Baby Bottles: The Breakdown page 2

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.