The Avent Reusable Variable Flow Nipples Take a Beating!
Written: Feb 25 '04 (Updated Aug 05 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Durable, anti-colic valve, never collapses, and mimic breasts
Cons: The Reusable Variable Flow Nipples cannot be used with the disposable system.
The Bottom Line: Avent Reusable Variable Flow Nipples will leak if not properly assembled, but are worth every penny if cared for according to instructions.
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| marybatson's Full Review: Avent Variable Flow Nipples |
Luckily, I never had to choose a bottle-feeding system. My best friend did that for me. She has 4-children, so registering for baby items fell into her capable hands. I was just along for the ride. She insisted I register for at least 1-set of bottles, and recommended the Avent brand. Boy, I’m fortunate to have such an experienced mom for a friend.
Avent nipples come in stages. They range from a newborn size up to the toddler phase. The concept is, as your baby grows the system adjusts to your needs through the various stages. Avent bottles are fitted with newborn nipples, so my initial investment was minimal, because I received the Avent Deluxe Gift Set as a shower gift. I was one of those presumptuous, mothers-to-be, who assumed I would be breastfeeding instead of bottle-feeding. Sadly, my attempts to feed my son the natural way failed; thus, I was forced to bottle-feed. A week into the baby thing I realized I didn’t have enough bottles, probably because I was holding onto my breastfeeding plans. My hands were raw from changing diapers, and washing the same bottles repeatedly. For that reason, I recommend parents have at least 10-bottles on hand if you’re going to bottle-feed. If you’re expressing , as I was, double that for pumping, and storing breast milk.
The first time I fed my son was in the hospital. A nurse offered me a miniature bottle that looked like it was small enough to feed a kitten. I don’t recall the brand name; all I remember is that it was a latex nipple, and my son did not like it. He didn’t like my nipple either, so I was depressed, and very concerned for his well-being since he was lethargic. When we arrived home, I introduced William to the Avent nipple. He didn’t complain, although it did gag him a bit. A week later, he was a pro with the bottle and gained weight steadily.
For the most part, I used the reusable bottle system, and teats. Subsequently, these nipples got a workout in our home. They were sterilized daily, either in the dishwasher, or in the steam sterilizer. As a side note, Avent teats are top-drawer dishwasher safe only. William rarely had a gas problem, which I attribute to the Avent bottles, and my diet, as he was fed breast milk. These teats are so durable; I still have all the original newborn nipples. When Will was 2˝-months old, I noticed he was sucking harder during feedings. According to the manual, this was an indication that the flow rate was too slow to satisfy his hunger. I opted for the Reusable Variable Flow Nipples, to avoid purchasing all the different stages. These nipples have 3-Roman numerals set apart along the skirt, I, II, and III.
● I is for Slow-Flow
● II is for Medium-Flow, and
● III is for Fast-Flow
Align the Roman numeral of choice up to baby’s nose to adjust the flow. They worked great once I figured out how to use them. They didn’t come with instructions, so I had to call the 1-800 number to learn that little detail.
Assembly Advise
Firstly, these bottles will leak if not properly assembled. I learned the hard way that Avent teats need to be completely snapped into the locking ring otherwise the bottle will leak. Using the Avent tong is the easiest method. Do not over tighten the locking ring on the bottle, as this will cause leaking as well. I generally assembled the bottles before they were completely dry. For some reason, the moisture locked the seal. What’s more, if you place the dome cap over the teat before you screw on the bottle, it helps to keep the teat in place. Make sure you place the ring located on top of the dome cap directly over the nipple, or the bottle will leak in transit if tipped over.
What’s So Special About the Avent Brand?
There are many benefits to the Avent bottles, however the subject of this review is the Reusable Variable Flow Nipple, so my focus is on it. Avent teats are made of medical grade silicone rubber. Silicone does not change shape the way latex rubber does, so the teats never collapse. Silicone also last a lot longer. If you look at the bottom of the nipple, there is a skirt. When assembled properly, the skirt slides into the neck of the bottle. When baby sucks, the skirt flexes. This allows a continuous flow of milk, which reduces the air bubbles into baby’s stomach. In addition, the Avent nipple has a wide design, which mimics the breast, and encourages better latching. Because of this, the Avent teat supposedly makes it easier to transition from breast to bottle. I can’t personally comment on that, as I failed breastfeeding 101.
These teats, as the Brits call them, are sold in pairs only. They are packaged in a nifty plastic container, which is handy for storing. Along the side of the nipple is a number, which identifies the flow rate. The Roman numerals identify the Reusable Variable Flow Nipples. Avent does not make a variable flow teat for the disposable system. As far as I know, Avent teats only work in conjunction with the Avent bottles. Perhaps other users have additional experience with that, as for me, I was loyal to Avent. If subject to daily cleansing, the company recommends replacing the teats after 3-months use. If occasionally used, they should be replaced after 6-months use.
As a Side Note:
The disposable teats cannot be used on the reusable system, because the disposable skirt is flat. The disposable bag collapses as baby feeds so there is no need for the anti-colic valve. Consequently, Avent color codes their teats. The clear teat is for the reusable system, and blue teat is for the disposable.
Closing Remarks:
I used the reusable newborn nipples for 2˝ months, and the Reusable Variable Flow Nipples for 10-months, and replaced only 1-set. In all fairness, I discovered the disposable system when Will turned 4-months old, and I slowly transition him into the Non-Spill Toddler Spouts at 8-months. Thus, time was divided between the systems, although not equally. In my house, bottles were used for feeding, not as sleeping props, so my son had little time to chomp on the nipples unnecessarily. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons these teats lasted so long in our care? In any event, the Reusable Variable Flow Nipples are durable, anti-colic, teats that work WELL.
Happy Feeding ~ ☺ ~
Mary
Other Avent Review:
Magic Cup
Deluxe Gift Set
ISIS Breast Pump
All-in-One Starter Set
Non-Spill Toddler Spout
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
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