We hope that you’ve been able to learn about some helpful tasks and tips that you can do during your adoption wait in Lifetime Adoption’s blog series “Before You Adopt.”
In today’s episode of this blog series, we’re offering tips on another activity you can do before adoption placement: prepare for bottle feeding on the go. As you wait for ICPC to clear in your birth mom’s state, you’ll probably be staying in a hotel. (More on ICPC, what it is, and how you can make the ICPC wait a beautiful time here).
When you pack your bags for your adoption travel, keep in mind that you’ll be bottle-feeding on the go, you’ll need to have a method for sterilizing the bottles. Many people in the past have sterilized bottle parts in a boiling pot of water, but that won’t be an option when you’re staying in a hotel. The good news is that modern inventions have made it possible to sterilize bottles and their parts simply!
If you do a Google search for “bottle sterilizing,” you’ll get lots of results. Some of the methods for keeping bottles germ-free depend on what type of bottle you choose. Here are three options:
Electric Sterilizer: Baby product companies such as Chicco and bottle companies like Avent make electric sterilizers are great choices. This option gives you more size choices and may be specific to the bottle brand you choose or include more universal fit options. They’re really convenient because all you need is an electrical outlet and some water. No need to worry if the microwave in your hotel room isn’t big enough! However, they do weigh more than the microwave versions.
Microwave Sterilizer: With this option, you just add water and run it in the microwave to ensure bottle safety. Some brands that make good microwave sterilizers include Munchkin and Dr. Brown’s. For on-the-go convenience, microwave bottle sterilizers are lightweight, easy, and portable. The only drawback is that this option may not fit every size of bottle.
Microwave Sterilizing Bags: If you’re trying to save space in your luggage, think about buying some Medela sterilizing bags. They’re so lightweight; they only weigh as much as a Ziploc baggies. Also, they’re small enough to fit in your diaper bag. These bags are specifically designed to sterilize a baby bottle immediately. You’re able to use each bag up to 20 times. We suggest buying a couple of these bags to keep with you, just in case!
We’ve found that many hospitals provide couples with sterile, disposable nipples and readymade formula in bottles. Be sure to accept all that they offer you. It’ll make the middle of the night feedings easier, especially when you’re still away from home!
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
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