Preparing the Bottles
Either glass bottles or plastic bottles with collapsible liners can be used for nursing. Plastic bottles with collapsible liners are, however, particularly beneficial because the baby does not swallow as much air as is possible with the glass type.
If you have chosen to use the traditional glass bottles, you will need eight 8-ounce (240ml) bottles, at least two 4-ounce (120ml) bottles, and various nipples, caps, and hoods.
You can use the aseptic method of making up the bottles or the terminal method. (1) Aseptic method (sterilized formula poured into sterilized bottles): First, prepare a clean work surface. Then wash your hands thoroughly. Remove bottles and other equipment from the sterilizer. Place them on clean paper towels. Boil some water, then let it cool for a few minutes.
The formula can be made up in bulk (a 24-hour supply), mixing milk powder or evaporated milk with the boiled water in a sterilized pitcher. Or one bottle at a time can be prepared by measuring the ingredients directly into the bottle. For storing in the refrigerator, invert the nipples in the bottle. (Handle the nipples by the rims only.) At the same time make up two 4-ounce (120ml) bottles with plain, boiled water.
(2) Terminal method (formula sterilized at the same time as bottles): Make up the formula as directed by the physician. The water does not have to be boiled first. Pour the formula into clean bottles, then place the bottles in the sterilizer.
