Choosing Safe Milk Bottles, Pacifiers, and Sippy Cup for Newborns and Toddlers

While there is no doubt that breastfeeding is the best way to nurture a child, moms often opt for bottles due to various reasons. Whether you are pumping your own breast milk or feeding your baby formula, a bottle becomes a necessary baby care product to have. Here are some factors you need to consider when choosing the right bottle for your baby.

The most important factor when it comes to choosing a baby bottle is whether your little one will take to them. Both you and your baby must be comfortable with the type of bottle you choose to use.
 

• Glass vs Plastic Bottles
  
  Traditionally, baby bottles are made of glass. They work well because they are chemical-free and last longer. However, they are more expensive and there is a danger of breakage. Plastic bottles do not break, but they do deteriorate and need to be frequently replaced. Look out for chipped or cracked bottles. Another factor to consider with plastic bottles is the chemicals present in them You should always choose bottles that are free from harmful chemicals like BPA and BPS.
  

• Natural Feeding Bottles
  
  Traditionally, baby bottles are made of glass. They work well because they are chemical-free and last longer. However, they are more expensive and there is a danger of breakage. Plastic bottles do not break, but they do deteriorate and need to be frequently replaced. Look out for chipped or cracked bottles. Another factor to consider with plastic bottles is the chemicals present in them You should always choose bottles that are free from harmful chemicals like BPA and BPS.
  
  One thing to keep in mind is to use the bottles of the same brand as your breast pump, so that you can express milk straight into it. Philips Avent has a range of breast pumps and bottles that work perfectly together so you can experience hassle-free expression and feeding.

• Anti-Colic Bottles
  
  Colic is a temporary phase of inconsolable crying in healthy babies that tends to happen from 2 weeks to around 3-4 months of age. One of the things that can aggravate colic is an immature digestive system, and air in the tummy. This is particularly important to keep in mind if you are bottle feeding because bottle-fed babies can experience colic a little earlier than breastfed babies. This happens because excess air can accidentally sneak in as your baby suckles on the nipple, causing discomfort.
   

Anti-colic bottles are designed with a unique valve into the teat that flexes as your baby feeds to prevent vacuum build up, and vents air towards the back of the bottle. It keeps air in the bottle and away from baby’s tummy to help reduce gas, spit-up and burping. This type of anti-colic baby milk bottle helps reduce symptoms by using a baby bottle that is especially designed to reduce colic.

Here is a chart for bottle sizes labelled according to your baby’s age:
 

• 0m: 2 oz/60 ml
• Newborn: 4 oz/125 ml
• 1m+: 9 oz/260 ml
• 6m+: 11 oz/330 ml
   

If the bottle size determines the quantity of milk, the nipple determines how quickly the milk comes out.

Just like size of the bottle, the flow of the teat increases with your baby’s age, but keep in mind that every baby develops at their own rate. The flow rates can be identified by the number on the base of the nipples, though this varies from brand to brand.
 

• 0m: First flow (number 0)
• 0m+: Newborn flow (number 1)
• 1m+: Slow flow (number 2)
• 3m+: Medium flow (number 3)
• 6m+: Fast flow (number 4)
   

You can start to use a sipper to feed your baby after 6 months of age, or as soon as they learn to sit upright without support. Sippers help your baby transition away from using baby milk bottles and are better for their teeth and gums. They can also improve hand-to-mouth coordination. When your baby has the motor skills to handle a cup but not the skills to keep the drink from spilling, a sippy cup can give him some independence.
 

When choosing a sippy cup, it is best to opt for plastic cups free from harmful chemicals like BPA, which can leech into the fluids in the cup. Most parents start their children on cups that have a soft spout because it is the closest thing to a nipple and babies quickly learn how to use it. Your baby may prefer to use a sippy cup with a grip or handle, and with enough practice they will be able to drink from it on their own!

A pacifier is usually a silicone nipple given to an infant or young child to suck upon. A pacifier’s primary purpose comes down to the fact that newborns are born with an instinct to suck. Whether they are bored, tired, or needing comfort, this sucking instinct is separate from their need to eat. Some babies prefer to suck on their thumbs or fingers, and others prefer pacifiers.
 

A pacifier provides a very calming, soothing effect on your baby. Pacifiers have the following uses:

• Help your baby fall asleep
• Calm your frightened baby
• Aid in digestion
  
  There are a variety of pacifiers available in the market today, including ones that have plush toys attached! To narrow down your search for the best pacifier you will need to consider your baby’s age, skin sensitivity and preference. It is important to make sure your baby’s pacifier is kept clean through frequent washing and sterilization and ensure that you choose a pacifier free from harmful chemicals such as BPA, BPS and Latex.

When it comes to choosing the right product for your baby, you need to ensure they are safe and free from harmful chemicals. Every day scientists uncover new information about the chemicals we are exposed to and their potential links to illness. Many of these substances are currently under review by government agencies and academics. Others are in the process of being banned or restricted.

Here are some substances to avoid.

• BPA and BPS plastic:
  
  BPA is an industrial chemical that is added to some plastics to create strong, impact-resistant products. BPS is a similar chemical that is used in place of BPA but has similar effects.
  Over a thousand studies have linked BPA exposure to a host of illnesses and conditions. Recent studies show BPA is more harmful to developing fetuses and children and is most commonly absorbed through the skin and mouth.
  
  
• Phthalates
  
  From baby dolls to plastic slides, choosing your baby’s toys is important for development. But many children’s items contain phthalates that can be harmful if ingested, possibly resulting in reproductive and developmental issues.
  
  
• Latex and Sulphur:
  
  Babies are very delicate and certain products will easily leave them with allergies. The most common products that many babies are allergic to are, products made from Latex and Sulphur. Latex is a synthetic material that originates from the tree. It is the source of rubber that we use to make many products including baby bottles/ erasers. Sulphur is used in a number of rubber and plastic to make them more durable.