With the huge amount of baby bottles on the market, new parents may be overwhelmed when trying to decide which one to use. The best choice for one baby may be different than the best choice for another baby. Baby Center advises trying several different types to find the one the baby will like the most. There are several bottle features that parents should take into account when choosing the best one for their newborn.
Materials
Research shows that Bisphenol-A, or BPA, a chemical found in certain types of plastic baby bottles, may cause health problems, according to Baby Center. Baby Center therefore recommends that parents of newborns choose a bottle that says right on the label that the product is BPA free. Parents can choose from plastic or glass bottles or those with disposable liners. Plastic bottles are lighter weight and often allow less air flow into the stomach as the baby eats, which can reduce gas. Glass bottles are all BPA free and are more durable, but can break if dropped. They are easy to clean as well since they don't get the cracks that plastic ones tend to after much sterilization. Bottles that use disposable liners don't require sterilization after each use, cutting down on the time it makes to prepare bottles for a feeding. A little experimentation can yield the best choice for a newborn.
Nipples
Nipples pose a major decision for parents of newborns because some prefer aspects that others don't. Again, trying out several can help a parent make the best choice for their baby. According to Baby Center, parents should use nipples that have the lowest flow available since newborns tend to take in a small amount at a time. Also, the smallest sized nipples are usually better for brand new babies since their mouths are still very tiny. Nipples come in several materials, including latex, silicone and rubber. Latex is more flexible, while silicone lasts longer. Additionally, nipples are made in a traditional shape, a flat topped shape that mimics the breast and an orthodontic shape, which Baby Center says can help protect the palate and future teeth of the newborn.
Size
According to Parents Magazine, newborns in the first few days of life only take in an ounce or less per feeding. Over the next few weeks they will consume two to four ounces at a time, on average. Therefore, a bottle that holds only four ounces will save space in the diaper bag and cabinets and will be less cumbersome for a new parent, especially one new to bottle feeding.
