Avent ~quite possibly the BEST bottle system around!
Written: Aug 16 '03 (Updated Aug 07 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very adaptable! Easy to clean and store! Extremely durable!
Cons: Will leak if not properly assembled!
The Bottom Line: The Deluxe Gift Set supplies all the necessities, reusable & disposable bottles, non-spill cup, pacifier, and a bottle brush. It's a SUPER set!
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| marybatson's Full Review: Avent Deluxe Gift Set |
I am the last of my friends to have a baby, thus I benefit from the wisdom of these women, when it comes to baby items. When I registered for my baby shower, I was fortunate to have my closest friend lend a hand. She was toting a newborn herself, so I had the guidance of an experienced mom, plus one who was currently doing the baby thing. When it came to bottles, she recommended the Avent brand. I did not question her judgment, so on the list Avent went.
The Pros
Avent bottles are easier to clean and store, because of the wide neck and bottom. Due to their shape, they are easier to grasp too. I received a set of Evenflo bottles as a baby gift, and used them for storing breastmilk. They were a pain to clean, and store because of the tall shape and small neck. Along with that, they frequently fell over in the cabinet due to their elevated shape. Made of hard plastic, the Avent bottles are extremely durable. They withstood 16-months of warming, dishwashing, sterilizing, gnawing, and dropping without any sign of cracks, splits, or chips. The printed measurements are also resilient. Through much cleansing and baby abuse, the printing has not faded, or scratched a bit. In addition, the disposable system is extremely handy for moms on-the-go. There is less fuss, and less mess, as the liners are throwaway. Besides, I enjoyed the convenience of pumping directly into the bottles, or pre-sterilized liners for feeding, or storing.
The whole system works together wonderfully, and allows for an easier transition to the sippy stage. When my son turned 8-months old, I purchased a few of the Toddler Spouts, and training handles for the reusable bottles. What a terrific training cup! William took to it right away, and converted to a sippy cup before he turned one. Eventually, I purchased several of the Avent Magic Cup sets, as it was no longer necessary to assess his milk intake.
The Cons
These bottles will leak if not properly assembled. I learned the hard way that the teats need to be completely snapped into the locking ring by using the Avent tongs. Do not over tighten the locking ring on the bottle, as this will cause leaking as well. Furthermore, place the ring on the dome cap directly over the nipple, or they will leak in transit.
Also, the dome caps will split after long use, but they are replaceable. There are no variable flow nipples, non-spill spouts, or handles for the disposable system. The disposable system is available in an 8-ounce bottle only, whereas the reusable bottles come in 4, 9, and 11-ounce sizes.
Description:
The Deluxe Gift Set gives parents the best of both worlds, that being the reusable, and disposable systems. Actually the liners are throwaway, NOT the bottles, but I guess you figured that out. In addition, a non-spill cup is included in the set as an introduction to the sippy stage. If you are deciding between Avent bottle sets, this is a good one. It supplies all the necessities accept the milk, of course. It includes:
● Two, 9-ounce reusable bottles with newborn nipples
● Two, 4-ounce reusable bottles with newborn nipples
● One, 8-ounce disposable bottle
● 10 pre-sterilized bottle liners
● 5 sealing clips for storing
● One, 7-ounce non-spill cup with newborn spout
● One newborn pacifier
● A bottle brush
● Baby body and hair wash, and
● Baby massage gel
Bottles
Avent bottles are shorter and wider than most, which allows for easy cleaning, and less mess when filling. They are made of clear, hard plastic, with measurements printed in both ounces, and milliliters. Fitted with a dome cap this helps to avoid spills, and keeps the nipples sterile. Removable handles and sippy spouts are available for early training as well.
Pre-sterilized Bottle Liners
Designed for storing in the refrigerator or freezer these bottle liners hold up to 8-ounces of milk. Although, I found filling the liners to 7˝ ounces gave me more wiggle room for sealing, and when fitting onto the bottle. The bottle liners include date/time labels, and sturdy sealing clips. Ideal for breastfeeding moms, as one can express directly into the liner, or bottle by using the ISIS Breast Pump.
Nipples/Teats
Avent nipples are made of medical grade silicone and never collapse. Designed to mimic the breast, the Avent teat makes the transition from breast to bottle easier. The patented anti-colic skirt flexes to allow air into the bottle, but not baby’s stomach. Following are the stages for the Avent teats.
● Stage 1 Newborn
● Stage 2 Slow-flow, 1 month
● Stage 3 Medium-flow, 3 months
● Stage 4 Fast-flow, 6 months
● Variable Flow, 3 months (varies from slow to fast flow)
Non-Spill Cup/Magic Cup
The secret to these handy cups is the valve system. While drinking, the valve flexes to allow liquids to pass, but when not in use the valve closes, so no messy spills occur. The Magic Cups is made of durable plastic, which is translucent. Parents can see through the cup to assess intake. Originally, the Magic Cup did not have measurements, although, Avent has recently updated the cup. Printed measurements have been added to the 7-ounce size ONLY. Removable handles are available for independent drinking as well. The spouts and handles adapt to the reusable bottles, and come in the following stages:
● White Spout ~ 3-months
● Green Spout ~ 6-months
● Yellow Spout ~ 18-months
Pacifiers (or Soothers as the Brits call them)
Avent pacifiers come in stages as well. The newborn pacifiers have a shaped shield to make room for baby’s nose, and the teats are smaller too. All Avent pacifiers include:
● Protective caps that snap on easily, and protect from germs
● Safety handles
● Air holes in the shield, and
● Ventilated teats
Bottle Brush
Designed to clean both the bottles and the teats, the specially curved brush reaches all the right places. Made of hard plastic, the handle tip curves to reach the inside of the nipples.
Closing Remarks:
Avent is still my choice in bottles. My only regret was not having enough bottles in the beginning when my son ate 10-times a day. That was a BIG mistake! Also, the Avent website is phenomenal! One can purchase individual parts, and receive in-depth information about the products, and instructions are available as well. Be sure to check it out if you have any questions.
Happy Feeding
Mary
Additional Avent Reviews:
Magic Cup
ISIS Breast Pump
All-In-One Starter Set
Non-Spill Toddler Spouts
Reusable Variable Flow Nipples
EXPRESS Bottle & Babyfood Warmer
EXPRESS Microwave Steam Sterilizer
Avent
475 Supreme Drive, Bensenville, IL 60106
Toll Free: 800-54-AVENT (800-542-8368 Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm CST)
www.aventbaby.com
Recommended:
Yes
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marybatson
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Member: Mary
Location: Phoenix
Reviews written: 169
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