Although bottle warmers aren’t strictly necessary, they can be a very convenient way to gently heat infant formula, thawed breast milk, or baby food. Want to use a bottle warmer? Start with Step 1 to learn more.
Steps
Method 1: Warming Milk or Formula
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Different brands of bottle warmers may have slightly different guidelines for use. Always read the directions.
- Prepare your baby’s bottle. Fill a bottle with thawed breast milk or prepared infant formula, and cover it tightly.
- Remove the cap from the bottle warmer. Bottle warmers have caps to protect against the gradual accumulation of dust and dirt. Remove this cap when you are ready to use the device.
- Check the bottle warmer. Make sure all the parts are in place, especially the basket inside the warmer and the protection ring. These hold the bottle in place and keep it safe so that your baby’s milk or formula heats gently and evenly.
- Insert the bottle. Put the prepared bottle of milk or formula into the warmer while the device is still off.
- Fill the bottle warmer with water. Fill the warmer to a level just above the highest point of the milk or formula in the bottle. The water should not go higher than ½ inch below the edge of the bottle warmer.
- Many brands have lines inside the warmer to mark the appropriate water level. If your warmer doesn’t have these lines, simply drop a bottle into the warmer to see how much water you would need. Take care not to let the water level rise too high; you don’t want it to overflow when you put the bottle in.
- Turn on the bottle warmer. Switch on the power and choose your desired heat setting. The warmer will start to heat up.
- Note that bottle warmers have safety mechanisms that prevent them from heating to high temperatures. Choose the setting that your baby prefers.
- Let the bottle heat. Leave the bottle in the warmer until the device indicates that the bottle is warm – some brands beep, some have flashing lights, and some simply click off. The entire process typically takes only four to six minutes.
- Test the temperature. Sprinkle a few drops of the milk or formula on the inside of your forearm to check the temperature. It should be warm, not hot.
- Feed your baby. Once the bottle is warm, you can serve it to your baby.
Method 2: Warming Jarred Baby Food
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Different brands of bottle warmers may have slightly different guidelines for use. Always read the directions.
- Remove the lid from the jar. Whether you purchase jarred baby food from the supermarket or make your own and store it, you can heat it gently in a bottle warmer. Start by removing the lid.
- Place the jar in the warmer. Using the basket that came with your bottle warmer, insert the open jar into the device. The jar should remain in place and heat evenly.
- Fill the warmer with water. Fill the warmer partway with water – not too much, as you don’t want it to rise about the baby food jar.
- Many brands have lines inside the warmer to mark the appropriate water level for baby food jars. Consult your manufacturer’s directions, too.
- Turn on the bottle warmer. Switch on the power and choose your desired heat setting. The warmer will begin to heat up.
- Let the food heat. Leave the jar of baby food in the warmer until the device indicates that the jar is warm – some brands beep, some have flashing lights, and some simply click off. The entire process typically takes only four to six minutes.
- Remove the jar carefully. The water in the bottle warmer will be hot. Use the handle on the basket to remove the jar, taking care not to burn yourself.
- Stir the baby food. The bottle warmer should heat the food evenly, but it’s still a good idea to stir it up.
- Check the temperature. Baby food should be lukewarm, not hot.
- Feed your baby. Once the food is heated to the proper temperature, you can serve it to your baby immediately.
Tips
- To keep your warmer clean, empty the water after each use, then wipe with a damp cloth, both inside and outside the device. Do not use liquid cleaners; these can destroy your bottle warmer.
- If you notice any buildup on the warmer, you can clean it with vinegar every four weeks or so. Mix 50 milliliters of vinegar with 100 milliliters of cold water, and pour the mixture into your warmer. Let it stand until the buildup is removed, then empty and wipe the warmer clean. Alternatively, you can use a solution of 10 grams citric acid in 200 milliliters of water. If you use this solution, pour it into the warmer, then turn the warmer on for ten minutes; let it stand for half an hour, then empty and wipe the warmer clean.
Sources and Citations
source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/10IorpI
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