Baby Bottles and Nipples

Keeping nipple and bottle matched, and choosing the flow

A nipple is made for a bottle range, not for every bottle. The neck, thread and ring differ between systems, and a mismatch can leak, collapse or let in air. Match the nipple to your bottle line first, then choose the flow: listings use numbers or names such as slow, medium and Flow 4 that step up with age. Small bottles of around 4 to 5 ounces suit newborns, while larger sizes such as 9 or 11 ounces suit older babies who drink more per feed.

Polypropylene, PPSU or glass, and the cleaning routine each needs

Bottle materials listed here include polypropylene, PPSU and glass, always paired with a silicone nipple. Polypropylene is light and unlikely to break. PPSU copes well with repeated steam or boiling sterilization. Glass is easy to see through and clean but heavier and breakable. Pacifiers come in age bands such as 0-6 and 3-18 months, so match the band to your baby. Inspect nipples and pacifiers before each use and replace any that crack, tear or turn sticky.

Questions about Baby Bottles and Nipples

Can I use any nipple on any bottle?

No. Nipples are designed to fit a particular neck and ring, and a mismatch can leak or collapse. Buy the nipple labelled for your bottle range and match the flow number to your baby's stage.

How often should nipples and pacifiers be replaced?

Check them before each use and replace at the first crack, tear, sticky surface or color change, since small pieces can come away. Many makers also give a replacement interval of a few months, so follow your pack's advice.

Is a glass bottle better than a plastic one?

Neither wins outright. Glass is heavy and can break but is easy to see through and clean. Polypropylene and PPSU are light and shatter-resistant, with PPSU the more heat-tolerant. Choose by weight, durability and how you sterilize.