We asked the experts from Nanobébé about their unique bottle designs which can help prevent colic and avoid the loss of nutrients.
Before running off to John Lewis to check out all the baby bottles, here are a few things to consider when shopping around. Not all bottles are the same and factors such as shape, material and teat all play a part in finding the perfect bottle.
Material
Although there are multiple options for material, each one can be a personal preference. Your first priority should be to make sure the bottle is free from BPA (bisphenol A), phthalates, lead, and PVC.
• Plastic: The most common material for baby bottles is plastic which is lightweight, convenient and typically the least expensive option.
• Glass: Glass is a naturally chemical free material, is easy to sanitise and can handle quick temperature changes. It does have a few pitfalls though: Glass is heavy and can easily break (especially once your little one starts to throw it on the floor!).
• Silicone bottles: Silicone bottles are a popular choice as they are durable, soft (like mum) and relatively lightweight. Comparably, they are perfect for those who want the best features of each the plastic and glass bottles. If you are looking for a more affordable option like plastic, but want a naturally non-toxic material like glass, then silicone would be a great choice. One bottle brand getting attention for checking all the right boxes is the Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Bottle. It is soft to the touch, easy to clean, lays flat and does not tip over like other silicone bottles, and comes in two sizes.
• Stainless steel: Also gaining popularity in the baby bottle world is stainless steel. It is durable and non-toxic; although one must consider the expensive price tag. You should also take into consideration the fact that the stainless-steel baby bottles aren’t transparent like all the other options, therefore prepping and measuring milk can be a guessing game.
Considering all of these variables, baby bottle material can play a large part in the bottle you ultimately end up with.
Shape
Looking at bottles side by side you will see the evident difference in shape. Each bottle may have one reason or another as to why their silhouette shows differently. Here are a few things to consider. Would this be stable on a flat surface? Would it fit comfortably in your baby’s hands? How much volume does it hold? Is it easy to clean?
Just as important as the bottle shape is the teat. Some factors to consider are flow rate, ideal length, feel and teat angle to accommodate paced feeding, and which most closely mimics breastfeeding. In addition to the specifications listed above, anti-colic features also play a large part in the decision-making process. Infantile Colic is a common condition that is not easily understood, and is defined as excessive, frequent crying in a baby, who appears to be otherwise healthy. Nanobébé bottles have a one-of-a-kind triple-vented system that releases air pressure and are designed to help everything from gas and colic, to upset stomachs and ear infections.
Why You Should Introduce a Bottle Even as a Breastfeeding Mum
We’ve all heard breastfed is best, but should you bother with a bottle if you are planning to strictly breastfeed?….the answer is yes! You never know when a situation might arise where a bottle will be the only option to feed your baby. Whether it be work-related or personal reasons, you should introduce a bottle to your baby so they gain familiarity with it early on (which also decreases the likelihood of bottle refusal!).
Thanks to the unique shape of the Nanobébé teat and bottle the transition from breast to bottle and back can be seamless. Once your baby becomes acquainted with their bottle, mums can take a much-needed break and have other family members help with the feedings. Other reasons to introduce a bottle can include going back to work, getting sick, pain while feeding or a decrease in milk production.
No matter how and what you chose to feed your baby, mum knows best. A fed baby is a happy baby and a happy baby makes a happy household. We hope this will give you confidence in baby bottle shopping and help to make an informed decision. Most importantly, enjoy those feeding moments!
About Nanobebe:
Nanobébé’s line of baby essentials is a game changer for today’s modern parents and their lifestyle. They are dedicated to finding real solutions that make a difference in your parenthood journey. Visit www.nanobebe.co.uk to learn how their advanced Flexy Silicone Bottles and award-winning Breastmilk Bottles make it easy to transition from breast to bottle as well as tips for navigating through those first years with a baby.
