There are few decisions more difficult than the choice to bottle feed your baby. However, you don’t have time to dwell on everyone’s opinions. You have a lot of choices to make, including what bottles you need. With so many different bottle types from which to choose, this decision isn't easy. However, bottles offer one clear advantage: the ability to understand how much your baby consumes. Often the first choices are selecting from plastic, glass, silicone and stainless steel, as well as choosing the right bottle size which can quickly become overwhelming. Here are some considerations for deciding upon the type of bottle that is best for you and your baby.
What type of material is best for a baby bottle?
Here is what you need to know.
Plastic baby bottles
Plastic baby bottles have been around for forever, and for good reason. They’re cheap, convenient, and can take a beating. If you choose to use plastic bottles, forgo the hand-me-downs and get newer ones that don’t contain BPA, a toxin that can cause nerve and behavior problems in babies. However, plastic bottles have a few drawbacks. They are prone to scratches, cracks, discoloration and odor retention with prolonged use. You will need to change them more frequently than bottles made with other materials. Although plastic baby bottles are generally safe, you will want to avoid heating them in the microwave and/or dishwasher since excessive heat can cause them to leach chemicals into your baby’s formula.
Glass baby bottles
Once you avoid cracks or outright breaking them, glass baby bottles can actually hang with the best of them. Plus they have a number of advantages over plastic bottles such as durability and being naturally BPA free. However, glass bottles do possess qualities that may deter a number of parents such as their higher prices and increased risk of breakage. Luckily, getting a silicone sleeve can help prevent the latter from happening. Some glass baby bottles even ship with sleeves. Lastly, glass bottles are also heavier and can weigh down an already laden diaper bag.
Silicone baby bottles
Despite it’s "plasticy" look, food-grade silicone baby bottles are definitely not plastic and are instead another BPA-free option for parents to consider. They are non-porous and therefore won’t harbor harmful bacteria. They are also flexible and feel more natural, meaning that they are easy for tiny hands to hold and are easier for parents to clean. Silicone bottles also resist deterioration and can withstand drastic temperature changes. Thankfully, they are much lighter than glass, but make up for this with higher prices.
Stainless steel baby bottles
Baby bottles constructed from stainless steel are a great option for those looking for an ultra-durable baby bottle. Stainless steel bottles won’t shatter if dropped and are also free from toxins. They are lighter than glass bottles, but heavier than plastic. Stainless steel bottles are also more expensive. One additional disadvantage that parents have found is that it’s difficult to guess how much formula the child has consumed or how much is left in the bottle due to its opacity.
What size baby bottle do you need?
When it comes to baby bottle sizes, one size does not fit all. Newborn babies don’t drink a lot, only about 2-3 ounces per feeding. Therefore, parents may want to start off with a smaller size. After three months, their intake increases to about 5 ounces and by four months old, they’re drinking anywhere between 8 and 9 ounces. Thus, especially when starting off, bigger isn’t always better. Yes, you can start off with larger bottles from the get-go, but larger bottles can also take up unnecessary room in the diaper bag. Ultimately it’s a personal decision and the size you choose will depend on your baby’s feeding habits and what you feel comfortable with.
Don't be intimidated when choosing a baby bottle type
Although it may seem intimidating, there is no reason why you should let the choice of baby bottle intimidate you. Most any option you choose will work well and your choice will come down largely to your comfort level and that of your baby’s.
THE SPOTLIGHT
We’d like to highlight just a few popular nipple guards that you could try as you navigate bottle feeding your baby. While we are not medical experts, we are offering these based on recommendations from moms that have used them and from Amazon’s ratings.
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