How to Choose Bottles and Nipples for Your Baby

Posted on: August 13th, 2017\""by Ivana Stamenkovic

As with any other baby equipment, you have to follow your baby's (and your own) preferences and needs. Some babies will happily accept any type of bottle and nipple that goes with it, while others will have their favorite and won't be happy with any other except the one they prefer. You’ll probably have to try a few different types to find the right one. Sometimes you'll notice that a particular bottle is more suitable for your baby - many bottles are designed to prevent some feeding problems (such as colic, gas or spit-up) by venting air more efficiently. Also, be sure not to forget about your own needs and preferences.

How to Choose a Bottle for Your Baby

What materials are bottles made of? - The baby bottles can be made of different materials. These are the most common ones.
Plastic - If you’re thinking about buying a plastic bottle - be sure to look for the one that is BPA-free. Plastic bottles are lightweight, but easier to deteriorate - they change color and take scents, so they need to be changed more often.
Glass - Bottles made of glass last longer. Unless you shatter them, of course. Also, these bottles are usually more expensive.
Silicone - These bottles are light, unbreakable and BPA-free. Perfect, right? But, they are often expensive and difficult to find because they aren’t sold in grocery stores or drugstores.
Stainless steel - Just like the silicone ones, these bottles are light, unbreakable and BPA-free, but expensive and difficult to find.
* Disposables - Disposable bottles have drop-in plastic inserts filled with formula or breast milk (each insert should be used only once). They are quite handy while on the go since they are easy to clean - you just toss the liner and wash the nipple.
What bottle size should you buy? - You can take smaller bottles at the beginning, while the baby is still small, but later, as her appetite grows, she'll need bigger ones.
In which shapes are bottles made? - Standard bottles are tall and slightly curved or angled, but bottles come in many other shapes, as well. You'll find the ones with the wide neck, for measuring formula easier, or the ones with an ergonomic designed or angled neck, for easier hold.
Should I buy a bottle with the venting system? - Although there's no clear evidence that this helps, many parents prefer bottles with some kind of a venting system.
How many bottles do you need? - How many bottles you’ll need will depend on whether you'll primarily be bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, so you shouldn’t buy too many if you’re planning to breastfeed.

How to Choose Nipples for Your Baby Bottle

What materials are nipples made of? - Nipples are usually made ether of latex or silicone.
Latex - Latex is softer and retains scents, but these nipples don’t last long. Some babies might have a latex allergy.
Silicone - Silicone is easier to clean and harder for baby to bite through.
* Disposable - Disposable nipples are sold prepackaged and sterilized and should be used only once.
What nipple size should you buy? - Nipples are made in different sizes, too. The size depends on baby’s age, and it’s written on a packaging, but don't be concerned if your baby doesn't follow these guidelines exactly.
What nipple flow speed should you choose? - Not only that nipples come in different sizes but a different flow speed, as well. There are three types of nipple flow: slow, medium and fast.
In which shapes are nipples made? - Standard nipples are shaped like a bell. There are also orthodontic nipples, which are flattened to be similar to the mom’s nipple when it’s in the baby’s mouth. And if you plan to switch between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding you may try nipples that are designed to feel more like mom's breast.
How many nipples do you need? - You should have more nipples than the bottles, but the exact number isn't that important. More important is that you properly take care of them and change them regularly.

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