Tips for choosing the best baby bottle for you and your baby

Most babies will do just fine with a basic baby bottle and nipple. Babies who are picky or seem to have feeding issues may need to try a few different brands before they find one they like. If you have a colicky baby, you can start with basic bottles that have simple air vent systems and then, if those don't help, try a more complex system with special tubes or ventilation to get rid of the air in the bottle. A breastfeeding mother with a baby who rejects a standard bottle may want to try one that looks and feels more like a breast.

Beyond identifying specific needs, which is ultimately a matter of trial and error, reviews are helpful in identifying common problems, such as leaking or poor durability. Some babies prefer certain nipple styles over others. Some bottles will work with different nipple brands; others can be used only with a specific nipple. New parents should start with one or two different bottles to find what works best before buying large quantities of one brand. Also be aware that some babies' preferences or needs may change after a few months.

Reviewers say the following about shopping for baby bottles:

  • Silicone nipples are best. Latex and silicone nipples are both considered safe, but many experts recommend silicone. Latex exposure can lead to an increased risk of latex sensitivity or even serious allergy, for both mom and baby. Some reviewers also point out that latex is more porous and therefore more susceptible to bacterial growth than silicone. Latex, because it is softer, can be bitten through more easily, possibly posing a choking hazard. In general, latex is brownish, while silicone is clear or brightly colored. That said, some babies have a strong preference for either silicone or latex and will refuse the other.
  • Use the right nipple for each stage. Baby bottle nipples come in various stages to accommodate changes in feeding abilities and styles as babies grow. Newborn nipples, for example, are designed to let the milk or formula through slowly enough for a newborn's tiny throat. Nipples designed for older babies have a faster flow rate to match their increased size and calorie requirements. Y-cut nipples work best with thicker liquids, such as formula that has been mixed with rice cereal for babies with reflux.
  • Keep safety in mind. A worn nipple could present a choking hazard, so nipples should be inspected regularly for cracks, tears or other signs of wear. Bottles and nipples should be cleaned with hot soapy water after each use and sterilized weekly in boiling water. Experts say caregivers should never enlarge a bottle nipple with a pin or knife -- the premature wear could lead to choking.
  • Trust your baby's preferences. One thing experts agree on is that every baby is different. If your baby rejects a particular bottle or seems to be gassier or crankier than usual, trying another brand or style could make all the difference.
  • Start small. It's impossible to tell which bottle and nipple combination will work for your baby before you try it. Experts advise parents to start by experimenting with one or two different starter kits rather than stocking up on a particular brand right away.
  • Check labels for BPA-free bottles. While most bottles are now BPA-free, selling bottles that contain BPA is not prohibited by law. There may be BPA-containing bottles being sold at discount stores and clearance centers. Be sure the bottle states it is BPA-free and, preferably, was manufactured after 2008.

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