We care for our babies, so picking the best bottles for them is essential. Many parents would ask themselves – “which bottle would be the best for my baby?”. There are various aspects to look for – the shapes, sizes, materials, and many more. Hence, keep reading if you are unsure about what to consider when shopping for a baby bottle online Malaysia or shopping at a baby shop.
Nipples
There are different flow rates for each nipple, and the slowest ones are for newborns. Note that to change the nipple as the baby grows, you can tell when is this necessary by the way they suck. They will suckle vigorously or act irritated when they are ready for the next size. Other factors on when to change nipples include when the nipples are cracked, discolored, or thinning.
There is various material as well – silicone which is firm and durable as well as latex which is softer but does not last very long. Consider if the materials are good for the baby – some babies are allergic.
Shape
Different bottles come in different shapes. With that in mind, some bottles are straight, others are angled, and others are wide. Angled nipples prevent the baby from swallowing air, while wide nipples mimic breasts to make it less confusing for the baby.
Material
This is an important aspect to consider for new parents. Baby bottles have different materials that include glass, silicone, stainless steel, and plastic. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons.
1. Plastic
This type of bottle is shatterproof and light, however, needs to be replaced more often than others. Generally, plastic bottles are safe though parents must be careful of dangerous contents such as bisphenol A (BPA) which is dangerous for babies.
2. Glass
This material possesses durability, however, they are more heavy, expensive as well as breakable.
3. Silicone
This type of material is light, flexible, and does not contain BPA. However, they are harder and pricier compared to other options.
4. Stainless Steel
This type of bottle possesses durability and does not contain toxins. Another disadvantage to this type of bottle is that you won’t be able to see the inside of the bottle, so it’s difficult to see how much your baby has sucked.
5. Disposable Liners
Disposable bottle liners are easy to clean but they are pricey and not good for the environment.
Size of the bottle
Generally, you can spot baby bottles in small sizes (4-5 ounces) as well as large sizes (8-10 ounces). Newborns only consume 2 ounces at a time however, babies’ appetite could increase over time. With that in mind, buying bigger sizes could be helpful in the future.
Vent
Baby bottles that provide special venting features can prevent babies from consuming too much air. This can help in reducing gas and spit up. Bottles with venting features are essential for babies with colic.