Learning and growing along the way
If you’re looking for the best bottles for your baby, you’ve come to the right place. As parents of three ourselves, we understand that feeding time is important in a parent and child relationship. We’ve done breastfeeding, pumped breast milk, and bottle fed formula in this house and every child had a preference on their bottles, so we’ve tried many many brands over the past 5 years and think we’ve got some good suggestions based on our experience.
When it comes to feeding your little one, you want to make sure they’re getting the best nutrition possible. For many moms, that means breastfeeding. But what if you’re not able to breastfeed for whatever reason? Or what if you want to give your partner or a caregiver the chance to feed your baby too?
That’s where baby bottles come in. There are so many different types and brands out there, it can be overwhelming to choose and expensive to try them all. Here’s some things to keep in mind:
You want to look for a bottle that has a slow flow. Breast milk doesn’t come out in a fast stream like many bottle nipples do, so you want to make sure your baby is able to control the flow of milk as they would during breastfeeding and not get too “lazy” while eating that they develop a preference for bottles over breast.
You’ll want to look for a bottle that has a nipple that’s shaped like a breast. Some nipples are more round or flat, but others are designed to mimic the shape of a real breast. This can help your baby latch onto the bottle more easily and feel more comfortable during feeding.
You’ll also want to consider a bottle that has some kind of anti-colic technology. Breastfeeding naturally reduces the amount of air your baby swallows, but with a bottle, it’s easier for them to take in more air, which can lead to discomfort and fussiness. Look for bottles that have vents or other features that help reduce the amount of air getting mixed in while eating.
So, which bottle is closest to breastfeeding? Well, there are a few options out there that meet these criteria, but ultimately there’s no “right answer”. Some popular choices include the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottles, the Comotomo bottles, and the Nuk Smooth Flow bottles, but there are many others available that may work well too.
The most important thing is to find a bottle that your baby is comfortable with and that works well for your family’s needs. And remember, whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or a combination of the two, what matters most is that your baby is getting the nutrition and love they need to thrive.
When choosing a nipple for your baby, make sure it is the right size, shape, and flow rate. The right nipple can help make feeding more comfortable with a better latch. Look for nipples made from soft silicone that mimic the natural shape of a breast.
When considering the flow rate of the nipple, know that if it’s too fast, your baby may choke or overfeed; if it’s too slow, your baby may become frustrated and uncomfortable. Most nipples come in various flow rates so that you can choose the best one for your baby and a guide to know what you should be using and when you should be switching to another rate.
As your baby grows, you may need to transition them into a bigger bottle, but that’s not always the case. Babies who are bottle fed breastmilk often never drink more than 4-6 ounces at a time. When your baby drinks more than 5 ounces of formula or breastmilk in one feeding session, you’ll know it is time to switch to a larger bottle.
You should also look for signs that the current nipple may not be too slow. If your baby has difficulty latching on or seems frustrated during a feeding session, it may be time to switch to a different nipple or a faster pace nipple.
When it comes to baby bottles, there are some specific benefits to consider for both glass and silicone options:
Glass Baby Bottles:
Glass is a non-porous material, so it does not absorb odors or flavors, making it easier to clean and reuse for multiple feedings.
Glass bottles are generally considered more environmentally friendly as they can be recycled endlessly and do not release harmful chemicals into the environment when they break down.
Glass is a natural material that does not contain any chemicals that could potentially leach into the contents of the bottle, which is important for baby’s health.
Glass baby bottles are also heat-resistant, which makes them suitable for holding hot liquids.
Silicone Baby Bottles:
Silicone baby bottles are typically lighter than glass bottles, which makes them easier to hold and transport for feeding.
They are also more durable and less likely to break if dropped, which is a common occurrence with baby bottles.
Many silicone baby bottles are designed with collapsible or soft body options, making them easier for baby to hold and manipulate during feedings.
In summary, both options are probably safer than a plastic bottle, but glass baby bottles for offer benefits such as environmental friendliness, durability, and heat resistance, while silicone baby bottles offer benefits such as flexibility, lightness, and ease of use for baby. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
The Philips Avent Natural baby bottle is designed with your baby’s natural feeding habits in mind. It’s glass instead of bpa free plastic and has an easy-to-hold shape. The Natural Response nipple allows your little one to control the pace of the milk, just like they do when breastfeeding.
Made from premium quality borosilicate glass, this bottle is not only BPA-free but also heat and thermal shock resistant. This means you can safely store it in the fridge or warm it up without worrying about it cracking. Plus, it’s easy to clean and sterilize!
The wide breast-shaped nipple has a soft feel that mimics the shape and feel of a breast, making it easy to combine breast and bottle feeding. With its “no-drip design”, you won’t have to worry about losing any precious milk from the tip of the bottle. The nipple comes as Flow 2 or Flow 3, depending on the size bottle you buy, which is perfect for growing babies.
The anti-colic valve is designed to reduce colic and discomfort by sending air away from your baby’s tummy.
The Glass Natural bottles won the 2022 Feeding Awards from What To Expect.
