Baby Bottles and Nipples

I remember the first time I walked into Babies R Us. It was like entering a different world. I was getting ready to buy products from categories that I never knew existed. Where did I start my tour of the store? The bottle aisle. I couldn't have picked a worse spot.

You know having many choices can be a two edged sword. It's nice to be able to pick the product that's right for you. It's terrifying when you are trying to make a decision about something you know nothing about. My previous visits to Babies R Us have revealed to me that I was not alone in being unable to easily figure out which bottle to buy. I see couples standing in front of the display reading the selling points of different brands trying to sort it all out.

Take the first bottles we tried.

Here are the bullets on the box:
--Unique 2-piece nipple stimulates the same suction as breastfeeding.
--Soft outer nipple enables baby's tongue to stay in same position.
--Air-exchange venting system helps keep air out of baby's tummy.
--Wide neck design is easy to fill and clean.
--Bottle cover won't get lost.

Sounds great huh? You know they are full of crap when they tell you the cover won't get lost. Hey, I can lose anything. The two piece nipple really means that you will have double the number to wash than a normal bottle. My daughter clamped down so hard that she would flatten he outer nipple against the inner thereby preventing the whole contraption from dispensing any milk.

We also tried (and stuck with) these bottles.

The Philips Avent newborn starter set bottles is the patented anti-colic nipple.
--It has an anti-vacuum skirt and one-way air valve that reduces air into the baby's stomach, and hence, reduces painful gas and colic.
--The natural shape and feel of the silicone nipple closely resembles the breast to make it easier to combine bottle and breastfeeding.
--The cap seals the nipple to prevent leaking while mixing or traveling.

Also sounds great. No leaks! Notice the nipple only reduces air, not prevents it. At least they are honest. Also I've found it's easy to think that you screwed the top on only to have it leak when you hold the bottle upside down. So much for no leaks.

I guess my point is that when it comes to bottles - IT DOESN'T MATTER!

I've been told from parents whose kids breastfeed that they still have to burp them as they suck in air. If you let your kid keep trying to drink after the bottle is empty or they are holding the bottle at an angle, they will probably suck in some air.

I remember when I was growing up seeing bottles that were bent, and had a baggie inside so that no air could get into your kids mouth made of plastic and glass.

If your child is hungry they will drink the milk down no matter what the bottle looks like. If they are not, well good luck trying to get them to eat.

My only suggestion. To make cleaning easier, stick to bottles with a wide mouth and one nipple.