hen my mom bought baby bottles for my brother and me 30 years ago, it wasn’t that big a deal. She went to the store and chose from one or two brands of glass bottles with rubber nipples. For the most part, they came in one size. These days, shopping for baby bottles can be a major project. The choices are numerous and confusing - and with the recent buzz about the health risks of bisphenol-a (BPA), the market is now flooded with even more alternatives. The grid below will help you cut to the chase by comparing some of the popular brands and their more salient characteristics. Good luck!
The Criteria
BPA Bisphenol-a is a chemical used to make polycarbonate, a clear and rigid plastic found in many household containers. The problem with baby bottles made of polycarbonate is the potential for BPA to leach from the plastic to the milk. BPA has the ability to mimic the hormone estrogen and create an “endocrine disruption” that can interfere with a child’s normal development. Many studies published over the past decade have linked exposure to BPA to increased rates of breast and prostate cancer, reproductive abnormalities, ADHD, obesity, and diabetes. In spite of this, the FDA stands by its decades-old approval of polycarbonate based on two studies - both of which were funded by the plastics industry.
A tiny amount of ingested BPA may or may not have an effect on your child’s health - but with so many options out there, why take a chance?
Glass Glass bottles contain no leaching chemicals, but they do carry the risk of breakage. Some manufacturers offer this option and one (Wee-Go) offers a BPA-free plastic sleeve to make their bottles more durable.
Nipples Not every baby mouth is shaped the same and some little ones have different sucking techniques, so many manufacturers offer different nipple sizes and flow speeds.
Latex, silicone, and rubber are the three most common materials. Latex nipples are softer and more flexible, but they don't last as long. Rubber tends to crack the fastest and create pockets where bacteria can grow. Silicone nipples are firmer, hold their shape longer, and contain no leaching chemicals. Some manufacturers make nipples from soft PVC (polyvinyl chloride) that often contains phthalates, another group of hormone-disrupting chemicals. Avoid these!
You also have a choice in nipple shape: traditional, orthodontic, or flat-topped. Orthodontic nipples, designed to accommodate your child's palate and gums, have a bulb that's flat on the side and rests on your child's tongue. Flat-topped nipples emulate the shape of a mother's breast.
Bottom line: Go with the silicone in a shape that your baby likes. Keep in mind that if the bottle manufacturer you’ve chosen doesn’t offer different nipples, there may be a third party that does.
Easy Wash
Some bottles are easier to wash than others and, since you will be spending a lot of time washing and rinsing, it’s good to know if the manufacturer has put some thought into this. The bottles marked “Easy Wash” are designed with this in mind.
Sizes
Depending on your child’s eating habits, the size of his hands (and your diaper bag), you may want to experiment with different size bottles. Many makers offer different styles - and Playtex even makes one intended to be easier for your baby to hold.
Eco-Friendly
Some manufacturers pay more attention to this than others. The ones checked on this chart make a strong effort to be environmentally friendly with their packaging and manufacturing.
Colic Control
Ingesting air bubbles while feeding can significantly aggravate colic-prone babies. Some bottles are designed to minimize air intake.
Liners
In general, liners are BPA-free, so even if the containers are not, they’re not coming in contact with the food.
MSRP Prices listed are average for one bottle.
About The Author
Born in New York City, Adam has been working as a screenwriter in Los Angeles for 10 years. He and his wife live in Bell Canyon with a 14-year-old son, 1-year-old baby boy, three dogs, two horses, and a cat. They’re expecting a partridge in a pear tree in December.
hen my mom bought baby bottles for my brother and me 30 years ago, it wasn’t that big a deal. She went to the store and chose from one or two brands of glass bottles with rubber nipples. For the most part, they came in one size. These days, shopping for baby bottles can be a major project. The choices are numerous and confusing - and with the recent buzz about the health risks of bisphenol-a (BPA), the market is now flooded with even more alternatives. The grid below will help you cut to the chase by comparing some of the popular brands and their more salient characteristics. Good luck!
About The Author
