Types of Bottles: Pros and Cons

There are so many bottles to choose from these days.  If you are not aware about BPA free bottles, please check out this website for more information.

Bisphenol-A is a hormone-disrupting chemical considered to be potentially harmful to human health and the environment.  It has been known that scratched and worn polycarbonate feeding bottles will leach this chemical into liquids.

All bottles and cups will be BPA free by January 2009!  For right now if you have any questions here is a great link with a list of all BPA free bottles and sippy cups.

 

Brands of Bottles

(With information from www.babiesrus.com)

Evenflo

• Sensitive Response nipples with Micro Air Vents™ promote an even flow of liquid
• EvenPace™ nipple system based on age and flow rate
  See through Silicone Nipple
• Polypropylene bottle, 4oz hex bottle with hoods in assorted colors
  Comes with slow flow nipple (0-3 months)

Nuby

Nuby™ has new bottles made of a softer, BPA free plastic.  Our Nuby™ Non-Drip™ Nipple gives your baby the comfort of an anti-colic air system and teething nubs for the massage and stimulation of their gums.

 

Playtex

Not BPA free yet, but they do offer drop in liners.

• NaturaLatch slow-flow silicone nipples clinically proven to support breastfeeding
• Collapsible liners minimize air intake, which causes painful gas and stomach or colic discomfort in babies
• Hourglass bottle shape is easy to hold
• Made in USA

Playtex Drop In Liners:
Playtex Drop-In Liners are pre-sterilized, eliminating the need for time-consuming bottle sterilization.  Each liner has a pre-formed shape that allows for one-hand holder assembly.  The liner collapses as your baby feeds to provide a continuous flow of liquid, which can help reduce painful gas, colic and spitting up.

 

Born Free, All Glass

Complete with a new, innovative air vent which helps reduce colic symptoms, the Born Free Glass Bottles are free of Bisphenol-A.  A level 1 nipple and a cover are included for each bottle.

 

Dr. Browns

Created by a physician, Dr. Brown's Natural Flow glass baby bottles feature a patented internal vent system that helps reduce colic, spit-up, burping and gas.  The positive pressure design allows babies to feed comfortably, because the vent system eliminates the air bubbles and vacuum. All parts are dishwasher safe.

 

Avent

Some are BPA free; please ask a sales associate for help.

• Clinically shown to reduce colic and designed to promote healthy, active feeding
• Built-in valve keeps air out of baby’s tummy and lets baby control milk flow, which can help reduce the risk of overeating and spit-up
• Naturally shaped nipple encourages proper latch-on, for easier switching between breast and bottle feeding
• Easy, ultra-hygienic, and no small parts to clean or assemble

Drop in Liners:
NEW!  Wide pre-formed Tempo Liners
Pre-sterilized, strong and leak-free
Wider shape makes filling and feeding easier

 

Podee Hands Free

Feed your baby in an upright position as recommended by pediatricians with the Podee® Baby Bottle.  Feeding in an upright position instead of a horizontal position helps reduce colic, gas build-up and amazingly, ear infections.  The Podee® Baby Bottle can be a great help at times when you are unable to sit down and feed your baby.  The bottle can be used with water, juice, milk formulas or breast milk.

 

Pros and Cons of the Different Types of Bottles on the Market

 

Glass

Pros:

BPA free
Environmentally friendly
Easy to clean

Cons:

Possibility of the bottle shattering
Baby could possibly swallow a shard of glass
Hard to find
Twice as expensive as basic plastic bottles

 

Plastic

Pros:

More cost effective
Easy to find
Durable for little ones

Cons:

Not all are BPA free
Quicker wear and tear if cleaned in the dishwasher

 

Drop In Liners

Pros:

Easy clean up
Easy for traveling
Do not have to purchase as many bottles

Cons:

Hard to distinguish how much baby has consumed
Price adds up, can get expensive
Most liners you can't make an 8 oz bottle using powdered formula (not enough room)

 

Question: Is it best to stock up on bottles before babies are born? How many should we buy?

Answer:

• Some parents stock up on bottles ahead of time.  If you decide to this, it may be best to purchase enough to last you 2 or 3 days unless you want to clean them as you go.
• Sometimes it is best as well to wait to purchase bottles until you are sure that your little ones will take to the nipple.  You may want to buy a couple different brands of bottles to see which one they prefer.
• Make sure to bring home the extra nipples if you are bottle feeding at the hospital.  Those are very helpful to have the first few weeks since they are already familiar with the texture and shape of the nipple.
• Make sure you keep all of your receipts when you purchase bottles in case the babies do not take to the nipples.

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