Baby bottles and nipples: a guide for parents
Whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding or mixed feeding, there’s a good chance that when you have a baby, you will need some baby bottles.
But with so many different types of baby bottles and features on the market, how do you know which one to buy?
To help you out, here’s a rundown on the different types of baby bottles available and the nipples that go with them.
You can also read baby bottle reviews from other parents. Or take a look at our baby bottle comparisons to find the top-rated products.
Baby bottle materials
More parents are trying to go plastic-free with their baby products, and that includes bottles. Here are some pros and cons to common baby bottle materials.
Glass
Glass baby bottles are becoming a popular choice amongst parents thanks to their sturdy nature and the fact that they don’t contain any chemicals – they’re also easier to clean and friendlier on the planet. If a glass baby bottle sounds like a recipe for disaster, don’t worry! They are made with tempered glass and can be knocked around a bit (within reason). One downside is that glass bottles can be a bit heavier to lug around with all of your other baby items.
Plastic
Plastic bottles are a lightweight and affordable option chosen by parents for their baby. Just make sure the bottles you choose are BPA free.
Silicone
Naturally free from chemicals like BPA, PVC and Phthalate, Silicone is also heat resistant, so it lasts longer than plastic.
Different types of baby bottles
The type of baby bottle you need will depend on your baby and what they prefer. Here are a few popular varieties to get you started.
Standard or narrow baby bottle
A standard baby bottle is the most common bottle on the market – it’s tall, straight, and easy to use—for example, the Pigeon Slim Neck bottle.
Wide neck baby bottle
This type of baby bottle is shorter and wider so it can accommodate a wider nipple. Babies who are mixed fed, or who have a wider latch, might prefer a broader nipple that feels similar to a breast – like the Tommee Tippee “Closer to Nature” range.
Angle-neck baby bottle
An angle-neck baby bottle means the milk collects in the nipple, reducing the amount of air taken in when drinking.
Vented bottles
A vented baby bottle prevents air from getting trapped inside the milk and baby swallowing air bubbles. This type of bottle is sometimes called an anti-colic bottle, like the Tommee Tippee Advanced Comfort Anti Colic Feeding Bottle.
Nipples
Nipples come in a variety of materials, sizes and flow speeds. Similar to the bottle shape, your nipple choice will depend on your baby’s preference. You may want to try a few different brands before stocking up on one.
Slow flow nipples
Newborns tend to feed slower, which is where the slower flowing nipple comes in so baby doesn’t drink too much too quickly.
Fast flow nipples
Once baby has mastered feeding, you may want to increase the speed to avoid any upsets if the milk isn’t flowing quickly enough.
Anti-vacuum nipples
This type of nipple is designed to reduce bubbles and is said to help with colic and gassy babies. Read our article on best formulas for gassy babies.
Traditional nipples
A traditional nipple is a bell-shaped teat that comes with most baby bottles.
Flat-topped nipples
Depending on your baby, a flat-topped nipple with a bigger might be more comfortable for feeding because it is shaped more like a breast.
Remember all babies are different and it might take some trial and error before you find the perfect bottle.
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