SUMMARY :
- The number of bottles to provide per day (and the quantity of milk) depends on the age of your child
- How many bottles should you need per day when breastfeeding?
- Mixed breastfeeding: What if you stored your milk to give it later in a bottle?
- What is the ideal number of bottles to buy when you are not breastfeeding?
The arrival of a baby in a family is a great happiness. An exceptional gift that often brings with it a lot of questions... For example, the number of bottles to provide per day. If this conundrum scares you, start now by reassuring yourself... In this article, we provide you with all the information you need to properly understand your baby's milk meals! 🍼
The number of bottles to provide per day (and the quantity of milk) depends on the age of the child
From 0 to 1 month:
So drunk with happiness as you are with your baby in your arms, you almost forget that it will soon be time for a bottle! To avoid being surprised, take out the bottle in advance and make sure it is already clean. Be aware that infant bottles rarely contain more than 90 mL of milk the first month after leaving the maternity ward...
On the other hand, your baby's stomach is no bigger than a cherry, so he needs to be satisfied more regularly with small quantities. You will therefore need to prepare around 8 bottles per day, while remembering to space them out by at least 2 hours to avoid any risk of developing infant colic.
From 1 to 3 months:
At this age, babies feed exclusively on breast or artificial milk. If you give bottles of industrial milk to your little one, be sure to respect the following dosages: 5 to 6 150 mL bottles per day . For this volume of milk, a small bottle still does the trick. You can also choose to shift to the larger format so that the solution does not create lumps when you shake the container to mix. Give your baby something to drink slowly to limit the risk of regurgitation or reflux.
From 3 to 6 months:
After the child is three months old, bottles of milk still make up the majority of his meals. And although dietary diversification may have begun, it is important to always give at least 5 bottles per day. In terms of capacity, gradually increase the doses of milk until you reach the 210 ml at six months.
Of course, listen to your child and don't force him to drink if he seems full. Also make sure your baby's hunger is gone at the end of his meals. If its growth curve is moving in the right direction, there's no reason to worry!
From 6 months to 1 year:
Between six months and a year, babies sometimes eat on their own with their fingers or by holding a spoon. However, milk is still a very important source of nutrients and calcium for its development. At one year old, it is estimated that a baby should drink approximately 1/2L of milk per day, i.e. 500 mL or 50 cL. The number of bottles generally corresponds to the number of daily meals.
During this period, dietary diversification gradually takes hold and baby tastes new foods. All these new flavors can also make him lose interest in milk! If this is the case, you can supplement your meals with dairy like cottage cheese or yogurt.
Between 1 and 2 years:
The bottles of milk that you choose to give to your baby after one year of age are no longer considered necessary but contribute to your child's nutritional pleasure. It is of course up to you to establish the rules regarding pleasure meals.
But be careful do not overdo it at night.
Cavities represent a real threat to your child. If you don't want your child to drink a bottle in the evening for On the other hand, you will have to find the right compromise with your child to avoid frustrating him too much while initiating the weaning slowly. Patience and perseverance are more than strength or rage.
How many bottles should you need per day when breastfeeding?
The instructions given above are easy to follow if your baby is fed exclusively with powdered milk. But if you're breastfeeding, things are going to be a little different! 😉 No worries though.
If you are breastfeeding, it is not necessary to equip yourself immediately
Your baby, even a few hours after birth, knows how to recognize the signs of hunger, and let you know! You can therefore put him to the breast as soon as he demands , on the principle of supply and demand.
If your breastfeeding is a smooth affair and you are not planning to switch to mixed breastfeeding , no bottle will be required! You can nevertheless decide to anticipate stopping breastfeeding by purchasing baby bottles from a bottle manufacturer that respects your baby's health.
In some cases, a baby may not be able to latch on at birth, even after several attempts.
Persevere, and take advice from your midwife, your doula or a lactation consultant who can give you all the keys to ensuring that your breastfeeding goes as well as possible.
If, despite all this advice, breastfeeding becomes complicated for you, give yourself the opportunity to give a bottle if needed . Fatigue due to childbirth doesn't help, so this can save your day in the first few days. And it will not compromise the rest of your breastfeeding if you persevere. 😉
Plan to buy 2 or 3 bottles for mixed breastfeeding
But if you want to take care of yourself or simply rest a little, you can delegate the meal task to your partner . He will prepare a bottle from time to time, which will relieve and rest your breasts at the same time... Concerning the number of bottles to provide per day, note that:
- Buying several makes it easier to rotate between each meal.
- Having only one bottle can force you to constantly have to clean it.
Did you know ? By increasing your stock of baby bottles, your schedule will also be more flexible and the number of dishes more spaced out! 😉
Mixed breastfeeding: What if you stored your milk to give it later in a bottle?
● Going out shopping,
● Get some fresh air in the forest,
● Greet acquaintances,
● Go for a workout,
● …
Mixed breastfeeding offers a certain freedom to young mothers.
In this case, you will need to remember to express your milk at the usual feeding times so as not to become engorged. The flow of milk is a very characteristic sensation which manifests itself as a tingling sensation , cramps or electricity in the breasts.
You will therefore instantly recognize the ideal time to express your milk! Expressed milk can be collected and stored in the refrigerator or freezer to be given to your child later. It will be suitable for consumption:
➔ for 48 hours if stored in your fridge.
➔ for 4 hours at room temperature (maximum 25 degrees)
➔ and 4 months in the freezer in a dated and sealed storage jar.
What is the ideal number of bottles to provide when you are not breastfeeding?
If breastfeeding is not on your maternity program, we advise you to buy 5 bottles for your baby. Just to have peace of mind, your hands less often in your sink, and to be able to dispatch them wherever you want (glove box, diaper bag, nanny's house, grandparents' house, kitchen cupboards). cooking, etc.) 😉
Ideally, here are the recommended bottle sizes:
● 2 bottles of 150 mL
● 2 bottles of 240 mL
● 1 330 mL bottle
The small 150 mL containers only last a few months but turnover being high, it is better to rely on 2 of them to have a clear conscience. The 240 mL and 330 mL will serve you for a long time, the fact of acquiring several of them also allows baby to change accessories: do not hesitate to vary the colors to brighten up your meals!
In summary
The number of bottles to be provided per day before baby's arrival must be sufficient so as not to waste time constantly searching and cleaning during the first months.
● Small bottle sizes only last the first few months. But you can save them later to give your baby water to drink.
● Large formats are useful for feeding your baby over 3 months old. They will be able to support him until definitive weaning.
→ To find out more about the baby bottles offered by our site, go to HERE ! 😇
