Works for Some, But Not for Others
Written: May 04 '06 (Updated Jan 12 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Works for many babies.
Cons: Did not work for my baby.
The Bottom Line: My baby had a hard time with them.
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| LILvoyce's Full Review: Dr. S Flow 2 Bottle Kit |
I bought a Dr. Brown's Natural Flow bottle on the advice of my daughter's Occupational Therapist. We had a problem with the baby not being able to take more than 3 ml of formula by mouth. After two weeks of puzzling the doctors, the OT and I were grabbing at straws to figure out what to do. We went through about 10 different brands of bottles that were offered at the hospital. The hospital did not carry Dr. Brown's bottles so I sent my Hub out to Walmart to purchase one.
The bottles were expensive compared to other brands, running at about six dollars per bottle. We had the option of purchasing the three pack which would have ran a bit less, but we only purchased a single since we were still in limbo with the best feeding method.
The reason the OT wanted to try Dr. Brown's Natural Flow bottles was because she thought maybe the baby felt full, or a bit of pain from gas. She thought this could be one of the factors for the poor feeds. She had a lot of success in the past with these bottles.
Appearances
Bottles are clear with blue markings on one side to measure ounces, and ML on the right side. The front of the bottle has the Dr. Brown logo, and two blades of green grass. These bottles are really nothing special to look at. The bottle I purchased holds up to four ounces/120 ML.
Our Experiences
I have to tell you that the baby had grown somewhat used to the rubber type disposable nipples that came with the instant Similac filled bottles. These nipples to me, (OT does not agree) seemed smaller and the babies lips were better able to fit around them compared to the Dr. Brown's silicone nipples.
I am not an expert by any means, but I did spend the majority of the time with the baby and was there for most every feed. To me, Doctor Brown's bottles seemed to make sense. The idea is that the bottle has some extra attachments geared towards keeping the gas down by lessing the amount of bubbles and air swallowed. There is a plastic tubing that attaches to another piece that is made from hard plastic with a rubber ring that is inserted into the middle of the bottle. (My insert is not green like shown, but rather a tan color.) What I have noticed, is that there is MUCH less bubbles that I can physically see while feeding my baby compared to any other brand I have tried. Normally any other brand, I would be able to see several bubbles near the base of the bottle as the baby sucks. Other than the visual, I did not feel the baby had experienced anything positive about these bottles.
The first thing I noticed was that the baby seemed to swallow more air than with any other brand. I have no idea why. Maybe the Natural Flow 1 for newborn had to small of a hole for my baby? Maybe she sucked to hard? Maybe the hole was to much? What I can tell you, is that I could actually hear the air going down to her belly. It was loud and clear. I had taken care to hold the baby in proper positioning as being taught by the OT. She had spent a lot of time giving me tips on how to feed my picky baby. I am not sure whether the actual bottle was the culprit, or whether it was the silicone nipple doing the damage.
The baby seemed to get a firmer grip around the rubber nipple compared to the Doctor Brown's Nipple. I noticed that with the silicone nipple, the baby did not seem to know how to handle the nipple. I tried over and over, and the top of her lips could not get a firm grip. Also, I noticed that her tongue seemed to slip over the nipple which caused lack of coordination. She seemed to work harder to suck, and as she got tired, her lips began to give out. When she did suck, the corners of her mouth began to leak out more formula than she was taking in. I also think this might be another reason for the gas I heard as she was swallowing.
Cleaning and Ease of Dr. Browns
When I first glanced at the box, I thought this kit might be hard to use and clean. It ended up being very easy. The kit comes with a little (extremely small,) cleaning brush. Don't lose your brush, or you might as well give it up. I would not want to use a bottle I am not sure was clean. There are tight places on the attachments that need that brush to clean it properly.
One thing I did like about the silicone nipple, is that it was clear. I am sure when it was clean because I could see through it, and could notice the slightest little water spot. I like that better than the brown nipples. I am very picky and I want spotless nipples.
Overall?
Overall, for us Dr. Brown's Natural Flow bottles were a flop. However.... each baby IS different. What works for us might not work for your baby. I won't be recommending these bottles, but several mothers I have talked to in the hospital would. Many have had success with their picky eaters thanks to Dr. Brown's Natural Flow bottles.
*FYI
Here is a phone number and web address that were actually printed on the bottle: "1-800-778-9001, and www.handi-craft.com" I thought that was interesting.
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Recommended:
No
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LILvoyce
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Member: Barbara
Location: FLORIDA
Reviews written: 664
Trusted by: 505 members
About Me:
Its time to find the Healthy Me...... This is my year to do that:-D
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