Eric Tapley

Kate and I signed up a while ago to be BzzAgents, and as part of the program are evaluating the Playtex VentAire bottle system. They have a whole series of bottles, inserts, and nipples that are designed to reduce the amount of bubbles in a bottle and provide a more natural shape for the nipple.

So far, Sam loves these. (And he’s one whose opinion counts!) I’ve been using the small bottle to feed Sam. He likes to grab the bottle while he’s eating and feel somewhat “in control” and the smaller bottle is a good size for him to manipulate (but I keep my hand on the bottle to actually direct his feeding). Because he’s younger I’m using the Stage 1 (slow flow) nipples which are specifically designed to reduce the flow speed. This is good for younger babies so they don’t choke or spit up because they’re eating too quickly or too much. They also have smaller tummies to hold their food in.

I’m happy that the VentAire system keeps most of the air and air bubbles out of the formula because it helps Sam from becoming too gassy. There is a special ventilation system at the base of the bottle (the end pointed up when the nipple is down in Sam’s mouth). This way any air that enters the bottle to compensate for consumed formula or breast milk comes in trough the space where there already is air, instead of up from the nipple. As a result air doesn’t mix in as bubbles in the formula or breast milk. Cool.

We don’t have a dishwasher to clean the bottles, but they’re easy to take apart and clean by hand. If you buy one and do have a dishwasher you’re in luck, they are dishwasher safe. Just to be careful and keep clean we boil the vent component and nipples for five or six minutes once a week, per the recommendation in the product guide.

So, baby bottles. I think these VentAire bottles from Playtex are really good, and, more importantly, Sam really likes them. I’m glad we were able to test and review these and we’re going to continue using these when we feed Baby Sam.

· Playtex VentAire Bottles

· BzzAgent Program