UTENSILS FOR ALTERNATIVE FEEDING
There are certain utensils that you will need to buy for feeding your baby. It is essential that these utensils are kept clean and hygienic.
Types of Utensils to use when feeding your baby
For a fully bottle-fed infant you will need three to six 250ml bottles. The best bottles are of glass or clear plastic, with a wide mouth and a screw top to hold the teat. The bottle must be clearly marked in millilitres.
Buy good quality teats to withstand boiling. The hole in the teat should allow a steady flow of drops when the bottle is held upside down.
Plates and bowls - try small shallow plastic containers preferably with lids; make sure that they are suitable for the microwave, dishwasher and freezer.
Forks and spoons - try using weaning spoons and forks, and make sure that they are microwave and dishwasher proof.
Cups - cups with sipper spouts are easy for infants to drink from, but they can dribble. Cups with vacuum valves in the top will not leak. You can also use a trainer cup which includes a soft spout.
It is not enough to wash your baby's utensils in soapy water alone as you run the risk of bacteria and parasitic infections, which can lead to anything from a mild attack of thrush to the more serious condition of gastro-enteritis.
Sterilising your baby's utensils is a safe way of keeping your baby's feeding equipment hygienic.
Click here for information on how to Sterilise your baby's feeding equipment.
