As a mother of a growing child, you may be facing difficulty in shifting to a feeding bottle. The design of the nipple plays the most important role in this major shift. Moreover, the material with which the nipple is made of plays a crucial part in your child’s better compliance with the bottle. So, either you are feeding you, baby, on formula or expressed milk it takes good research to know which nipple is best for your baby that offers your baby an experience very close to breastfeeding.
Here are some points we need to notice before choosing a nipple for your baby:
Table of Contents
Nipple’s Material
Non-toxic Medical Grade Material:
Nipples are always made of non-toxic material safe for regular use. Opt for a nipple that is made of medical-grade material to ensure the use of high standard highly safe nipple for your baby.
Silicone
Mostly nipples are made of silicone. These are temperature resistant so, they are safe to put in the microwave, freezer and dishwasher. Silicone nipples are safe and are flexible enough to fit in baby’s mouth. Silicone nipples are easy to sterilize, soft and non-porous. They are sturdy and can last up to one year. Look for medical-grade silicone nipples to ensure the best nipple for your little one.
Latex
You may find some nipples made of latex in the market. Some babies are allergic to it but some of them take latex version easier than silicone ones. Many pacifiers are also made of latex. They also have another benefit of holding the odour of the milk. However, there is a study showing long term use of latex can be carcinogenic because the t leaches a carcinogen known as nitrosamines. Moreover, they also wear out quickly.
Size Of Nipple
Nipples come in various sizes. Opt the best one for your baby according to his age
Size 1: It has a small hole. Most suitable for newborns. It has 1 hole.
Size 2: It is ideal for breastfed babies of all ages. It has 2 holes
Size 3: It is suitable for children of 3 months and older. It has 3 holes and offers a medium flow.
Size 4: It offers fast flow and is suitable for babies of 6 months and older. It has 4 holes.
There are also special nipple sizes for premature babies.
The Shape Of The Nipple
The One That Mimics The Shape Of The Breast:
The nipple shape should mimic the shape of the breast to best fit in baby’s mouth. The more is closer to the shape of the breast the more baby is comfortable with it. This feature is also helpful in shifting the baby from breastfeeding to the bottle.
Long Nipples
Other nipples are long and dome-shaped. This is the most available shape in the market.
Orthodontic Nipples:
Orthodontic nipples are also available that offer the best shape to fit in your child’s mouth. They are more slender from middles and wider from the base and tip.
Lifespan
Opt for a nipple that can last longer. Mostly silicone nipples have longer lives than latex nipples. Moreover, it also depends on the grade of silicone or latex used to make the nipple.
Heat Protective
Look for the nipple that is resistant to any damage with heat change. It is very necessary to note if the nipple used is suitable to put in the microwave and dishwasher. If the material is not microwave friendly, it can melt away or can develop free radicals harmful for your baby’s body.
Here are the best nipples available in the market for your baby:
Dr Brown’s Original Nipple
$ 7
88
Pack Of 6
- Material: Silicone
- Size: 2
- Rating: 4.8 / 5
Evenflo Classic Fast Flow Silicone Nipples
$ 2
69
Pack Of 4
- Material: Silicone
- Size: 2
- Rating: 4.8 / 5
Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic Baby Bottle Nipple
$ $5
53
Pack Of 2
- Material: Silicone
- Size: 2
- Rating: 4.8 / 5
Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle Nipple
$ 5
99
Pack Of 4
- Material: Silicone
- Size: 2
- Rating: 4.8 / 5
Comotomo Silicone Replacement Nipple
$ 6
99
Pack Of 2
- Material: Silicone
- Size: 2
- Rating: 4.8 / 5
Dr Brown’s Original Nipple
These are the best seller nipples available on Amazon. These are uniquely designed level 2 nipples that offer a medium flow. It is made super soft high-grade silicone that gives an excellent feeding experience to your baby. Most importantly the nipples are BPA free and offer a consistent flow. So, you and your baby know what to expect.
Pros
1. Lactation Consultant Recommended
Lactation consultant recommends their use when you need to shift from the bottle to breast and then to bottle. They say that this design will help develop the suck in the baby and it works for many kids.
2. Easy To Clean:
These nipples are easy to clean and serialize.
3. Microwave And Dishwasher Friendly
The nipples are heat resistant and are safe to put in microwave, freezer and dishwasher (top rack).
4. Cost-Effective:
These are the best cost-effective nipples available in the market.
5. Y-Cut Nipple:
It has the best shape to fit in baby’s mouth to offer greater flow.
Cons:
1. Too Fast:
Some babies may find it too fast. So, they can’t handle it and drink properly. The flow is not suitable for premature kids and newborns. It is well handled by younger kids.
2. Not Standard UK Size:
If you are buying over the counter bottle from the same brand, Dr. brown, it may not be a suitable optio
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Item model number | SN261-WEB |
| Material Type | Silicone |
| Number Of Items | 6 |
| Style | Level 2 (3m+) |
| Batteries Required | No |
| Bottle Nipple Type | Vented |
| Item Weight | 3.2 Ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 6.8 x 2.9 x 4.5 inches |
| Heat Resistant | Yes |
| Age Range | Best for babies of 3 months and older(baby’s preferred flow may vary) |
You can Buy A Pack Of 6 On Amazon In $7.88.
Evenflo Classic Fast Flow Silicone Nipples
Evenflo classic silicone nipples offer a sensitive response to the applied baby’s pressure and provide with the proper quantity of fluid and micro air vents reduce gas. It is made up of soft silicone. It is completely free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, and polycarbonates.
Pros
1. Micro Air Vent:
These special vents are designed to curb nipple collapse during feeding providing a better and more comfortable feeding experience for your baby.
2. Soft Silicone:
It is made up of high quality, flexible, soft silicone to provide highly safe feeding to your baby.
3. FDA approved Material
The material is of medical grade. So, you can be sure of the quality of the material used.
4. Shape
The shape of the nipple is well-formed with a gradual design transition to best fit in the mouth of your child.
5. Easy To Clean
The nipple is easy to clean and sterilize with a small brush.
6. Sturdy
The nipple is sturdy and lasts for a long time.
7. Heat Resistant
These nipples are safe to put in microwave and dishwashers
Cons
1. Inconsistent
The flow is inconsistent and irregular. The baby becomes uncomfortable with this situation.
2. Slow
These nipples are too slow for the recommended age group. The child takes too long to finish the same quantity that he takes before.
3. Collapse
In some cases, the nipple may collapse. You have to pull the bottle out of your baby’s mouth, wait for a while and then put it back into his mouth.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Item Model Number | 2114914C |
| Target Gender | Unisex |
| Material Type | Silicone |
| Number Of Items | 4 |
| Style | Fast Flow, Level 2 (3m+) |
| Item Weight | 0.8 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 20 x 14.48 x 6.48 inches |
You can Buy It On Amazon for $2.69.
Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic Baby Bottle Nipple Replacement.
The Advanced The anti-Colic baby bottle is proven to reduce colic symptoms for less wind, less reflux and less fussing. The baby bottle uses a unique venting system to draw air bubbles away from milk during feeding. It is the award-winning to offer an experience closer to the natural one. It offers the best design if you want to shift from breastfeeding to the bottle. The product is BPA, phthalates free and is highly safe for your little one.
Pros:
1. Multiple Flow Rates
The product offers multiple flow rates mentioned in it. It is given as
- 1 s a slow flow for 0+ months.
- 2 is medium fleeing for 3+ months.
- 3 is a fast flow for 6+ months.
You can opt according to your needs and baba y’s choice.
2. 80% Less Colic
The product claims to provide 80% less chance of colics while feeding. Colics are due to unnecessary airflow during feeding. It offers an excellent venting system that draws air bubbles out of the fluid. The air is drawn through vents in the venting wheel, then through the venting tube, it goes to the star valve which expels it into the air space present at the base of the bottle. This mechanism helps to reduce symptoms of colics like gas, reflux etc.
3. Heat Sensing Strip
The venting tube offers a heat-sensing strip when the milk is too hot. The colour of strip changes when the fluid inside is too hot. It turns to pink indicating that you need to cool it down before feeding your baby.
4. Breast-like Shaped Nipple:
The product offers the best design in the form of a breast-like feeding nipple. It helps better grip by the baby and also helps in transitioning from breast to bottle.
5. Soft Silicon
The nipple is made of soft silicone. It is flexible and mimics the most natural feeding experience as that of the bottle. It can stretch, move and flex closer to skin. It is the best choice if you want to the shift from breastfeeding to bottle.
6. Easy Wash
The nipple is easy to wash and sterilize.
7. Dishwasher Friendly
The product is microwave and dishwasher friendly.
Cons:
1. Collapse
The nipple may collapse while feeding. You have to manage it every time you feed your child. Sometimes, it gets super inconvenient for moms.
2. Less Life
The nipples get foggy very quickly. You need to change them often. Most reported life span is 2 and a half months.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Item model number | 522905 |
| Target Gender | Unisex |
| Material Type | Silicone |
| Number Of Items | 2 |
| Bottle Nipple Type | Natural Latch Nipple |
| Item Weight | 1.76 Ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 2.38 x 2.5 x 4.75 Inches |
| Heat Resistant | Yes |
| Size | Size 1,2,3 |
You Can Buy It On Amazon For $5.53.
Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle Nipple:
This worldwide popular brand designs the best nipples for your child. These are made of ultra-soft material that provides your baby with an experience much close to the natural one.
Pros:
1. Natural Latch:
These nipples provide the best design close to the breast to provide the best and comfortable latch to your little creature.
2. Material:
It is made of high-grade silicone. The material is soft and flexible designed to copy the breast feel. Thus, providing you with a safe and comfortable product.
3. Heat Resistant:
The product is heat resistant so you can easily put it into microwave and freezer.
4. Easy To Wash:
The design is easily washable in the dishwasher(first rack). You can also easily sterilize it by boiling for 5 minutes.
5. Flexible Spiral Design:
The flexible spiral design is created to ensure the best to allow consistent flow. Thus, it allows the more natural experience and avoiding collapse
6. Anti-colic Vent Technology:
The anti-colic vent technology is designed to minimize colics to avoid discomfort and gas during feeding.
7. Variable sizes:
It comes in variable sizes ranging as
Size 1 newborn flow: It is for newborn and breastfed of all ages.
Size 2 slow flow: It for newborns and breastfed babies of all ages.
Size 3 medium flow: It is for babies 3 months of age and up.
Size 4 fast flow: It is a faster flow for babies 6 months of age and up.
Size 5 variable flow: It offers adjusting slot to accommodate thicker liquids.
Cons:
1. Stay Vigilant:
You have to make sure if the vent is pointing upward at the time your baby is feeding otherwise you will experience a massive leakage.
2. Leak Issues:
Some parents may experience some serious leak issues while feeding the baby and it can be quite annoying during feeding.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Item Model Number | SCF651/43 |
| Material Type | Silicone |
| Number Of Items | 1 |
| Style | 4 Pack |
| Item Weight | 3.2 Ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4.33 x 2.36 x 5.32 Inches |
| Heat Resistant | Yes |
| Type | Natural Latch Nipple |
You can Buy It From Amazon for $5.99.
Comotomo Silicone Replacement Nipple
These are designed specifically for comotomo baby feeding bottles. It offers a sleek natural design best to fit in your baby’s mouth. The product claims the use of non-toxic material. It does not contain BPC, PVC, phthalates, and polycarbonates. It is best for the babies who are having trouble in shifting to bottle from breastfeeding and for newborns. The product offers anti-colic properties and claims to be 100% leak proof. The manufacturer advises keeping the vents clean to ensure proper functioning.
Pros:
1. Anti-colic Properties:
The product comes with two innovative multifunctional vents that omit any chance of colics. The best anti-colic properties are the best feature of this product.
2. No Collapse:
If you keep the vents clean the nipple will not collapse during feeding. So, the chance of inconvenience due to the collapse of the nipple is omitted.
3. Multiple Sizes:
The product offers multiple sizes to ensure the best match for your child
- Slow flow: It is for newborns to 3 months old children. It has one hole. So, with the slow flow, it prevents choking and spits up
- Medium flow: It is for babies from 3 months to 6 months. It has 2 holes
- Fast flow: It offers 3 holes and is fast enough for your grown-up child.
- Variable flow: You can adjust the flow with your child’s needs
4. Heat Resistant:
The product has a high capacity to cope with the high temperature so, you can put it in microwave and freezer.
5. Leakproof:
The product offers no leaks and best fit to the feeding bottle
6. Easy To Wash:
The nipple is easy to wash and sterilize. You can put it in boiling water for 5 minutes to sterilize it.
7. Material:
It is made of high-quality silicone which is completely safe and non-toxic for your child. The product is made of medical-grade material.
8. Natural Design:
The nipple is of natural design very close to that of breast texture is soft and flexible to give your baby the best alternative to natural feeding.
Cons:
1. Slower:
The nipples of this brand are quite slower than that of other brands. It can become quite annoying sometimes.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Item model number | NT3 |
| Target Gender | Unisex |
| Material Composition | Silicon |
| Material Free | Phthalate Free |
| Number Of Items | 2 |
| Bottle Nipple Type | Vented |
| Heat Resistant | Yes |
| Is Portable | No |
You can Buy It On Amazon for $6.99.
“What it’s like to be a parent: It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do but in exchange, it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.”
I have been living in Texas with my husband and three kids. Raising kids is never easy and I too encountered a lot of difficulties. To manage all this, I worked into a lot of solutions and discovered the best possible!
Now, after years of experience, I am an expert mom who has worked on most of the things any parent can encounter in his life.
With my expertise, I embarked on a journey to help all the other moms out there in their perfect child rising. I am here to help you select the best for your little one and give the solution to all the problems you encounter in your daily life.
My words are not a mere combination of letters. These are the voice of my years of experience… all gained with the help of other experts and my self-exploring nature.
Let’s help each other in raising our children with the best.
Peace out!
