XP: Bottle Question from a 2nd Tri-er

MrsPhunk

DH and I are completely befuddled when it comes to picking a bottle to register for.  I've heard/read good reviews for Dr. Browns, but there are lots of little parts and we don't have a dishwasher.  If they're really that good, I would consider investing the extra time in hand-washing the pieces, but I'm worried nonetheless about making an investment in a more expensive bottle if it's going to be impossible for us to actually get clean.  We have inherited my sister's microwave sterilizer (not the Dr. Brown's brand) and don't know if that can be used with their products. 

Avent bottles just do not get good enough reviews to warrant getting, I don't think.  The Playtex Drop-Ins look good, but we think it might be environmentally wasteful to be using/throwing away all that plastic.

Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.  TIA!

**Gretchen**

We use Dr. Brown's and the washing is really not a big deal. I actually don't like washing them in the dishwasher because I figure it can't get in the small holes like I can.

The bottles come with a mini brush that fits in the holes. It doesn't take a whole lot of time to clean them, I promise.

With that said though, I have heard of babies not liking certain bottles. My daughter has a very strong sucking reflex, and will go at anything you put near her, so we never had an issue with bottles (or soothies or breastfeeding or going between all three). You might just buy one of three kinds and see which you like best.

Heather577

This is one that your baby will help you with ultimately.  I'd register for 2 or 3 different types, instead of just one. 

My DD uses the Ventaire (I love these!) and also the Nuk...and we even have some just plain ol' cheapie Evenflo classic ones.  She eats from all of them without a problem, and honestly....I've had three babies now, and I never noticed a substantial difference in bottles that advertise "less gas".  

edwins_girl

I only have experience with Playtex drop-ins and Playtex ventaire. The drop ins are recylable, so we do that with those and we really love those bottles. The ventaires are nice but have lots of parts and a pain to wash. FWIW we don't use the dishwasher for our bottles because of our hard water so I hand wash everything.

jayhawkgirl25

We have both the playtex ventaire and the drop ins.  The drop ins work great when you don't have a lot of time to wash, but we use the ventaire more often so we don't waste a lot of plastic.  

grinsandgiggles

Register for a few different kinds...don't get a lot and wash/sterilize as you try them out, that way you can exchange for the kind that works.

DS has only had a problem with the Nuk's and the Evenflo Classics.   We liked the VentAire's for the first couple months and have now switched to the Soothies which we also like.

rrodgers803

I use the playtex vent aire advanced, the bottom has two plastic pieces but I rinse them out and then use medela steam bags. We have a dish washer but I burnt four of the bottom pieces washing them that way, so no more of that!