When you are a mother you realize how big the world of babies is. There are so many options on the market, so many that it can be overwhelming. One of them is to choose the best bottle and nipple for our baby. There are different materials, sizes and shapes. What is the best for our baby? Keep reading and we will help you with your choice.
Factors when choosing a bottle
The bottle is not only used to give artificial lactation. Even if you are breastfeeding, there are going to be situations in which you will have to use the bottles (incompatible medication, work, cracked nipples ...). We will need at least two bottles at home to always have a clean and dry one available.
There are different types of baby bottles in the market at different prices with different characteristics that must be taken into account when choosing a bottle.
The factors to take into account are the bottle shape, size, material and type of nipple. Let's look at each of these characteristics carefully to choose the one that best suits our baby.
The shape of the bottle
In the market there are several ways. It is a very important aspect since its shape will depend on the comfort to give the bottle to your baby or for him to take it himself. : cylindrical, rectangular, wider, narrower, higher, lower ... Each one has its pros and cons. The widths have more stability and are easier to clean, the rectangular ones have greater stability and the cylindrical ones are adapted to all uses.
The cylindrical shape is the most used of all, since it facilitates the baby's grip on the bottle. If it has handles or is ergonomically shaped, it will allow you to have more autonomy to take it alone. If you have a wide mouth, it is easier to fill and clean them.
The size and flow of the bottle
The normal thing is to choose smaller bottles for the first months since the feedings are smaller and more often, and as they grow the size should be of greater capacity to adapt to your appetite. We will have to choose the size and nipple according to the age and needs of the baby.
There are 3 nipple flows: slow, medium and fast. They differ in the number and size of the holes. For the first months of life, the most suitable is a slow flow. Those of medium flow from 3-4 months of age and the rapid flow is already for when the cereals are introduced. If you notice that your baby becomes desperate when eating, it may not reach enough and needs a greater flow. And if you perceive that he is choking on the contrary, he will need a lower flow nipple.
The bottle material
Bottles are usually made of glass or polypropylene (plastic). The glass ones are heavier and easier to break but are much easier to clean and hygienic. They do not absorb odors and are better preserved. And on the other hand there are the plastic ones that are much stronger and lighter.
The most common is to opt for glass ones for the first months of life, due to their ease of cleaning. After six months, polypropylene ones are usually used. They are much safer due to their low weight and resistance, from this age they already want to hold them by themselves.
Type of teat
There are two types of nipples: latex or silicone. Those of latex are soft, very elastic and comfortable for babies. They are often used when changing from breast to bottle. They must be replaced every 1-2 months as they degrade easily.
And those of silicone are much more hygienic and durable than latex ones. They are transparent and resistant to sunlight, temperature and fat, but are also gentle on baby's teeth. It must be changed every time we see tears.
Because remember ... before making a decision, look for all the necessary information.