Baby bottles and teethers: how to read materials, age labels and care instructions

Materials you will see

No material is right for everyone. A pediatrician can talk through what suits your baby and your routine.

• Plastic: lightweight, and listings often say BPA-free. That describes one ingredient, so look at what else the maker names.
• Glass: heavier and breakable, and often has a silicone sleeve. Follow the maker's directions.
• Stainless steel: sturdy and usually insulated, with its own nipple and lid.
• Silicone: common for nipples and teethers. Check the listing for the type named.

Age labels and nipple flow

Bottles and nipples have stage numbers or age ranges set by the maker. These are guides to the product, not medical advice. Check each label and the packaging, and ask your pediatrician if feeding seems to be going differently than you expected.

• Teethers carry age labels because shapes and sizes are designed for certain ages.
• Avoid items with small parts that can come off.
• Do not assume a teether is suitable because it looks like another one you have used.

Care and inspection

1. Follow the maker's instructions for washing, sterilizing and replacing parts, which differ between brands.
2. Check every piece before each use for cracks, tears, stickiness or discoloration.
3. Stop using any bottle, nipple or teether that looks damaged, and replace it.
4. Do not freeze, heat or boil a product unless its instructions say you can.
5. Store parts clean and dry.

Our angle: cost per piece and the parts you replace

Bottles are cheap, while a system with special vents or nipples can need regular replacement parts. Compare the starter set price per bottle, then look at the cost of spare nipples and caps. A bundle that includes several nipple stages may save buying later. We do not rank products or claim any is better for feeding.

• Buy a small set first and see if your baby takes to it.
• Check that parts from one maker fit together before mixing brands.
• Keep the receipt.

Gift angle

For baby gifts, ask the parents which brand they use, since parts do not mix. See Christmas gift ideas by budget. Related guides cover gentle baby wash, baby wipes and eco-friendly diapers.