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Baby Bottles & Sippy Cups Philips 

Baby Bottles & Sippy Cups: specifications, types

Type

Bottle. Bottles in this case include containers intended for feeding babies with milk or infant formula. Such a container is used only with a nipple, most often the nipple is supplied directly with the bottle.

Drinker. Drinkers, as the name implies, are not intended for baby food (“liquid food”), but rather for drinks — for example, juice or compote. They are designed mainly for older children (from 6 months and older), and instead of a nipple, the design uses a more “adult” system like a spout or tube (see “Liquid supply”). However, some models can be equipped with nipples and be used in both roles; this can be useful for retraining the baby from a bottle to a drinker. Anyway, the main advantage of such utensils over conventional cups and glasses is that many drinkers have a “non-spill” system that does not allow liquid to spill when turned over or dropped.

Cup 360 (non-spill cup). This type of drinker does not have a traditional spout, which allows you to drink from either side of the bowl. Usually, such models are additionally equipped with a special valve that opens only at the moment of contact with the user's lips. Thanks to the valve, the contents will not spill in vain. 360˚ cups are designed to teach kids how to drink from adult cups.

Thermopile. A kind of drinker (see above), supplemented...by the functions of a thermos: due to the double walls, the temperature of the liquid in such a vessel remains much longer than in a conventional container with single walls.

Liquid supply

The liquid supply system provided in the drinker or thermodrinker, see "Type" (bottles are equipped with nipples and do not use such systems).

Nose. An elongated spout with holes in it, usually located on the lid. To drink through such a device, the drinker must be turned over. On the other hand, spouts are extremely easy to use (the child does not need to press anything, open, etc.) and allow you to drink the contents of the container completely. Note that the spout can be made of silicone and resemble a nipple in shape, but the spout and nipple are still two different things.

Tube. A straw-like device: a straw (usually plastic) through which a child can draw in the drink without turning the container over. This possibility is one of the main advantages of tubes over spouts; in addition, the very process of drinking through a straw can be interesting for a child. On the other hand, no matter how deep the tube gets, it is impossible to drink the entire contents of the drinker through it — a little liquid will inevitably remain at the bottom.

Valve. A valve can be described as a device that opens and closes the "drinking" hole in the lid. The design of such a device can be different: for example, some lids use a “sports” valve on the spout, which is shifted up to open and down to close; in others, you need to press a button to open the...container (and when the button is released, the opening closes automatically), etc. However, anyway, the valve is a rather complicated device for a child, so it is found mainly in models for older children (from 18 months and older). However, there are options for the smallest (from 6 months), where the valve plays a slightly different role — it limits and directs the flow of fluid, allowing the baby to drink comfortably.

Volume

The working volume of the bottle is the amount of liquid for which it is designed. If you fill it “under the cork”, a little more drink can fit inside, but this is still undesirable.

The volume is selected by the manufacturer, taking into account the age the product is designed for and what type it belongs to (see above). So, for newborns, 100 – 200 mL is most often enough, in the category "from 6 months" there are already models for 300 – 400 mL, and for older children (from 3 years old) drinkers of 500 mL or more are produced, similar to flasks of "sports » appointments for adults. All these values are quite justified from the point of view of science. So when choosing, you should focus mainly on the “age category” and type of bottle, and only then — on its volume; especially since models of the same class and in terms of capacity do not differ much.

Age

Age category for which the bottle/drinker is intended.

Small children grow and develop very quickly, so the age category of children's products is indicated not by years, but by months. Each age has its own characteristics of physical and mental development, and these features are taken into account by the manufacturer in the design of bottles and drinkers. It is extremely undesirable to deviate from these recommendations: a container that is not suitable for age can be uncomfortable for the baby, and even dangerous.

Now there are such age recommendations: for newborns, from 3 months, from 6 months, from 9 months, from 12 months, from 18 months.

Set

The number of containers included in the delivery. Indicated if there is more than one container.

Drinking bowls and thermodrinkers (see "Type") are sold one by one, so this parameter is irrelevant for them. But bottles can be sold in several pieces at once — from two to four in one set. It is believed that such kits are designed for situations where you need to feed several babies at once — for example, for twins. However, they can be useful even for a family with one child — if the baby is fed mixtures, it is recommended to have at least 3 bottles for this, and preferably 4 – 5.

Shape

The general shape of the container.

— Anatomical. Anatomical is called the shape, selected in such a way that it is most convenient for the child to hold a bottle or drinker in his hands. Most often, the “anatomical” capacity narrows towards the middle, but there may be other options (for example, notches for fingers). Theoretically, this option is considered optimal for older children who show independence and try to hold a bottle in their hands. In fact, it is worth noting that children may have different tastes and preferences, and the anatomical shape will not necessarily be the most convenient (and vice versa, “non-anatomical” does not always mean “uncomfortable”). In addition, the difference between the anatomical and "non-anatomical" form can be very arbitrary (especially in the case of drinkers with a variety of shapes). But washing such a container is often more difficult than a classic one — due to additional irregularities on the inside.

— Classical. In this case, a different shape may be implied, depending on the type of container (see above). So, for bottles, the traditional shape is considered classic — cylindrical, with even walls without noticeable expansions and narrowings. Such vessels are inexpensive and easy to wash, but this form is not as convenient for a child as anatomical; such a bottle is more likely to be held in the hands of a parent. But for drinking bowls and thermal drinking bowls, a different form can be called “classic”...— both even, and slightly expanded up or down, and quite original (but not related to anatomical).

— Cup. This category includes children's tableware that turns into a classic cup or glass when the lid is removed. Such containers are usually quite wide (the width is not much less than the height), and there is no neck as such. Cups are good because a child can drink from such a container “like an adult”; in other words, the cup can be useful both as children's dishes and as a "allowance" for teaching the baby how to handle cutlery. However, such dishes are suitable only for grown children who are at least able to sit on their own.

Material

The main material from which the container is made. In drinking bowls and thermodrinkers (see "Type"), the lid is usually made of the same material, although there are exceptions (see "Nipple material").

— Plastic. Plastic combines lightness, low cost, versatility and practicality, making it the most popular material for children's tableware. It can have any colour, become transparent or translucent, and is well suited even for vessels of a rather complex shape, besides, it does not cool the hands (which is especially important if the child himself holds the container). In addition, plastic is safe from impacts and falls — it does not break; and when squeezed, such a container will flatten rather than crack. Note that the composition and properties of this material may be different — for example, not all containers are suitable for hot drinks or sour juices, and cheap low-quality types of plastic may be unsafe for health. Therefore, before buying a plastic product, it's ok to clarify the features of the material and make sure that it has safety certificates (all this data is available in the instructions and other manufacturer's documentation). However, in children's dishes of normal quality, everything is usually in order with safety. But from the unequivocal disadvantages of plastic, one can note the difficulty in cleaning: in particular, it cannot be rubbed hard and washed with “hard” means, which makes it difficult to remove old dirt (for examp...le, if the remains of the milk mixture have dried to the walls), and not everyone can tolerate hot water similar containers.

— Silicone. A material that looks like transparent plastic, but most often it is soft. Such a container can be more pleasant to the touch for a child than hard plastic, and liquid can be “squeezed” out of it if necessary. In addition, silicone is considered absolutely safe, it does not cause allergies and normally tolerates high temperatures, such dishes can even be boiled. On the other hand, these advantages cannot be called key, but this material costs a little more than plastic. Therefore, it is used much less frequently.

— Glass. The main advantage of glass over transparent plastic is its hardness and, as a result, scratch resistance. Thanks to this, the dishes, firstly, normally tolerate even a “hard” wash with (abrasive powders, metal brushes, etc.), and secondly, they retain their presentation for a long time (whereas plastic becomes cloudy over time from minor scratches and scuffs) . Also note that glass is a hypoallergenic material, does not emit harmful substances and normally tolerates high temperatures, including boiling water. On the other hand, a strong blow can break a glass container, and sharp fragments are not safe for a child. Therefore, you should be especially careful with such dishes.

— Metal. The main advantage of metal can be called high strength. On the other hand, this material is opaque, cools the hands when touched (although in hot weather this can be an advantage) and does not hold the temperature of the contents well (however, thermal drinkers do not have this drawback, see "Type"). Most metal containers are designed for the oldest age group (from 36 months), some — for children from 12 months.

More features

Anti-colic system. A device by which small children do not swallow air when drinking (which is the main cause of colic). The purpose of an anti-colic bottle is to create positive pressure. Depending on the implementation, such systems can be different: with an anti-colic valve at the bottom of the bottle, built into the rubber nipple so that it remains filled in any position (including horizontal), with a special ring or reservoir inside the container.

For thick drinks. Containers designed for thick drinks and foods, such as cereals or fruit purees. Most often, such containers are equipped with nipples or spouts with large holes that allow the contents to flow out at the right speed.

Wide neck. In this case, it means not just a container with a large diameter neck, but a bottle (see "Type"), designed for "wide" nipples. Teats are available in two standard sizes — regular and wide; accordingly, bottles are also made for these two sizes. The wide neck is convenient, first of all, for the parent: it is easier to wash and “refill” the bottle through it.

Measuring scale. The measuring scale is a marking, thanks to which you can determine the amount of liquid poured into the container. This greatly simplifies the dosage — in fact, the bottle itself turns into a device for measuring volume. The measuring s...cale can be useful not only when “filling” the container, but also in order to estimate the amount of liquid left after the baby has eaten.

— Pens. Additional pair of handles, allowing the baby to comfortably hold the container in his hands. Often made removable, which simplifies storage and transportation.

Carry strap. The presence of a classic strap that allows you to hang a bottle or drinker or carry it for a walk, which makes handling the model more comfortable.

Brush for cleaning. The presence of a complete brush, firstly, eliminates the need to search for such a one, and secondly, it contributes to a more thorough cleaning, since the native brush is better suited for a specific bottle model and is able to penetrate into those places that other brushes may not touch.

Teat material

The material from which the nipple in the bottle is made (see "Type"). Also, the material can be specified for spouts (see “Liquid Delivery”) if they look like nipples.

Silicone. Synthetic material, in many respects considered more advanced than latex. So, silicone nipples tolerate boiling without problems, have no taste and smell and are completely hypoallergenic (the risk of an allergy to this material is zero). At the same time, this material is noticeably stiffer than latex, and not every child likes such a nipple; Yes, silicone is more expensive.

Latex. Elastic material of natural origin, the main advantages of which are flexibility and softness. And latex nipples are cheaper than silicone ones. However they are less durable, but most often this difference is not noticeable. Some consider this material to be as “natural” as possible, but natural origin has a downside: children who are prone to allergies may develop this allergy to latex. However, the likelihood of such troubles is extremely small, and in general, this material is still considered hypoallergenic. But from the unequivocal disadvantages of latex, one can name a peculiar smell and taste (which the child may not like), as well as sensitivity to high temperatures, which is why such a nipple cannot be sterilized in boiling water.

Flow rate

The rate of fluid flow provided by the nipple on the bottle.

The flow rate should not be too high or too low. In the first case, the baby will choke and choke (which in itself is not good, besides, it can cause belching and colic), and if the feeding is too slow, it can be naughty. However, in general, low speed is more preferable than high speed. Therefore, you should select a model according to the flow rate as follows: start with a slow one, and then, as necessary, transfer the baby to a medium one, and then to a faster nipple.

Note that containers with adjustable flow rates are produced — they are somewhat more expensive than usual, but more versatile and can be used in all age categories.
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