They say size isn't everything. In this case, that's not entirely true when it comes to choosing your child's bottle.
Of course, the choice of bottle also depends on numerous other criteria:
- Weight,
- Material,
- Shape,
- Design…
But the size is extremely important! It can also be much more difficult to figure out. While it's obvious that bottle size depends on your child's age, it's not always easy to know when to transition between different sizes.
CONTENTS
- Bottle size is first determined by age
- Bottle size also depends on your child's developmental stage
- Bottle size and its impact on price
- In summary
Bottle size is first determined by age
Choosing the right bottle size for your baby is an important decision that changes with your child's age and nutritional needs. Picking the right bottle format means making sure your child is getting the appropriate amount of milk to support their growth and development.
|
Baby's Age |
Bottle Size |
|
Premature |
5 oz |
|
0-3 months |
5 oz |
|
3-6 months |
8 oz |
|
6-9 months |
8 oz – 11 oz |
|
9-12 months |
8–11 oz |
|
12 months and up |
11 oz |
Bottle size also depends on your child's developmental stage
Bottle size not only depends on your baby's age, but also on their developmental stage.
The larger the bottle, the heavier it is!
One important factor to consider is your child's fine motor skills.
Remember, fine motor skills involve the precise use and coordination of the small muscles in the hands and fingers, a crucial ability for handling objects (like a bottle…😉).
The larger the bottle, the heavier it is, and therefore harder to hold. A bottle that's too big can be uncomfortable for a younger baby whose fine motor skills aren't well developed yet. This can make feeding a bit more difficult for them.
Smaller or moderately sized bottles will be easier for babies who do not yet have enough strength or a good ability to grasp objects.
The larger the bottle, the bigger the volume of milk in one feeding
The size of the bottle is closely tied to the amount of milk it can hold.
If your baby has a big appetite, a small bottle may not be enough. This could mean having to make several bottles per feeding to satisfy your baby, which can also lead to frustration and will make you lose precious time as a parent.
However, be careful not to choose a bottle that's too large.
It is recommended to not exceed 12 oz. Beyond that, the risk of waste is higher, as very few children drink that much milk in one sitting! If yours does, it might be time to switch from bottles to another format…
Like a training cup!
📘 Also read: Which training cup should I choose for my baby?
Bottle size and its impact on price
It is clear that a bigger bottle will also be more expensive than its smaller counterparts. 💰 Still, if you are hesitant to invest in a larger bottle because of the price, keep in mind that a large bottle will actually last you much longer than a small one.
You will be able to use it for at least over a year, from when your baby is 9 months old until they start school. All in all, a very worthwhile investment!
In summary
Choosing the right bottle size and format is no easy task. Your decision should be made based on several criteria:
- Age, of course;
- But also your child's developmental stage, including:
- The child's fine motor skills
- And their natural appetite.
Price should not be an obstacle, as large bottles are often more cost-effective in the long run. However, it's important to start at the beginning, using a 5 oz bottle for a newborn, then gradually switching to an 8 oz bottle between 3 and 6 months.
During this transition phase, it's essential to watch for signs of satiety in your baby and adjust the bottle size to suit their individual needs.
