks. The number one type of feeding accessory is the baby bottle. Bottle feeding essentials are the most important items you will need to feed your baby. Bottle feeding is a simple process but can be very difficult if you do not have all the essential items you need.
The other type of feeding accessory is a bottle sterilizer. It is important to keep your baby’s bottles clean and free of harmful germs. A bottle sterilizer kills any germs that may be in your baby’s bottle. Many parents use a microwave to heat their baby’s bottles, which is not recommended because it takes longer than a conventional oven or steam sterilizer and can increase the risk of burning your child’s mouth or throat. Always check the temperature before placing a bottle in the sterilizer.
There are lots of things you can do with a baby bottle warmer. The obvious one is warming bottles, of course, but you can also use them for heating up baby food. It’s great for defrosting frozen breast milk, too! And if your baby ever has a cold or some other medical condition where you need to warm medicine or water, this is the perfect tool for that job as well.
What’s great about it is that it’s safe and easy to use. Just plug it in and push the button to turn it on; push it again to turn it off. When heating liquids, the light will be green when the bottle is warm but not too hot, and red if it’s too hot. So, you can be assured that your baby will enjoy all his feedings without any risk of scalding himself.
Another item that many parents will use to keep their baby’s bottles clean is a drying rack. When cleaning your baby bottles make sure you wash them thoroughly with warm soapy water and dry them completely before storing them.
To Sum Up
A good baby feeding accessory can make your life easier in so many different ways. They also have a way of making baby feeding time more enjoyable for your little one and yourself. Whatever kinds of accessories you decide on, it pays to do enough research so that you know what you’re buying. That way you can find the best accessories for your unique tastes, preferences, and lifestyle.