{"id":312834,"date":"2024-06-17T13:32:51","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T17:32:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=312834"},"modified":"2025-02-25T14:59:50","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T19:59:50","slug":"choosing-a-bottle-for-baby","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/312834\/choosing-a-bottle-for-baby\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a bottle for baby"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you are breastfeeding and looking to add the occasional bottle feed or exclusively feed your baby by bottle, there are so many choices out there! It can feel overwhelming to know where to start, but rest assured, we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nipples<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In general, the starting point for bottles is actually the nipple shape. Most experts agree that sticking with a long, skinny nipple (with no bulb at the tip) and a gradual slope to the base is the best place to start. This shape mimics what happens to a breast inside the mouth and maximizes oral motor function. A bottle nipple that looks a lot like your breast actually isn\u2019t an ideal shape because of how much human nipples change in a baby\u2019s mouth during feeds. Will this be true for every baby? No, but it does narrow down the first ones you\u2019ll try. If you want examples of what this looks like, take a peek at Dr. Brown\u2019s, Lansinoh and Pigeon brands. No specific brand is \u201cbest,\u201d but this will give you an idea of what to look for in any brand of bottle and nipple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most nipples are made of silicone, but latex is also available. Latex and repeated exposure to it can make a latex allergy more likely, so silicone is generally the go-to for nipple material. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For your baby to safely and effectively remove milk, they need to be able to latch on to the nipple you\u2019ve chosen. If you notice their jaw chomping up and down, their cheeks sucked in, or lots of milk leaking from the corners of their mouth – something is up! A poor latch can mean your baby will tire out before taking the milk they need. This may make the baby feel upset during feedings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some nipple shapes may make it difficult for the baby to latch properly, and could even alter the latch on the breast when switching between breast and bottle feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bottles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At first, your baby\u2019s feedings will be really small! Using a 4, 6 or 8-ounce baby bottle for 1-2 ounces of milk or formula may feel strange. Over time, breastfed babies may never need more than a 4-ounce bottle size. Formula feeding needs will definitely creep up towards 8 ounces. It helps to get a variety of baby bottle sizes to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest question for most people is the bottle’s material, whether glass or plastic. Here are some pros and cons to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n