Choosing a baby bottle

BPA is less of a concern in baby bottles now that most major manufacturers have discontinued manufacturing bottles that contain BPA in the U.S. These manufacturers include Playtex, Avent, Dr. Brown's, The First Years, Gerber and Evenflo. To be certain, consumers should check the packaging of any bottles to be sure the bottles are BPA-free.

Putting that concern aside, the primary issue when selecting a bottle is taking any special circumstances, such as breastfeeding or having a baby prone to gas or colic, into consideration. There are several bottles designed specifically to address these issues. The First Years Breastflow bottle (*Est. $6 for one 9-oz. bottle) and Adiri Natural Nurser (*Est. $10 for one 8-oz. bottle) offer modifications designed to mimic breastfeeding, such as nipple style and bottle shape.

For colicky babies or babies who tend to get gassy, Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottles (*Est. $10 for three 8-oz. bottles) feature a special tube system to help reduce gas and colic. Disposable systems by Playtex feature collapsible liners designed to help reduce air intake, and reviewers say these bottles are also good for breastfed babies who are sometimes fed with a bottle. Similarly, angled nursers are designed to reduce gas by eliminating air intake, although these styles are less popular among reviewers.

Beyond identifying specific needs, finding the bottle that works best for your baby may be a matter of trial and error, although reviews are helpful in identifying common problems, such as leaking or poor durability. Some babies prefer certain nipple styles over others, and while 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, and be aware that some babies' preferences or needs will change after a few months.

Reviewers say the following about shopping for baby bottles:

  • Silicone nipples are best. Although both latex and silicone nipples are considered safe, many experts recommend silicone. Latex exposure can lead to an increased risk of latex sensitivity or even serious allergy. Some reviewers also point out that latex is more porous and therefore more susceptible to bacterial growth than silicone. You can tell what material a bottle nipple is made of by its color: 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 before you try which bottle and nipple combination will work for your baby. 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, there are some smaller manufacturers still making bottles that contain BPA.

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