Features to Consider When Buying Baby Bottles
Size. In general, you’ll find bottles ranging in size from two to 10 ounces. Two-ounce bottles are tiny, but they’re also pretty pricey and often sold individually. These are often considered specialty bottles to be used for premature babies. For full-term babies, many popular brands offer a four or five-ounce starter bottle, and then a larger bottle, ranging from eight to 10 ounces for older babies. Whatever your circumstance, it’s best to have a few small and a few large bottles on hand.
Material. The vast majority of baby bottles are still plastic, though almost all are now BPA-free. That said, glass baby bottles are quickly regaining popularity as parents learn more about microplastics and other harmful chemicals that could be found in plastics. A great alternative? Stainless steel baby bottles, which can be difficult to find, but are available if you know where to look. Start by figuring out which material you’d like to use, and go from there when shopping for the best baby bottles.
Nipple. Nipples for baby bottles can range from slow to fast flow. Slow flow nipples are best for newborns, and can help reduce gas and colic since baby won’t take in too much milk or formula at once. A faster flow is acceptable for babies older than three months. In addition, some nipples have built-in venting systems that filter air bubbles out of milk before it flows into baby’s mouth, while others are made without this type of system.
Usage. When you’re shopping for the best baby bottles, think about how you plan to use them during feeding sessions. If baby has colic, or you’re particularly concerned about avoiding colic or gas, a bottle with a good venting system is a must. If you’re hoping to regularly switch from the breast to the bottle, look for one that helps to avoid nipple confusion: This one will be as similar to the breast as possible, both in shape and nipple type. If you’re planning to bottle feed only, it may be a good idea to find a great bottle with a variety of size options.
Parts. Some bottles are simply vessels with nipple attachments, others have complex parts. Venting systems and specially designed straw filters can help with gas and colic, but they can also make cleaning pieces and parts more labor intensive. It’s a matter of priority and personal preference. If baby doesn’t seem to have any tummy troubles, you may not need anything fancy.
