The baby bottle is one of the most representative baby items, closely associated with them. Even an inexperienced person with no previous contact with babies will most likely name it as an indispensable article parents need to take care of their children. It is not surprising that this is so - for many months, it is a baby’s primary source of sustenance. So, how many bottles does a baby need? Below is some guidance that hopefully sheds some light on how babies and their parents use one of their most iconic items. 

What are the factors to consider when buying baby bottles?

The first thing to note for new parents is that baby bottles have two main parts: the bottle per se and the nipple. Both of these parts come in different sizes, depending on the age the baby is supposed to use them. In other words, most manufacturers have different-sized bottles and nipples intended for a specific age. Furthermore, each brand’s bottles and nipples are different from one another. Below is a list of the main factors to take into consideration when buying a baby bottle:

1. Bottle size: Different bottle sizes hold the average milk volume a baby consumes in each feeding according to age. The size range goes from bottles holding 4 oz, intended for newborns, to bottles holding up to 11 oz, intended for older babies. It is not necessary to buy a size intended explicitly for the baby’s age at any given time. Bigger bottles that hold more than what the baby consumes at any given moment will work perfectly as long as the bottle can hold more than what the baby consumes during feeding. Put simply, parents can conveniently feed their baby, for example, 6 oz if that is what their baby is eating at that time, with a bottle that holds more than that.

2. Bottle type: There are as many different types of bottles as there are manufacturers that make them. Two main characteristics of bottles are worth mentioning: the material from which they are made and whether they have a particular purpose. Parents should remember that other factors can further differentiate bottles, even if they are not discussed here. Bottles are mainly made with two materials, either glass or plastic. Glass bottles have the benefit that they transmit heat better, so it is easier to know the temperature of the milk by touching the bottle. Glass bottles, however, can break and broken glass is always very inconvenient, to not say dangerous, with a baby. Plastic bottles have the benefit that they are very durable, but some parents prefer to avoid them so as not to feed their children through plastic. Bottles can be made with a specific purpose, like imitating the shape and texture of a human breast or preventing colic. It is hard to measure the impact of such assertions from manufacturers, though. It is advisable that parents consider these assertions but do not make them the main reason behind their purchase.

3. Nipple size and shape: There are different-sized nipples, and each brand has its shape, even if some are very similar. Parents should note that size becomes less relevant as the baby grows. That is, the nipple size might only be relevant when they are newborns, but after a few weeks, it is less likely that it will have an impact. Parents who do want to buy different-sized nipples according to their baby's age should try to buy a bottle that allows for nipples to be changed. That way, they are not stuck buying a new lead or bottle. It is hard to know whether the shape of the nipple will work without the baby actually trying it. Buying a bottle from the most popular brands has a high chance of being good enough for the baby, but this is, of course, not a given. Parents should know that it is not atypical to try more than one nipple shape until finding the one that the baby likes.

4. Nipple type: Baby bottles’ nipples are classified into different levels according to how easy it is for the baby to suck out the liquid inside. These levels are sometimes just numbered from one to three, or they are called low-flow, medium-flow, and wide-flow. Each level is appropriate for a given age, so parents should ensure to have nipples from all three levels. To illustrate this, parents should know that babies, for the first few weeks of their lives, cannot coordinate sucking and swallowing, so if the nipple’s flow is too much, it will most likely disrupt their feeding.

How many baby bottles do you need?

The answer to this question depends on two main variables. The first variable is how often parents use a bottle to feed their baby in a day, and the second is how frequently they are willing and able to wash those bottles. How often parents feed their baby with a bottle will depend on whether the baby is being breastfed and, if yes, how many times a day. All these elements can result in a precise number of bottles for each case, but below are some of the most common cases so parents can know how many they might need.

From 0 to 6 months

A newborn typically eats at least every two to three hours, including nights. This gives a total of 8 to 12 feedings per day. As the baby grows, they will likely be able to transition to a feeding schedule that includes six hours of no feedings as they sleep during the night and daytime feedings every three to four hours. In summary, from the newborn stage until they are six months old, babies will most likely eat anywhere from 12 feedings, at most, to 5 or 6 at the very least, in a twenty-four-hour period.

Of those possible feedings, the question remains which ones will be with a bottle. The answer to that question is very personal, as it will depend on how many of those the mother will breastfeed. If the baby is breastfed for all of them, then no baby bottles are necessary. If, on the other hand, the parents are only able to give their baby breastmilk via bottles or if they are giving the baby formula exclusively, then a good number of bottles to have will be at least 4. That way, if stretching it as much as possible, parents would need to wash all four bottles before eight hours are up from the moment they used the first one, assuming feedings are two hours apart each.

From 6 to 12 months

A six-month-old baby will most likely be on a feeding schedule that includes feedings every four hours and no feedings for an eight-hour period as they sleep during the night. This would bring the total number of feedings to 5, including what is sometimes known as a dream feed, in a twenty-four hour period. Assuming all five feedings will be given with a bottle, parents should try to have at least 4 bottles. While the feedings are considerably less than in the first six months, parents might want to give the baby other liquids apart from milk, especially water. This might increase the uses of the bottles beyond just the feedings.

How to take care of baby bottles and how often to replace them

Parents should review the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to take care of the bottles. While it will most likely be pretty straightforward, there is a chance that, depending on the bottle, there are some specific guidelines to follow, such as not subjecting them to temperatures above a given level. Parents should also try to hand wash the bottles as much as possible (unless they are using the dishwasher as their preferred sterilization method), which will extend the bottle’s life by reducing the normal wear and tear of dishwasher use. 

Bottles do not need to be replaced unless there is visible damage in them, like cracks or significant changes in the materials’ color. Parents should also consider replacing any given nipple that a baby rejects or is unwilling to drink from while accepting others who are of the same kind. Babies at this age, contrary to popular opinion, cannot be spoiled so they are probably sensing something others are not realizing. Parents should also pay close attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations on this, as there might be special guidelines for a given bottle type. As with other household items, if it is not broken, don’t fix it.

Baby bottle thoughts from new parents

Baby bottles will be a fundamental item in your baby’s first years of life. While they are not cheap and expenses do add up, investing in high-quality baby bottles will ensure that your baby’s feeding will go smoothly. Even if it is not possible to buy as many as you would want, always remember that fewer high-quality bottles can still be enough if they are washed more constantly. See our Honest Nesting Checklist to know what you will need during your baby’s first month.