Buying Bottle Warmers for Your Baby - What to look for

Bottle warmers are useful to heat the baby’s milk to the right temperature and they can also be used to warm jars of baby food and bottles of various sizes. The main purpose of using a bottle warmer is to give the baby a comfortably warm meal and there are several types you can choose from.

Types of Bottle Warmers

There are different types of bottle warmers for babies. Here are some of the most commonly used types.

Standard:

This heats only a single bottle of milk. The bottle is placed in a central vessel and water is filled around it. The water is heated when the warmer is switched on. An indicator light goes off after the optimum temperature is reached. It also has a thermostat that keeps the water temperature at constant level. For heating jars of food, the warmer should have an adapter that can be easily reached. Some types also have the provision to warm food with the help of a bowl.

Feeding Bottle:

Compared to standard types, these are very advanced. Milk is warmed the similar style but this type has an additional cooling section that can keep packed bottles chilled and prepared to be warmed when needed.

Portable:

These are simple bottle warmers that can be taken along while you are on the move. The milk may take longer time to warm.

Car Bottle Warmers:

These can be operated with the help of the power socket or cigarette lighter in the car. They contain a strap that fits to the bottle of milk or baby food jar. It takes about 15 minutes for the warming to be complete.

Flask Models:

This type has two parts, namely an inner flask and a lid, that are designed to hold the bottle. You have to load the flask with boiling water and when needed, you can simply take away the lid, attach the bottle to it and fill the area around with water present in the flask. The milk warms in a few minutes. Water should be piping hot to warm the bottle.

What you need to know when shopping for bottle warmers

You should know certain things before you go ahead and buy the type you want. Here are some significant factors you should look for:

• Timer: Timer helps you to keep track of the time the bottle remains in the warmer.
• Jars: If you also plan to use the bottle warmer for warming jars of food, you need to look for designs that come with an adapter. The adapter keeps the jar of food at a reachable height so that it can be placed and removed easily.
• Portability: Portable warmers can be used while you are in the car. The warmer should plug into accessory outlets in the car. But such portable warmers take a long time to warm.
• Cooler: Most warmers have a cooler section that keeps the formula chilled like in a refrigerator. This is very useful for night feeding.
• Temperature: Models that have an indicator light for notifying when the warming is complete is an added plus. Thermostat is also another important thing that should be looked for, as it keeps the water temperature constant.

Why do I need a bottle warmer

If you are using formula for your baby, it is not necessary to own a bottle warmer, as it is made fresh for each feed. If you use ready to use formula or expressed milk, which can be stored in the fridge for 5 days at 4 degrees, a warmer is definitely needed in order to ensure that the temperature of the milk or food is correct. A jug of warm water can also be used to warm a bottle instead and this can cut out the need to buy a bottle warmer, but many people find parenting much more enjoyable when you have all the tools that can make life easier.