Picking the Perfect Bottle

Updated on July 29, 2008
S.L. asks from American Fork, UT
32 answers

I had twins in February. I have been breast feeding them this whole time. But with that comes the inability to go anywhere for over 2 hours. One of the boys will take a bottle, but the other will NOT. I have been trying the Dr. Brown bottles and it truly is like you are putting the worst possible thing in his mouth. Just wondering if you all have tried a better bottle or should I say nipple. The bottle even has breast milk in it and he still will not suck the bottle. I'm up for anything I'd love to get out and maybe go to dinner and a movie with my hubby once in a while. : ) HELP!! Thanks....

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

F.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I breastfed my little girl for 4 months exclusively because she wouldn't take a bottle. After trying all the expensive bottles I finally found that the Playtex drop in bottle worked. But I had to buy the flat nipples not the ones that came with the bottles. Good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.L.

answers from Denver on

I love the playtex drop-in's. They are easy to clean and you don't have to worry about any breakdown of plastic/toxins leaking into the milk because the drop-ins are disposable. The nipples are very similar to mom's nipples. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I started out with avent and someone told me the dr. brown bottles were better and I hated them so I went back to avent and it worked great. Sometimes you have to try a few to find the right one.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Denver on

Okay, take this with a grain of salt as I'm pregnant with no bottle experience. I was given an Adiri bottle at a shower and I'm going to start with these, though I have no practicle experience using them. Their shape is very breast like...Here's what one website says:
http://www.adiri.com/
The Adiri Nurser is a new twist on the baby bottle. This bottle is polycarbonate-free and bisphenol-A (BPA) free, but is not glass. The nearly one piece system allows you to fill and feed easily, from the base of the nurser. The breast like shape supposedly help babies who nurse go back and forth with ease. The new design als has improved some of the issues with the previous model, the breast bottle, with leaking.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Cheyenne on

My daughter didn't like the DR. Brown bottles. What she did like ws the Soothie bottles. Wal Mart has them. The nipple is a lot softer and feels more like us. That's also the type of paci she received from the NICU. She loves them. Only drawback they are wide and short. As long as you are holding it your boys should be good. I think it gave her much more motivation tohold her own bottle though.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

maybe try a soft mouthpieced sippy cup

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.M.

answers from Denver on

The Podee hands free bottle is a great one for those who aren't interested in holding the bottle and awesome for travel! They have them at Babies R Us.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.P.

answers from Provo on

We have used Nuk bottles and each of my 4 kids have loved them. The nipples may fit into the size of the Dr. Brown bottles. I think it would be easiest to change nipples and see if you get any results that way. I have the NUK nipples in 2 sizes.

They are the nipple that are of various sizes/shapes. Nuk is "orthodontic" like Mam. Then there's the Avent type; it's kind like Dr. Brown's. Then there's the old-school playtex--it is square-ish. All of my mother's kids used that and the convenience is awesome if you use the disposable kind.

Unfortunately, all the experimentation is expensive. Perhaps if you have friends who would loan you a bottle of theirs, you could try a few and not own seven in different shapes and sizes. I also find that silicone vs rubber makes a huge difference.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.

answers from Denver on

definitely the breast flow! the nipple is very short and shaped more like the breast. every other nipple that we tried is sooo much longer and my girls would not take them

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.B.

answers from Boise on

I wasn't able to breastfeed, and a co-worker of mine gave me the starter set of Playtex nursers (with drop-in disposable bags). She said her daughter had tried bottle after bottle with her twins, and these seemed to be the only ones that worked. They worked really well for my daughter. So much so that now I can't wean her off her bottle =( (She's 21 months).

Anyway, hope that helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Denver on

I have found that dr browns are too much hassle-- but the playtex ones are really great. Here is a suggestion. When he is really hungry like in the morning feeding give him a sip of your breast and then take him off for a sec to put in the playtex. Don;t forget to put them in the same position as when you breast feed and cover them the same wat that you do when you nurse. This may help with security and transition. I DO DAY/NIGHT CARE AND WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. SO YOU COULD GO OUT AND TAKE A BREAK!! I HAVE TONS OF REFERENCES TOO. CALL IF YOU WISH ###-###-####.
Good luck and god bless.
P.S. So you know what a doula is ??

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Provo on

My son would only drink from a Nuk after he was forcibly weaned (from massive stress on my part). Hope you can find something he will use. I hope YOU find something to use when you are feeling overwhelmed, but stay away from Xanax, lol!
You are doing a great job- hand in there. I had 5 kids in six years, but never two at a time. Congratulations! All I can say more is WOW! You deserve an award.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Denver on

I second the Playtex dropins, the nipple is extremely soft compared to many others, and was the only bottle my breastfeed baby would take. Also, if you never have any luck you can try a sippy cup, we like the Advent white spout and Nubby sippy cups. At 10 months we discontinued bottles all toghether and went to sippy cups with my son who always had a dislike for bottles.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.B.

answers from Provo on

Hi S.! My little one refused to take a bottle when she was small. I was also feeling a little trapped... I can only imagine how it is with twins. Anyway, does your little one take a pacifier? I tried all sorts of nipples and bottles but the thing that worked for me was to match the nipple with the pacifier that she was already using. She used a Nuk rubber pacifier, and to my relief they make Nuk rubber nipples as well. Anyway, its just a thought. If your baby takes a pacifier, use a nipple that is the same or close to what he/she is already used to! Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Denver on

I've always liked Platex (sp?) the best. I worked at a preschool/daycare. Most of the mothers used it. Instead of the drop-ins, many used the regular liners because they were able to pump and freeze the milk in the baggies with a twist tie to close them. I found this so easy and convenient I did the same thing when I had children. All 3 were great with the bottle.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Denver on

Hi S., I had the same problem with my son. Before you go out and buy bottles that may or may not work, see if you can borrow different kinds from friends to test. The Playtex ones with the latex nipples work pretty well for us now, but the BreastFlow bottle is the one he likes the best. I think it's by The First Years. I got it at Target. It's supposed to be more like breastfeeding and he takes it without problem now. Also make sure the flow mimics that of your breast milk. My son started out taking any bottle fine and when he stopped, I think it was because I didn't get a faster flow nipple and he had to work too hard at it. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

does your baby take a binky? my baby uses the soothy (green binky from the hospital) anyway if that is the kind of binky he takes, they make bottles as well, and the nipple is the same as the binky. So i don't know if you want to try that it might help? good luck, and way to go for breastfeeding this long, that is amazing!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Denver on

Playtex Nurser is a great bottle and has worked no prob. for both my kids. But I hate to say it - your little one may be past the point of accepting a bottle at this late age. You've got to start early with bottles. Good luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.P.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I use the Playtex drop ins. They are very nice and have a variety of different nipples. If you buy the starter kit that is about $15 it comes with a few different nipples so you can try them out and see which one your son likes the best. I found with both of my kids they preferred the rubber nipples over the silicone.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Denver on

Unfortunately, you may have to try several kinds to find out what he will use. I did that with my first born, also mainly breastfed. We tried several before finally liking the avent bottles and nipples. Everyone has their own preference including the child. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

O.L.

answers from Denver on

My older DS wouldn't take any bottle we tried except that he'd occasionally take some from a Playtex nurser. But never very much.

So with DS2 we skipped all the others and went straight to the Adiri nurser. It leaks a bit, but is the most naturally-shaped one I've seen... it's also soft like a real breast. I don't go out much (I've got a Feb babe, too... but just one of 'em!) but he'll usually take at least a bit of milk while I'm away. And it's made of "good" plastics... no BPA.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.L.

answers from Boise on

Hi S.,
After working with several expensive specialty brands, we finally tried ADVENT bottles. I wish we had used those from the beginning - they are terrific. Our baby was completely happy with the nipples, the parts and accessories were easy to find in many stores on those occasions that we had little emergencies while we were away from home. Good Luck with all of those precious little boys! You DESERVE several nights out for dinner & a movie! :)
Take care,
K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.P.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I loved the playtex drop ins too!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.H.

answers from Denver on

I had some trouble getting my son to take a Dr. Brown's bottle, too, when i was trying to switch him from breastfeeding to bottle. what worked for me was switching the nipple down to a level P. it's the lowest level, designed for preemies. He also had to be tightly swaddled to take a bottle. that could be just his personality though.

I know this is very frustrating but it WILL get better. Sooner or later they all take a bottle if you are persistent. As my SIL said, when's the last time you heard of a baby starving to death bc of a bottle strike?

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.Y.

answers from Fort Collins on

My 5 mo old daughter won't drink breastmilk from a bottle either. I've tried various nipples - even the ones that are designed to resemble a human nipple. A friend of mine discovered that if she holds my baby sitting up, leaning against her chest rather than in the traditional cuddle hold she can get her to take some of the bottle. She tried this because she understands that babies get much more than just food from nursing, and it was this that she was missing.

I know it is frustrating to be tied down but as they get older they will be able to go longer periods between nursing.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.M.

answers from Denver on

You might try the Breastflow bottle by First years - that was our "mircle bottle" with my 2nd when she would not take anythign else. The nipple is a double nipple and is supposed to simulate breastfeeding. I found the best place to find them are babies r us, and occasionally Target. Good luck! I hope it works. It is nice to get out every once in awhile!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Boise on

I used the Playtex bottles with the drop in liners for my twins. I used the silicone nipples with the slow flow. They were able to take them without a problem. Good luck :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.S.

answers from Denver on

One Step Ahead--used to have a bottle shaped like a breast (strange looking, I know) But it might just work. My daughter would never use a bottle, she went straight to a sippy cup, but was already 6 months at the time.

Hang in there. I have heard of babies going straight to cups at very early ages (not terribly convenient, but what can you do they are all so different).

Good luck,
R.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.R.

answers from Boise on

I never had a problem with my son (my first child), he took any bottle I gave him, and switched between bottle and breast seamlessly. My daughter, however, was a diva! After trying many bottles (including Dr. Brown's) I found one she'd take. The Playtex nursers are closest in nipple shape and function to the actual breast. My daughter wouldn't take any other bottle! Playtex nurser makes two different nipple shapes...choose the one that's most like your own nipples, or buy one of each and see what your son likes. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.O.

answers from Denver on

I'm breastfeeding also and have found BreastFlow by Learning Curve work great. I bought mine at Babies R Us.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Denver on

Hi S.,

I don't have a rhyme or reason I breastfed my daughter and I used Avent bottles and she did great! You may want to buy one and give it a try. Good Luck and hang in there!

S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from Denver on

try using a different bottle. My daughter used only Avent bottles, so when my first son was born, I automatically thought that he would use those too. He actually would only take the cheap evenflo bottles-saved a lot of money in the long run. My 7 month old son will take the avent bottles just fine.

You may just need to experiment with different ones until you find one that he likes....Good luck!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches