Disposable Nurser Systems

Disposable nurser systems are pricey in the long term

One category that does very well in parent reviews is disposable nursers. Both the Playtex Drop-Ins Premium Nurser (*Est. $5 for one 8- to 10-oz. bottle) and the Avent Tempo Natural Feeding Nurser (*Est. $10 for 9 oz. Bottle) get mainly positive ratings on Amazon.com, Target.com and the Toys R Us website. Similar in shape to standard bottles, these nursers use disposable liners with a permanent outer bottle and nipple. Because the liners are flexible, the air can be squeezed out of them before the bottle is given to the baby, which several user reviews say helps with colic and gassiness. On the other hand, using disposables costs more in the long run, and some parents find that continually having to buy liners becomes an inconvenience. Since both Avent and Playtex have decided to stop selling baby bottles containing BPA, these bottles are now BPA-free, and the liners have always been BPA-free. However, due to long supply chains, some retailers may still be carrying the older, BPA-containing versions, so consumers should look for the BPA-free label on the packaging before making a purchase.

Parents reviewing the Playtex Drop-Ins Premium Nurser say they find the drop-in liner reduces air bubbles and makes the bottle easy to clean between feedings. Some moms who use formula say they don't like having to take the extra step of mixing it in a separate container and then pouring it into the liner. Moms who use pumped breast milk, though, say they like the convenience of being able to pump directly into the liners and store the milk there until it's needed. Playtex Drop-Ins Premium Nurser systems come with NaturaLatch silicone nipples, which are wide and designed to mimic the latch a baby makes on a natural breast, easing the transition between breast and bottle. One reviewer on ToysRUs.com notes that while the liners are an added expense, they are cheaper than other breastmilk storage bags.

The Avent Tempo Natural Feeding Nurser gets slightly less enthusiastic reviews. Parents say it's easy to clean, good for traveling and helpful for colicky babies. The Tempo also scores points for its extra-wide base, which parents say makes it easy to fill with one hand. Its nipples are interchangeable with the Avent Natural Feeding Bottle, meaning parents can use both bottle systems without having to stock different nipples. The same flexible SoftSpout that turns the Natural Feeding Bottle into a sippy cup also works with the Tempo system -- a feature a few parents find useful. Leaking, although less of a problem with this system than with other Avent bottles, is still an issue. Several parents complain about having to wash the rings between each use. One reviewer on Target.com contends that having to wash a part between each use defeats the purpose of a disposable system, and the rings aren't sold separately, so it's not possible to carry extras. The big downside for moms who pump is that the Avent liners don't work directly with the popular Medela breast pumps.