Baby bottles and teats: How to choose?

A Guide to Choosing Baby Bottles and Teats

Choosing the right feeding equipment for your baby can feel overwhelming with the sheer number of options available.
The right combination of bottle and teat can make feeding a calm, comfortable experience for both you and your little one. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider.

Part 1: Choosing a Baby Bottle

The bottle itself is more than just a container; its design can impact how much air your baby swallows and how easily they can feed.

• Material: Glass vs. Plastic vs. Stainless Steel
  • Glass Bottles:
    Pros:
    Durable, easy to sterilise thoroughly, doesn’t retain stains or odours, and is a chemically inert material (no concerns about leaching chemicals).

    Cons:
    Heavier (for baby and you) and can break if dropped.
    Most modern brands have a protective silicone sleeve to improve grip and prevent shattering.
    Best for:
    Parents who prioritise chemical-free materials and do frequent sterilising.

  • Plastic (BPA-Free) Bottles:
    Pros:
    Lightweight, virtually unbreakable, and often more affordable.
    Look for bottles labelled “BPA-free,” “BPS-free,” or made from newer materials like polypropylene (PP) or PES.

    Cons:
    Can become scratched over time, which may harbour bacteria.
    They may need replacing more frequently than glass.
    Best for:
    Everyday use, older babies who can hold their own bottle, and for travelling.

  • Stainless Steel Bottles:
    Pros:
    Extremely durable, lightweight, free from chemicals like BPA, and excellent at maintaining temperature.

    Cons:
    You cannot see the milk level inside, and they tend to be the most expensive option.
    Best for:
    Eco-conscious parents looking for a long-lasting, non-plastic option.

• Shape and Design
  • Standard Straight-Sided:
    The classic shape. Easy to clean and sterilise.
  • Angled Bottles:
    Designed with a bend to help keep the teat full of milk, potentially reducing the amount of air your baby swallows and thus reducing wind and colic.
  • Wide-Neck Bottles:
    Shaped more like a breast, which can make the transition between breast and bottle easier for some babies.
    They are also often easier to fill and clean.
  • Anti-Colic/Vented Bottles:
    These have a special internal system (e.g., a vent, valve, or collapsible bag) designed to separate air from the milk, preventing air bubbles from entering the baby’s tummy.
    Brands like Dr. Brown’s and Philips Avent are popular for this.
    
    
• Capacity
  Small (approx. 120-150ml):
  Ideal for newborns and for offering water or small feeds to older babies.
  Large (approx. 240-330ml):
  Necessary for older babies as their appetite increases.

Part 2: Choosing a Teat

The teat is arguably more important than the bottle, as it’s what your baby actually interacts with.
The flow and shape must be right for their age and feeding style.

• Material
  • Silicone:
    The most common choice. It’s clear, firm, odourless, tasteless, and more durable. It can be sterilised at high temperatures but may need replacing more frequently as it can tear.
  • Latex (Rubber):
    Softer and more flexible, which some babies prefer. However, it can perish faster, may discolour, and cannot be sterilised at as high a temperature. It is also not suitable for babies with a latex allergy.
• Flow Rate (The Most Important Factor)
  The flow rate is the size of the hole in the teat, which controls how quickly milk comes out. Always start with the slowest flow for a newborn.
  • Newborn (Slow Flow):
    For babies 0+ months. The slowest flow to mimic breastfeeding.
  • Medium Flow (1-2 hole):
    For babies 1-3 months.
  • Fast Flow (3 hole):
    For babies 3-6 months.
  • Variable/Varied Flow (4 hole):
    For babies 6+ months.
  • Y-Cut or Cereal Teat:
    For thicker feeds, like those containing baby rice.
  • Signs the flow is too slow:
    Your baby becomes frustrated, falls asleep from the effort, or takes an extremely long time to finish a feed.
  • Signs the flow is too fast:
    Your baby coughs, splutters, gulps, or seems to be overwhelmed by the pace of the milk. Milk may also dribble out of the sides of their mouth.
• Shape
  • Standard/Classic:
    The traditional round shape.
  • Orthodontic/Physiological:
    Designed to mimic the shape of a mother’s nipple during breastfeeding, which is thought to be better for oral development. These are often wider at the base.
  • Wide Base:
    Similar to the shape of a breast, often paired with wide-neck bottles to encourage a good, deep latch.

Practical Tips for Making Your Choice

•  Start Simple:
  Don’t invest in a huge stock of one brand immediately.
  Buy one or two different types to test what your baby prefers.
• Follow Your Baby’s Lead:
  Your baby is the best judge. If they are fussy, gulping, or bringing up a lot of wind, try a different teat flow or an anti-colic bottle system.
• Hygiene is Paramount:
  Whatever you choose, ensure you can clean and sterilise it easily.
  Check that all parts are dishwasher-safe (top rack is usually recommended) if that’s your preferred method.
• Replace Regularly:
  Teats wear out. Inspect them frequently for signs of damage like stickiness, thinning, tearing, or discolouration, and replace them every 1-3 months.

Disclaimer:
This information is for guidance purposes.
If you have specific concerns about your baby’s feeding, always consult your health visitor or GP.