Dr. Browns Original Bottle, 4-Pack

Whether you plan on pumping breast milk so your spouse can feed your little one or you prefer to use formula, you’ll need a good set of baby bottles. With several different types of bottles on the market, it’s a good idea to do a little research before you choose one.

Start by examining what material the bottle is made from. If the bottle is created from plastic, you’ll want to look to see that it is BPA, PVC, lead and phthalate-free. Other bottles are made from glass, which is recyclable and environmentally friendly. That means you won’t have to worry about any toxic chemicals seeping into the baby’s formula.

Next, check the bottle design. The best design will reduce the amount of air your baby ingests, preventing instances of gas, colic and spit-up. Not only do certain bottles have a patented anti-colic bottom vent, but they also angle to lessen the chances of your baby developing an ear infection.

You’ll also want to look at how the formula is designed to flow through the bottle. Babies can get frustrated if the flow is too slow or choke if the flow is too fast. To combat this, some bottles have an internal vent system that works in sync with the bottle’s silicone nipple to flow at the baby’s pace.

If this is your first baby, or you’re shopping for a baby shower gift, you’ll want to consider a bottle set that comes with a few extras. For example, you may come across a set that not only comes with six bottles in two different sizes, but also a bottle brush for cleaning the bottles, a formula dispenser for packing formula to-go and a pacifier to comfort baby.

• It is important to sterilize and clean your baby bottles properly before feedings. Sterilizing the bottles with boiling water should be done before the first use and again every so often if you have well water. After the first sterilization, you can take the bottles apart and either wash them in the dishwasher or soak them in a sink full of hot soapy water. Always rinse away any soap residue before using.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends discontinuing the use of baby bottles by the time your child reaches 18 months of age. By then, you’ll want to switch to a sippy cup. This is important because the longer a toddler uses a bottle, the higher their chance of tooth decay.
• Once you’ve retired your baby’s bottles, you can repurpose them. They can be used for everything from measuring liquids to holding snacks for a car ride to storing paintbrushes in between masterpieces.
• Certain excess baby bottles can be tossed in your recycling bin. Turn the bottles over and look at the number on the bottom. If you see a five or seven, you can recycle them. You can also donate the bottles to a children’s charity or an animal shelter.
• Since most bottles are sold in sets, it’s important to consider what you get with each set when comparing prices. So a set that includes a total of six bottles, a bottle brush, a formula dispenser and a pacifier is naturally going to cost more than a set with just four bottles.