February 16, 2017

From Breast to Bottle, and Back Again


Breastfeeding a baby can be one of the most rewarding experiences a mother can have. It releases hormones that can help relax both mom and baby, and is a wonderful bonding opportunity. I have had the pleasure...sometimes seems more like will power, to breastfeed both of my children. I am lucky enough to be able to stay home with my children after having my second, but I did work full time with my first so I did have experience in choosing a bottle.

Finding a baby bottle that a breastfed baby will take without compromising the breast to bottle to breast relationship is one of the biggest hurdles I have come across with breastfeeding moms, myself included. When I knew I was going to be heading back to work in 2014, I started trying out different bottle types with my already stubborn little boy. He was not thrilled. AT ALL. We had samples from many different companies that I had heard such awesome things about, so naturally we started there first and it was an absolute nightmare. He hated every bottle we tried. He refused them no matter when they were given or who was giving them.

We probably tried about 6-7 different types of bottles--from wide neck to drop ins, latex nipples to silicone. My greatest fear was brought to life when he wouldn't accept a single one, I was certain that my baby would just starve himself during the day and scream bloody murder until I picked him up after work. After stressing out about this possibility and finally coming to my senses that he wouldn't actually starve, I set out to research the best bottle there was for a breastfed baby. I came across the Comotomo. So many reviews went into detail about how this was THE bottle for breastfed babies and at this point, I was pretty skeptical but was willing to try anything.




The day this bottle came in the mail, was the day everything changed. HE TOOK THE BOTTLE ON THE FIRST TRY! I took a picture to document it because I was in shock and didn't think my husband would even believe me. After multiple practice runs and him accepting the bottle happily, I felt a sense of relief knowing that he would be okay when I went back to work. With baby #2, I went right to the Comotomo with the same happy results, he also took the bottle without any issue.




Ok, so it sounds great, but what is it made out of?

The Comotomo is made out of a squishy silicone which is comfortable and easy to hold for all hands, even the little ones. The silicone is thick which helps keep the bottle insulated and maintain the milks temperature longer than a plastic bottle. It is simple to wash and doesn't need a brush to be cleaned. BPA free of course.




Silicone sounds so smooth, are they easy to clean?

Absolutely! I don't even use a brush, I use my hands along with soap and warm water to clean the inside of our bottles. They are also top rock dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and steam sterilizer safe. After multiple uses, I like to boil them.


Is it BPA free?

Of course!


Those things all sound awesome, but what about the nipple?
  The nipple has a natural shape with a wide base giving baby a perfect, seamless latch--which is great for a breastfed baby in preventing confusion. It is much wider than other "wide neck" bottles we tried with my first. It has 2 anti colic vents as well to help prevent uncomfortable gas.


Tell me more, how many pieces does the Comotomo have?

If you include the ring that holds the nipple, 3, but I would just say 2. There are no inserts that need to go into the bottle before using, just the nipple and the bottle! No tiny parts to clean.


Does it come in different sizes?

These bottles come in 2 sizes, 5 oz and 8 oz. The 5 oz. bottles are designed for younger babes with a slower flowing nipple...but I never size up as a slow flow is usually best for a breastfed baby.


Is it really that great?

I believe it is. I swear by it. I recommend it all of my friends and family who ask. I have even heard pediatricians recommend it. For me, it was a life saver and I don't ever need purchase another bottle type again.


I want to try it, where can I find them?

You can check the website here for stores near you (USA, you can select international on the website), but they are also online at amazon.com, buybuybaby, Toys R Us, Walgreens, and many other places.


If you are stuggling to find a bottle, give the Comotomo a try, it can't hurt and you never know, it may be your perfect find as well!



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