Should you switch to silicone? What parents think of BORRN silicone feeding bottles

The unique properties of silicone make BORRN bottles superior to both polypropylene bottles and glass bottles, providing lots of convenient and safe features that traditional bottles don’t possess

What do BORRN silicone bottles feel like?

Our testers and their babies were unanimous: they all loved the “smooth” surface of the BORRN silicone bottles. “They are super soft to touch,” enthused JazzN92, who loved the “squishy” feel of the bottles – as did her baby son: “He absolutely loves to squeeze them!” Similarly, Ellababy’s daughter “really enjoyed feeling and playing with the bottles.”

In terms of weight, tester Nimah was “pleasantly surprised at how light” the BORRN bottles felt compared to other bottles – for her and her baby. “The BORRN bottle is so light that my 14-month-old could hold it himself, which really allowed him to take ownership of his drinking and meant I didn’t have to hold the bottle for him.” Wendy C had a similar experience, commenting that her baby “could hold the bottle easily, which she couldn’t when we used other bottles made from different materials.”

What are the health benefits of using a BORRN silicone baby bottle?

Aside from the pleasing texture and lighter weight of the BORRN bottles, other wins include the fact the silicone is BPA-free. Our testers found this particularly reassuring, with tester Ellababy describing it as “a huge relief knowing the materials are safe” for her baby. Silicone’s high-heat resistance is another bonus, as the bottles can safely go in a microwave and steam steriliser – “there’s no need to worry about any toxic substances released during sterilising.”

The “innovative design” of the BORRN bottles mean that they are sealed with silicone, with the small amount of plastic ‘hidden’ or covered by silicone. Not only does this ensure the bottle contents (expressed breastmilk or formula) won’t come into contact with plastic, it also prevents leaks. In the words of tester Jenogs2, “this is a leak-proof unit. My baby can squish and squeeze it and still no leakage.”

How do you assemble and use a BORRN bottle?

There are just two – yes, two – pieces of the BORRN bottle, making it “incredibly easy to assemble” according to tester Nimah, who loved that there were “no fiddly parts, unlike other anti-colic bottles” she’s used previously. “The top of the bottle is a teat and collar in one which means you don’t have to spend time fitting the teat into the collar,” explained Jenogs2. Instead, you simply screw the top to the bottom.

When it comes to cleaning and using the BORRN bottle, things are just as a simple: The “cup shape” of the bottle and wide opening make the bottles “really easy to clean” and “very easy to put scoops of formula in without any mess.” Plus, the smooth surface and beaker-like shape makes the bottle “easy to hold and grip.”

Do babies take to the BORRN teat and nipple?

Like the rest of the product, the breast-shaped teat and nipple of the BORRN bottle are made from skin-like silicone to encourage latch and feeding. The combination of shape and softness “makes the bottle-feed experience closer to breastfeeding,” according to one tester, whose baby took a few attempts before getting used to the teat and finishing a bottle of milk.

LaurenB92 found her baby “took to the BORRN bottles straightaway due to the lovely, soft texture of the teat and the similarities to a breast.” Ellababy’s daughter “didn’t latch because she’s used to different-shaped teats and nipples,” but Ellababy is hopeful that her baby will take the BORRN bottles “when she is older, for water or milk.” Happily the variable-flow teat (available to buy separately) is suitable for babies aged 9M+.

Can silicone feeding bottles outperform those made of plastic and glass?

Our testers agreed that in many ways the BORRN silicone bottles are superior to the non-silicone bottles they and their babies have tried before, giving particularly positive feedback on their appearance, feel and performance. Mum-of-one Jadegabriellexo praised the “user friendly” bottles for having a “unique design and texture,” being “reassuringly free from BPA” and “very easy for little ones to hold.”

And tester Wendy C is convinced the BORRN silicone bottle trumps both short lifetime polypropylene bottles and heavy and breakable glass bottles. “In contrast, the BORRN bottles have a much longer lifespan, are extra light in weight and are shatterproof. Plus, the BORRN bottles are completely leak-poof.”

My baby was very fussy when we first started introducing a bottle but he took to the BORRN bottles straight away - I think this is due to the lovely, soft texture of the bottle and the fact that the lid/teat of the bottle has a lot of similarities to a breast.

Try for yourself at borrn.com