Types of Baby Bottles & Nipples

Even breastfeeding mothers will need a few nipples and bottles on hand for times when they have to be away from the baby, breastfeeding is inconvenient or not suited to the situation, or if breast milk cannot be produced as quickly as the baby would like. Because there are a variety of different bottles and nipples, most mothers find it convenient to have several on hand at the baby's birth to allow the baby to decide which bottle and nipple allows easier feeding.

  1. Standard Bottles

    • There are two main types of bottles available for use in human babies: the standard bottle and the disposable bottle. Various styles of the standard bottle are available. Some styles are wider and easier for pumping breast milk, some are straight, and some are designed with a bend for airflow. The angled bottles, as well as other vacuumed bottles, are designed to eliminate the ingestion of air and prevent gas, discomfort and colic.

    Disposable Bottles

    • Disposable bottles are designed so that a milk bag can be placed inside and supported by the shell of the bottle. The bags in disposable bottles shrink as the baby drinks, which eliminates air from the baby's digestive system.

    Nipple Materials

    • Nipples for baby bottles are made from either silicone or latex. Silicone nipples are clear, more resistant to heat, and dishwasher safe, unlike their latex counter parts. Because silicone nipples are less porous than latex nipples, they are less likely to develop the growth of bacteria. Silicone nipples are more durable and last longer than latex nipples, but are not as soft and flexible as latex nipples.

    Nipple Designs

    • There are six nipple designs for use on baby bottles. Naturally shaped nipples resemble a woman's nipple most closely and allow an easy transition for the baby to a bottle. Orthodontic nipples also mock the mother's actual nipples by elongated during sucking and encouraging the baby to move the tongue in the same way as when breastfeeding. Vented nipples are designed to allow air into the bottle to prevent air from being ingested by the baby. Multi-flow nipples, both those with holes and those with slots, are designed to be easily adjusted from slow to fast flows without needing to switch nipples. Traditional nipples are the bell-shaped nipples with thin bases and tips and a single tiny hole.

    Choosing the Right Bottle and Nipple

    • The bottle may be chosen by the parents, according to preference; but ultimately the baby will decide which nipple is best suited to the shape of her mouth, and makes her feel most comfortable while feeding. The baby will reject and refuse to feed from some nipples when she is not feeling particularly hungry. Having several bottles on hand with different nipple types will help parents to more easily find the nipple their baby prefers.

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