Getting Started

Great to see that you’ve purchased our Closer to Nature Silicone baby bottles. To help you get started and to keep your product working effectively, we’ve added all the guidance you should need, as well as some handy hints and tips and troubleshooting advice.

PARTS GUIDE

A step by step guide to all the component parts and how they can be fitted together.

How to use Tommee Tippee Silicone Baby Bottles

Getting Set Up:

1. Before first use, disassemble all parts and place in boiling water for 5 minutes to ensure good hygiene

2. Clean before first use and each subsequent use

3. Always wash the product immediately after each use

4. Clean in warm soapy water or in dishwasher (top shelf only)

5. For cleaning, use a Tommee Tippee Bottle and Nipple Brush

6. Sterilize all parts of the bottles after cleaning and before use (all bottle parts are suitable for sterilization by steam (electric or microwave), boiling or cold-water tablet/liquid solution.

*Inspect before each use and pull the feeding nipple in all directions
** For safety and hygiene reasons it’s recommended that the feeding nipple is replaced every 2 months or sooner if damage or weakness is noticed

How do I use the travel cap in the silicone bottle?

To fit the travel cap, make sure you have the cap the right way up first.  The cap should have the edge ridges facing up before you place this on the bottle base.

Where should the valve be when I'm feeding my baby?

The valve will work wherever it’s positioned but the best place for the valve is at the top, near your baby's nose.

Can I use Advanced Anti-Colic nipples on Closer to Nature Silicone baby bottles?

The simple answer is no, due to the different valves. Most of our products have interchangeable parts to make life as simple as possible. But the Closer to Nature Nipples have a built-in air valve and don’t work properly on our Advanced Anti-Colic bottles.

How long do bottle nipples last?

Nipples take quite a lot of hammering from little gums and teeth, so they need to be changed regularly. We recommend replacing bottle nipples every 2 months, or at the first sign of any damage or weakness.

Can I buy bottles with faster flowing nipples?

All our Silicone Baby Bottles come with Slow Flow (size 1) nipples as standard, as they’re best for newborns and most parents generally stock up on bottles before baby arrives.

As your baby grows and can feed more quickly, you can buy faster flowing replacement nipples.

We have Medium Flow nipples, which most babies are ready for at around 3 months, and a Fast Flow nipple which is best from around 6 months. We also have Extra Slow Flow (size 0) nipples which are also suitable for newborns or preemie babies. The age recommendations are only guides—you know your baby better than anyone and will be able to tell when they’re ready for a faster flow.

I've heard bad things about BPA - Is it in your bottles? (and what is it anyway?)

All Tommee Tippee bottles are BPA-free. These bottles are made of silicone that is BPA-free for your reassurance.  BPA—that’s (CH₃)₂C(C₆H₄OH)₂ for you science geeks—is a chemical that’s been used in some plastics since the 1960s and is believed to mess around with your hormones. It’s generally not good, so we don’t use it.

Can I store breast milk in bottles?

Yes, our baby bottles love to look after your breast milk. We even have special lids that you can pop on to store your milk in the fridge or freezer. If you’re expressing and storing breast milk, our Pump and Go™ range may be handy too—it features a clever pouch that you use to pump, store, warm and feed (it’s our all-in-one show). This means there’s no need to transfer milk at any stage, so you’ll never lose a precious drop!

Can I recycle my bottles when I'm done?

Yes. Our Silicone baby Bottles are made from silicone and can be recycled.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

DOS

• Before first use, disassemble all parts and place in boiling water for 5 minutes to ensure good hygiene
• Clean before first and each use
• Always wash the feeding bottle immediately after each use
• Clean in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher (top shelf only)
• For cleaning, use a Tommee Tippee Bottle and Nipple Brush
• Sterilize all parts of the bottles after cleaning and before use (all bottle parts are suitable for sterilization by steam (electric or microwave), boiling or cold-water tablet/liquid solution.
• Inspect before each use and pull the feeding nipple in all directions
• Throw away at first sign of damage or weakness
• For safety and hygiene reasons it’s recommended that the bottle nipple is replaced every 2 months

DON'TS

• Do not clean with solvents or harsh chemicals
• Do not allow product to come into contact with oil-based foods, e.g. tomato-based sauces or carrots
• Do not turn the nipple inside out for cleaning, as damage could result
• Do not store or leave in direct sunlight or near a source of heat, or leave in disinfectant (“sterilizing solution”) for longer than recommended as this may weaken the nipple
• Do not store with or allow to come into contact with solvents or harsh chemicals
• Not suitable for use in a conventional oven or a combination microwave with the grill feature switched on
• Do not heat in a microwave with the bottle sealed. Remove the nipple, screw ring and bottle base first

WARNINGS

• FOR YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY & HEALTH WARNING!
• ALWAYS use this product with adult supervision. Accidents have occurred when babies have been left alone with drinking equipment due to the baby falling or if the product has been disassembled
• Always check food temperatures before feeding. Heating in a microwave oven may produce localized high temperatures. Take extra care when microwave heating.
• Always stir heated food to ensure even heat distribution and test the temperature before serving.
• When making up a bottle, follow the formula milk manufacturer's instructions and allow the freshly boiled water to cool before pouring it into the bottle
• NEVER use feeding nipples as a pacifier.
• Continuous and prolonged sucking of fluids will cause tooth decay. Tooth decay in young children can occur even when non-sweetened fluids are used. This can occur if the baby is allowed to use the bottle for long periods through the day and particularly through the night, when saliva flow is reduced or if it is used a pacifier.

Is it ok to put bottles in the dishwasher?

Of course! Pop them on the top shelf though. As with all white and clear plastic things they can get a bit stained and yucky-looking in the dishwasher (blame that Bolognese sauce or carrot soup you had last night). If they do get discolored there’s nothing to worry about—they’re perfectly safe, they just don’t look as nice.

Can I recycle my bottles when I'm done?

Yes. Our Soft Feel Silicone Bottles are made from silicone and can be recycled.

Troubleshooting

My bottle nipples don't seem to last very long?

Nipples take quite a lot of hammering from little gums and teeth, so they need to be changed regularly. We recommend replacing bottle nipples every 2 months, or at the first sign of any damage or weakness.

Where should the valve be when I'm feeding my baby?

The valve will work wherever it’s positioned but the best place for the valve is at the top, near your baby's nose.

Can I use Advanced Anti-Colic nipples on Closer to Nature Silicone Bottles?

The simple answer is no, due to the different valves. Most of our products have interchangeable parts to make life as simple as possible. But the Closer to Nature Nipples have a built-in air valve, and don’t work properly on our Advanced Anti-Colic bottles.

How do I fit the travel cap in the silicone bottle?

To fit the travel cap, make sure you have the cap the right way up.  The cap should have the edges facing up before you place this on the bottle base.

Closer to Nature Silicone Bottle Video