How to choose which baby bottle to use -Kidspot
How to choose which baby bottle to use
Are you trying to work out which bottle you should use for your bottle-fed baby? Baby nurse expert Rowena Bennett explores the different types of bottles available and the difference they can make to feeding your baby.
Rowena Bennett | June 12, 2013
A generation ago, parents got to choose between glass or plastic bottles, and whether they wanted these in the large or small size. That was about as far as their options extended. As a parent of a bottle-fed baby today, you get to choose from a smorgasbord of different infant feeding bottles. You undoubtedly want to make the best choice for your baby, but deciding what that might be is no easy task.
Baby bottles come in many materials, shapes, designs, features, colours and sizes; with price tags that vary significantly. Let’s take a look at the options available.
Plastic bottles are light and unbreakable. A number of years ago concerns where raised about chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics, in particular bisphenol-A (BPA), and the effect this could have on babies. However, most infant feeding bottles sold today are "BPA-free”. Plastic bottles can deteriorate over time, so throw them out if you notice the plastic turning cloudy.
Glass bottles are long lasting, but they are heavy and breakable. Several companies make silicone sleeves to slip over these and prevent them from breaking or shattering if dropped. Glass is often chosen by parents who prefer eco-friendly products or who are concerned about chemicals in plastics. These are more expensive than plastic bottles.
Baby bottles are available in two sizes: 120ml (4 ounce) and 240 ml (8-9 ounce) bottles. Most babies will require the larger size by around four months of age. You can choose to use smaller bottles and switch to larger bottles when your baby reaches that stage, or use larger bottles from the start.
Shape, design and features
Standard bottles: These are narrow, cylindrical bottles. They are the cheapest and most commonly used of all infant feeding bottles. You can buy these plain, coloured or decorated.
Wide-necked bottles: These can make it easier to get powdered formula into the bottle. However, you will be restricted to using a matching broad-based nipple/teat.
Angle-necked bottles: These have a bend in the bottle so milk collects in the nipple/ teat.
Vented bottles: These have vent that looks like a straw inside the bottle which allows air to enter the bottle while the baby is feeding.
Bottles with disposable liners: These contain a plastic, disposable inner pouch or liner that encloses milk. The liner collapses as the baby removes the milk.
Heat-sensitive bottles: These have an in-built temperature sensor which changes colour if the milk is too hot.
Self-sterilising bottles: These enable you to forgo separate sterilising equipment. You simply pour water into the base and microwave for 3 minutes to sterilise.
Bottle sets: These have additional attachments such as handles and trainer spouts, which can be fitted to the bottle when your baby reaches the appropriate stage.
Shaped bottles: Plastic can be molded in many different shapes. Some bottles are designed for the baby to hold. Depending on the shape these can be difficult to clean.
I have fed countless babies over the years, using a variety of bottles. No matter how impressive a bottle might appear, or what features or benefits companies claim their bottles provide, based on my experience I am yet to see any evidence that one shape or design is better than another.
In my opinion an infant feeding bottle is simply a receptacle for milk and other fluids. Your choice of nipple/teat and your bottle-feeding techniques will have considerably more influence over your baby’s ease and enjoyment of the feed compared to the bottle. Choose a suitable nipple/teat and fine tune your feeding skills and the cheapest bottle should work just as effectively as the most expensive ‘designer’ bottle.
Just like at a smorgasbord, your choice of baby bottles will be influenced by your personal preferences and how much you’re willing to pay.
Best bottle feeding products
Baby bottles: A guide to your choices from WebMD
Which bottles and nipples? From Babycenter.com
Which bottles should I use? From The Baby Corner