Kick off feeding with a baby bottle set
What types of baby bottle sets are available?
There are all kinds of baby bottle sets, from ones that include additional items to sets that have multiple bottles of the same, or different, sizes from 4 up to 9 ounces. They come with different-sized nipples for different feeding levels; wider or narrower openings accommodate babies of different ages who can accept different flows.
Complete sets can be specialty with items designed specifically for formula fed babies, for example, or with bottles and accessories for babies and moms who are having a difficult time feeding and require infant-paced valves, anti-colic bottles, or other specific items. Starter sets are specific to feeding newborns, with all of the items you'd need to get going, as well as sets with only larger bottles for older babies.
There are also baby bottle sets with bottles without nipples, designed strictly for storing formula and/or breast milk for later feedings. Other sets include two or three bottles and nothing more.
What additional items come with baby bottle sets?
The most common items you'll find in baby bottle sets, along with the bottles and nipples, are pacifiers, bottle brushes for cleaning, and storage caps for safely storing leftover formula or expressed breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer.
Bigger baby bottle sets might also include items like a sterilizer, electric bottle warmer, formula dispenser, bib, transition cup for toddlers, sterilizer bags, and even a drying rack. These are great as a first purchase or gift.
What should you consider when choosing a baby bottle set?
Consider the age of your baby and what items you need. You want a set that includes the right level nipple and size of bottles for the baby. If you have a newborn, get a set that starts with the smallest 4- or 5-ounce bottles and goes up from there, as well as different-sized nipples, starting at Level 1, so you have everything you need as your baby progresses, drinks more, and is able to accept a faster flow.
If you're using the bottles at home, glass might be the way to go but it's always a good idea to have some BPA-free plastic bottles, too, for feeding on the go. If your baby has issues latching or with something like colic, look for specialty bottle sets that might help. Don't hesitate to get more bottles than you think you might need, even if you are also nursing: it's always good to have extras on hand.
If these are your first bottles, or a gift for new parents, consider one of the more complete sets that comes with everything you'd need to go along with the bottles, including sterilizer, warmer, and more. Some have useful extras thrown in as well, like a bib or transition cup. But if you really only need bottles, look for a set that has just those, or that comes with the essentials only, like bottle brush and storage caps.