What To Look For
The shape of the nipple in a bottle can be very important, especially if you will start with breast feeding. Look for a nipple with a wide base that mimics the shape of the breast to aid your baby when it is time to come off of breast feeding. Nipple flow is also important. The younger your baby is, the slower the flow needs to be. Progress to a faster flowing nipple as your baby grows. If your baby seems angry at feeding time, it is most likely that she is not getting food fast enough, so this would trigger the need to purchase a new, faster flowing nipple.
Common Pitfalls
Before purchasing a baby bottle, carefully read the label to make sure it was not made with polycarbonate, which has been proven to leak bisphenol A into any liquid placed inside the bottle. In 2010, the National Toxicology Program concluded that there is "some concern for neural and behavioral effects" in infants and children, given current exposure rates to BPA. Look for bottles that have been manufactured with safe plastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene.
Where To Buy
To browse the largest inventory of baby bottles, try a baby superstore such as Babies R Us. These stores are staffed with knowledgable sales associates that can answer your questions about baby items. Also, try searching online at websites such as Overstock and Amazon. These websites often offer products with a price tag that is cheaper than retail value at a baby superstore.
Cost
The baby bottle price range is between $5 and $20. A lot of factors determine the price value of a certain baby bottle--how many bottles per package there are, the type and durability of the materials the bottle was made with, and how well ventilated the bottle is.
Comparison Shopping
AVENT Natural Feeding Bottles are BPA-free, and come priced at $15 for a package of two. They are breast pump-compatible, and feature a wide neck that allows the transition from breast to bottle feeding a lot easier. Chrissy L. Hawthorne, a consumer, states "They are wide, so easy to hold, and the nipples have a wide base to make baby open wide, similar to latching on [to the breast]"
Rated number one by Consumer Search, the BornFree BPA free baby bottle gift set is available at $40. This set makes a perfect gift for a mom to be, as it includes three 5-oz baby bottles, one 9-oz baby bottle, one trainer cup and two extra level-2 nipples. With their wide necks, BornFree bottles are easily cleaned and mimic the feel of a real breast, which makes weening your baby off of breast feeding much simpler. The valve and venting system in place tends to alleviate spitting up and gas in babies.
Accessories
For parents on the go, purchase a bottle warmer. Most come with an adapter that easily plugs into your car through the lighter plug. This makes it easy for moms and dads to leave the house without worrying about the baby's feeding schedule. You can purchase a bottle warmer for around $40 at your local baby superstore.
Insider Tips
Before using the bottle to feed your child, sterilize it in boiling water.
Thoroughly inspect the nipples that came with your bottle for cracks, and dispose of any that have them. Cracks in the nipple could lead to excessive flowing of milk or formula thus causing your child to choke while feeding.
Do not let your baby fall asleep with the bottle in his mouth. This can lead to tooth decay and rotting.
