When breastfeeding, there are no problems with heating the food for the baby, as the mother’s milk comes at the optimum temperature. But when children receive a expressed product or mixture, heating the food is necessary. For this purpose, there is a special bottle warmer. It is used from the first days of life. You just need to familiarize yourself with its features and choose the right model.
Features
According to reviews, this device is convenient if the family has a small child. At the same time, bottle warmers have the following features:
- In appearance, the devices are different, but the design of the majority consists of a heating element and a bowl for water, as well as a control relay and an electric cord.
- Some devices are suitable for bottles of the same manufacturer, but there are universal types with a wide container to heat containers of different sizes.
- All devices are designed to warm cold milk and food at room temperature. But not all devices work with a frozen product.
- Many bottle warmers should cool down after one use before using them next time.
- The devices have a function of automatic shutdown, so the contents of the container cannot overheat.
- In some devices, the temperature to which heating occurs is set in advance and does not change, while in others it can be adjusted.
The range of bottle warmers is quite rich. Each mother can choose the device with the necessary functions.
Is it necessary?
In young children, the digestive tract is sensitive to the quality of food, its temperature. It is desirable that the food was at body temperature, because then it will be easier to digest. To heat the food, a container of hot water, which was held on a stove, was previously used. But determining the required temperature was difficult. The bottle could overheat, and so it was necessary to wait for cooling.
Modern heaters have the following advantages:
- Food heats up quickly.
- Over time, the temperature remains at the same level.
- The device has compact dimensions.
If there is no desire to keep the heated mixture in the device for a long time, then only water can be heated in it. And when it will be necessary to feed, then add the required amount of the mixture and stir. According to reviews, a bottle warmer will be necessary if parents use purchased mashed potatoes or procure food for the future.
Principle of operation
The basis for the operation of the device is a water bath. The water poured into the bowl heats up and transfers heat to the bottle placed in it. The user sets the required temperature. This is how all heaters work, although they may differ in design.
Kinds
For heating devices are steam, hot and warm water. The heaters are filled with water in a small volume, and then it becomes steam, which is why heating takes place.
Devices that operate with warm water heat the bottles to 50 degrees, so overheating is excluded. But if cold water was poured into the container, then it will take a long time to wait for heating. In hot water devices, the required supply temperature is reached quickly, since the water reaches a boil, but if the bottle remains in the container for a long time, then overheating occurs.
Sterilizer Heater
Such devices allow not only to warm the milk, but also to sterilize the container. In most such devices with combined functions, only 1 bottle can be processed at a time, but there are models for 2-3 pieces.
Bottle warmers-sterilizers are convenient from the very appearance of the baby. Moreover, they are suitable for sterilizing containers and nipples, as well as for heating mixtures and mashed potatoes.
Temperature support
According to reviews, this is a convenient feature due to which the food will be comfortable for children. This is due to the presence of a thermal relay. With him, mom does not need to expect a heated bottle, you can do your job. And you can start feeding when necessary.
Electrical and Digital Views
Almost all heaters operate from the mains and are characterized by simple controls, but there are some digitally controlled models, the advantages of which include:
- Ability to set the heating temperature based on the consistency of the supply and the initial temperature.
- Indication of temperature level on the display.
- Automatic support of the set temperature.
- The presence of signals about the completion of heating.
Given the reviews, it is advisable to choose products from well-known manufacturers. In this case, you can count on safety and high quality work. There are many different appliances.
Avent
Avent bottle warmer has a weight of 740 g. The device allows you to heat jars, containers with food. It has separate modes intended for milk, thick sour cream, as well as a defrost function. Avent Bottle Switch is equipped with a manual switch and a backlight.
Maman
The manufacturer produces classic devices, as well as devices for the machine, digital models, devices with the sterilization function. The advantages of the LS-B202 device are compatibility with different bottles, the speed of heating and the function of smooth temperature control. The package includes a glass and a citrus juice squeezer.
Model LS-C001 can be used in the car. It does not require water for its operation, in such a compact device it will be possible to heat any baby bottles and keep food for the child warm when traveling.
Chicco
The device has a weight of 490 g and a power of 120 watts. When the water in the tank heats up to +37 degrees, a 5-fold sound is heard, and the indicator acquires a green light.
If the device continues to operate without shutting off after a signal, heating takes 1 hour, and then an automatic shutdown occurs. The kit includes a holder, thanks to which you can use small jars and bottles.
Laica
The advantages of the BC1006 and BC1007 devices are considered functionality and simple design. In these heaters there are 2 modes - for thick and liquid power. The first option includes a glass with a lid, and the second - a bottle elevator.
B. Well
The assortment has compact and portable options, as well as with a sterilization function. Model WK-133 includes 3 temperature modes, it evenly heats food, maintains temperature after heating. The device is convenient to use.
Model WK-140 in addition to 2 temperature modes has a sterilization function. With it, you can simultaneously heat and sterilize up to 3 bottles. The kit includes tongs, a tray for the nipples, and a holder.
For use in the car, the WK-131 device is suitable, in which heating occurs up to +40 degrees, and heat is stored for 3 hours. It is convenient to store chilled food in it.
Medela
The device heats the liquid and baby food to +34 degrees, including frozen foods. Weight is 1 kg and power is 185 watts. There is an auto power off function, built-in backlight, sound notification. According to reviews, the optimal feature set is perfect for home use.
Tephal
This heater has a large container, so it allows you to use containers of various volumes. An advantage is the combination of 2 functions - heating and sterilization. The heating quality is excellent.
Philips
The Philips Avent SCF355 / 00 bottle warmer weighs 0.74 kg. Bottles, containers, jars of the desired diameter are placed in the bowl. There are 4 modes of operation: defrosting, heating thick foods, milk up to 180 ml or more. The Philips Avent bottle warmer has a manual switch and backlight.
The choice
When buying a heater, you need to evaluate its versatility. Not all are suitable for wide and disposable containers. It is better to choose a device that can be used with different dishes. Also, when buying, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:
- Material. It is important that all the parts that will touch the bottle are made of quality and safe materials.
- Security. The device must have an automatic shutdown function.
- Control. It is advisable to choose devices that have convenient buttons with icons. If there is no button-switch, then you will need to constantly disconnect the cord from the network, which will cause rapid wear. Convenience is provided by a basket, which allows you to lower and remove the bottle without any devices.
- Cord length. If there is a long cord, the food can be heated near the crib, even if there is no outlet nearby.
- Heating adjustment. In simple models, heating is carried out to a fixed temperature, and if there is a thermostat, you can set the heating mode based on the volume and density of the product.
- Additional functions. In many devices, heating is completed by a sound or light signal. If there is a timer, then you can set a specific time. The presence of an electronic display, where the temperature is shown, is necessary for urgent heating.
Application
How is a bottle warmer used? The instructions will help you do this correctly:
- The container must be placed in the bowl of the device, and then pour cold water into the container.
- For low bottles, the water should be filled a little higher compared to the level of nutrition. And if the capacity is high, then you need to draw so much water so that it is 1.5 cm below the edges of the tank.
- You must select the desired switch position and turn on the device.
- You should wait for the heating signal.
- The bottle must be removed and shaken to evenly mix the contents.
- Before feeding the baby, you need to check the food temperature, drip a little on the skin of the forearm.
- Wash the bowl of the heater with running water. It is necessary to regularly clean the device from scale using acetic or citric acid.
Before first use, be sure to read the instructions. The device is installed far from water, and after heating is completed, unplug the cord. When used correctly, the heater can last for many years.