What To Look For
When shopping for baby bottles, the most important thing to look for is that they are marked "BPA-free." BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a harmful chemical in some plastics that is released when heated. When in doubt, select one of the more mainstream baby bottle manufacturers, such as Playtex or Gerber, as it is the small companies that may still produce bottles with BPA. Also, look for baby bottles with clear silicone nipples. Many infants and babies can be allergic to latex, and a silicone nipple will eliminate fear of an allergic reaction.
Common Pitfalls
New parents can make a few mistakes when purchasing baby bottles. Aside from selecting a BPA-free baby bottle, the most important thing to look for when purchasing a baby bottle is that the nipple is sized appropriately to the baby's growth stages. Infant baby bottle nipples are smaller than those for babies six months to one year in age. The size of the nipple will dictate how much milk is released to the baby based on their throat capacity. Start small and grow with your baby.
Where To Buy
While plastic baby bottles are available from large big-box retailers like Target to grocery chains such as Giant, they are best purchased at retailers devoted to selling baby products. Babies "R" Us or Buy Buy Baby carry an array of baby products and have large product selections when it comes to plastic baby bottles. These stores should also clearly denote whether or not the plastic baby bottle is BPA-free. Their employees are likely well-versed in the products and can make recommendations based on your and your baby's needs.
Cost
Plastic baby bottles typically cost about $5 per 8-ounce bottle, as of 2010. One of the top-rated plastic baby bottles from ConsumerSearch is the BornFree BPA-Free bottle. BornFree is one of the most popular brands on the market, providing baby-safe items to the consumer. Retailing for $18 for a pair of two eight-ounce bottles, the BornFree BPA-free baby bottles are also some of the most expensive on the market.
Another less expensive, yet equally as popular, baby bottle is The First Years Breastflow. Retailing at just $5 for a 9-ounce bottle, the Breastflow is designed to emulate the act of breastfeeding to provide an easy transition from mother to baby.
