There’s so much to prepare for new twin moms. It’s a stressful time as well as a wonderful time.
One thing that you’re sure to get used to is feeding times. Within a few days, you’ll have the whole routine down pat, but for the first few times, it might take some getting used to, which is why being prepared and having everything you need is a great advantage.
By now you’ve probably asked yourself ‘How many baby bottles do I need, actually?’ This is a normal and completely sensible question, so read on to follow our guide on bottles, how many you should have and what you should be looking for.
How Many Baby Bottles Do I Need?
Whilst the number of bottles you’re going to need might change depending on if you’re purely bottle feeding or bottle feeding and breastfeeding, the general consensus is that you’re going to need at least six to 8 per baby.
This allows you to always have a full rotation of bottles, with some cleaned, sterilized and ready to go and a few more in reserve just in case something happens.
What Kind of Bottles Should I Use?
According to most reasonable sources, there’s no actual difference in bottle types when it comes to ease of use or how it affects feeding times, so go with whatever feels right to you.
There are literally hundreds of different styles online, with various different material and cost options. In general, go for something simple, hard wearing and easy to clean.
Remember to ask friends and family what they used, and for any recommendations they have. A good strategy, if you’ve got the option, is to buy two different types and see which ones your twin babies likes best.
Always check your bottles for how they have to be washed. A lot of modern style bottles can be washed in the dishwasher, but not all can. If they can’t, rinse with hot water then wash out with water, soap, and some sort of bristle brush to clean out the corners.
What Kind of Nipples Should I Use?
The first step in choosing a bottle nipple is to talk to your doctor. They will be able to assess your baby’s needs and give you a recommendation, based on their experience.
Once you’ve bought your nipples, you should check the flow to make sure that baby can suck effectively on the bottle.
To do this, turn it upside down and give it a little shake.
- One or two drops of formula mean the hole is too small
- A steady dripping or flowing means the hole is too big
- A quick spurt of formula, followed by a steady drip, means you have the correct size
You can also watch your babies to see how they manage with your chosen bottle. If they’re gulping or choking there’s a chance the nipple is too big and they’re getting too much milk at a time.
Conversely, if they seem to be sucking hard or struggling, frustrated, the hole might be too small.
Should I Warm My Formula Before Giving it to the Baby?
You can, because babies like formula that’s comfortably warm.
If you choose to do this, warm the bottle in a pan of water, or by running it under a stream of hot tap water.
Once the bottle is warm, test it on the soft skin on the inside of your wrist. It should only be slightly warm to the touch, never anything approaching hot.
Don’t heat the milk over a flame directly, as this can cause the milk to curdle.
Never heat a bottle in the microwave, as this can cause the milk in the center of the bottle to be far hotter than the rest, which will burn your baby’s mouth when they drink it, and you may not pick up on how hot it is when you test it on your wrist.
Does My Babies Need Anything Else Except Formula?
Not for the first six months of their life.
Some moms worry about the health of their children and try to boost up their growth by adding other things to the formula, for example, juice, but this is not recommended.
Firstly, it can contribute to weight gain and childhood obesity, as well as leading to upset tummies and other health issues.
Your babies should be getting all the nutrition they need from their formula for these first six months, and should only start with a more varied diet once they have progressed onto more solid foods.
Does My Babies Need Any Supplements?
Sometimes, your babies might have a deficiency in something natural which requires a multivitamin or other supplement treatment, but if this is the case, your pediatrician would have told you.
Do not give your twin babies any vitamins or other supplements without first consulting a medical professional.
When it comes to bottles, the only real thing you need to remember is to have enough. So when you’re asking yourself ‘How many baby bottles do I need?’ Just know that six to eight per baby should be enough for any situation, no matter how hungry your babies are.
What bottles did you buy, were they good, and how many bottles did you end up using? Make sure you let everyone know in the comments. We love to share our tips and tricks in this little community, and it’s sure to help all our other readers!
