One of the best investments I made as a new mom was a baby bottle warmer. Traveling from state to state with our newborn son, we were able to plug the warmer into the dashboard in our vehicle for speedy feedings. Bottle warmers heat breast milk, formula or food in baby jars. Some bottle warmers are portable and others need an electrical outlet. Some require water to steam-heat the contents of the bottle, while others are heated by a gel pack or have a cylindrical heat unit. Some warmers are able to keep the bottles cool for a few hours, then heat them, which is convenient for nighttime feeding.
What to Look for
If you're looking for convenience and diversity, look for warmers that fit multiple size bottles and baby food jars. Therefore, you're not limited to a particular bottle size and can use your warmer in a variety of ways.
Check the packaging for how long it will take to heat the bottle. Warmers can heat in as little as two minutes or as long as ten.
Some bottle warmers are electrical outlet units, others require batteries and still others are for use in a car, plugged into the cigarette lighter. Know where you will be utilizing your warmer before you start your shopping.
Common Pitfalls
Although some brands guarantee equal heating of the contents in the bottle or jar, always check for "hot spots," which are particularly hot portions of the milk or food that can potentially burn your baby's mouth. Heating only the bottom of the bottle will not distribute heat evenly. The warmer should heat the sides as well as the bottom of any container. Always test any heated contents before giving it to your baby.
Also, note if the warmer has an automatic shut-off. Some warmers take longer to heat than others. There should be an indicator light on the unit that tells you the heating process is finished.
Steam-heated warmers require more attention to detail in knowing how much water to add. Read the package and check parents' reviews of the product for descriptions of ease of use.
