Saturday, September 02, 2006

Five Baby Bottles for the New Mom


As I have had babies over the years, I have noticed that baby bottle designs have changed quite a bit from the standard glass and latex baby bottle. With my first baby, seventeen years ago, glass baby bottles were as widely available as plastic bottles. Vented baby bottles were not as noticeably available, if even around. Now, vented baby bottles are not only available, but are available in several designs.

Vented bottles work by releasing the air that builds up in the baby bottle as the baby begins to suck. The idea is to get the air out of the bottle without going into the baby's stomach, reducing gas and colic. Avent vents through the edge of the nipple. Dr Brown's baby bottles vent through a tube that is attached to the nipple/ring assembly at the top of the bottle. Playtex Ventaire and Adiri both vent through a mechanism at the bottom of the bottle. Playtex Premium Nursers are not vented as the baby drinks, but air can be "burped" out of the bottle before feeding.

One important aspect of choosing a baby bottle is the nipple. Silicone nipples tend to last longer than latex and are clear, so it is easy to see if they are clean. The shape of the nipple is a factor, especially if you are breast-feeding and using a bottle. I have been using Avent bottles for that reason. I have never had nipple confusion with my last two babies. The baby bottles below all are designed to mimic the shape of a mother's breast.

There is some controversy as to the plastic used for the bottle. Some people seem to think bisphenol-A that is found in polycarbonate bottles may cause problems for babies if the bottle is overheated or leached into the milk when microwaved. I will leave that for you to research and decide. (A side note: microwaving is not recommended for heating bottles as it may leave hot spots in the formula that can burn a baby's mouth.)

Most important is your baby's happiness. I will not swear to one brand or the other. Just as adults are individual in their tastes and need, so are babies. The list below is intended as a general guide to help you sort through choices. You and your new one are the best judge.

1. Avent

  • Website: avent.com
    Bottle material: Polycarbonate
  • Nipple (teat) material: Silicone
  • Available sizes: 11-oz., 9-oz., 4-oz
  • Advantages: Wide mouth for filling and cleaning; vented nipple which Avent claims to reduce air, colic, and burping; nipple is shaped to mimic breast and make transition from breast to bottle easier; sippy lids, nipples, breast pump storage all are interchangeable; available disposable bottle system.
  • Disadvantages: If the ring is tightened too much the bottle leaks; the nipple must be centered on the ring inside the cap to prevent leakage during storage (the cap compresses the nipple tip).

2. Dr. Brown's Natural Flow

  • Website: handi-craft.com
  • Bottle material: Polycarbonate Plastic
  • Available sizes: 8-oz., 4-oz., 2-oz
  • Nipple material: silicone
  • Advantages: An internal vent system prevents bubbles and creates positive pressure similar to breast-feeding, which they claim reduces gas, colic, spit-up and helps reduce fluid build-up in the baby's ear; available in a wide-neck for easier filling and cleaning; available breast pump system works with bottles..
  • Disadvantages: Milk can leak out the top; small parts for cleaning; multiple parts (bottle, ring, nipple and a two piece tube).

3. Adiri

  • Website: adiri.com
  • Bottle/nipple material: Silicone
  • Other parts: Plastic
  • Available Size: 7-oz.
  • Advantages: One-piece nipple and bottle body are shaped like a mother's breast; valve system in base to reduce air; claims to reduce colic; easy to take apart and clean; possible to simulate let-down; three "ports" are available inside the nipple and can be cut open to increase nipple flow.
  • Disadvantages: The nipple may drip when not covered by its cap; may be difficult for a baby to hold without leakage.

4. Playtex Ventaire

  • Website: playtexbaby.com
  • Nipple Material: Silicone
  • Bottle material: Poly
  • Available sizes: 6-oz and 9-0z
  • Advantages: Top and bottom of bottle come off for easy cleaning; vented bottle prevents air build-up; ergonomic design.
  • Disadvantages: Multiple parts; leaks if the ring is not screwed on just right.

5. Platex Premium Nurser

  • Website: playtexbaby.com
  • Nipple Material: Silicone
  • Bottle material: Plastic drop-in liner
  • Available sizes: 4-oz and 8-0z
  • Advantages: Disposable liners are presterilized; air in baby bottle can be released before giving to baby by squeezing the drop-in liner; easy to clean baby bottle housing; can pump breast-milk directly to disposable liner by attaching to pump with adapter ring and sealing with caps; nipples are designed to be easy on babies that must switch from breast to bottle.
  • Disadvantages: Must buy disposable liners.

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