Bottle Warmer

What is a bottle warmer?

Bottle warmers are nifty devices that warm baby bottles evenly and quickly before feeding time. Today, there are several different options on the market, so mums and dads can easily choose which type suits their needs.  

How to Use a Bottle Warmer

Most bottle warmers are straightforward to use, but it’s always best to check the specific instructions for different products. Generally, to use a bottle warmer, you have to do the following: 

1. Put the filled baby bottle in the warming chamber. Note that it is advisable for the teat and cap to be on to avoid any water entering the bottle. 

2. Add water to the chamber until it reaches the recommended line. 

3. Activate the bottle warmer, using the specific setting that you need for your milk. 

4. Remove the bottle once warmed and check the temperature. 

Can you use a bottle warmer to heat up breast milk?

Yes, you can warm pumped breast milk with a bottle warmer. It's important to be conscious of the temperature though, as overheating will lower the nutritional quality of breast milk. The best way to heat breast milk varies for every model, so make sure to look at the manufacturer guidelines for your bottle warmer.

Milk and Bottle Temperature

While the purpose of a bottle warmer is to heat up baby formula, it’s important to remember that the milk should only be lukewarm and not hot! A common mistake is overheating the milk, which tends to destroy some of its nutritional content and can potentially harm your little one.  

As a rule of thumb, the bottle should be heated up to 37ºC/99ºF. It's believed that babies with colic may benefit from a slightly warmer bottle. Breast milk should not be heated above 40ºC/103ºF to preserve the nutritional quality. 

Are bottle warmers safe to use?

Used appropriately and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines, baby bottle warmers should be safe to use. It is a good alternative to traditional methods of reheating milk as it evenly heats the bottle and its contents, preventing hot spots that may scald your little one. Additionally, a bottle warmer may prevents you from getting burned when handling a newly warmed bottle. 

Cleaning Baby Bottle Warmers

Cleaning your bottle warmers daily, if not after each use, is highly recommended to avoid scaling and bacterial growth. To clean a bottle warmer, make sure to check the instructions in the manual to avoid damaging certain parts. Generally, the steps below should also work with most baby bottle warmers: 

1. Disconnect the bottle warmer from the power supply and wait for 30 minutes before cleaning. 

2. Remove the water from the reservoir as instructed in the manual. 

3. If safe, soak the water reservoir in a water and baby safe cleaning soap for about five minutes. 

4. Remove the water from the bottle warmer chamber and gently clean with water and baby safe soap. 

5. Get rid of any excess water from both the reservoir and chamber and wait for the parts to dry. 

6. Reassemble the parts for the next use. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a bottle warmer?

Using a bottle warmer is convenient and time-saving, as it allows you to warm milk quickly and efficiently. Additionally, a warmer is designed to heat up the bottle evenly which can make it a better option than other methods. 

On the other hand, purchasing a baby bottle warmer may be expensive and it will take up counter space in a small pantry or kitchen. Of course, the many models available will have suitable options for your situation. Consider these pros and cons when deciding on which bottle warmer to get. 

How do I know if my baby's bottle is warm enough?

The wrist method is a well-known trick that allows parents and caregivers to check the milk temperature. Once the bottle is warmed, gently swirl the container and then place two to three drops of milk on your wrist. The formula should be comfortably warm, indicating that it has been heated enough. 

How long does it take to warm milk in a bottle warmer?

Depending on how cool the milk in your bottle is and the specific model, the process may take roughly around four to six minutes. 

How long does it take before reheated milk from a bottle warmer expires?

If you’ve been making formula milk correctly, then you know the answer to this question  can be quite varied.  It is important to avoid leaving bottle milk for too long as bacteria may start to grow. . Additionally, where you use formula milk, make sure to follow the discarding instructions as indicated by the instructions provided with your formula. It is generally good to follow these guidelines for breast milk as well, but do keep in mind it is generally recommended that you should throw out reheated breast milk after two hours to avoid contamination.  

What is the best bottle warmer?

The best bottle warmer will vary for every family! Consider your situation, budget, and how often you feed your child to see which ones are great for you.