Why Smilo's Bottle System is the Best Choice
There are two major problems associated with bottle-feeding that make babies uncomfortable: air intake and vacuum build-up. Air ingested by babies during feedings causes gas, discomfort, spit-ups, and other symptoms such as colic. Air intake is a three-part problem: 1) the venting mechanisms of the bottle (i.e. 'vacuum release'), 2) the quality of latch and 3) the suction required to extract fluid from the nipple. A baby’s ability to latch is a primary determinant of air intake and the various associated symptoms. Moreover, if the pressure build-up inside the bottle is not venting properly the baby will need to use more suction to extract fluid to feed. This is not ideal and can lead to significant air intake, compromised latch and a difficult feed.
Vacuum build-up from poorly vented bottles can lead to issues other than air intake and colic. The increased suction required to extract fluid can increase the chance of fluid being drawn into the middle ear, potentially causing discomfort and infection. The goal is to reduce suction requirements thereby preventing formula and/or milk from dripping into the Eustachian tubes of the ear.
Latch is baby’s ability to properly position their tongue and lips onto a feeding bottle nipple when feeding. The quality of latch or seal made between baby’s lips and the feeding nipple is the primary source of air intake as they feed. A weak seal or latch means that each time baby draws in fluid, extra air is also drawn in. A weak latch combined with a poorly vented bottle will amplify the amount of air ingested.
Many feeding bottles have been designed to ‘mimic’ the mother’s breast. These designs are limited and constrained by manufacturing competencies and visual appearances. Specifically, design efforts have avoided the motion of the fluid, the work required to drink, and the contributing factors in latch (ability to latch reliably and repeatedly).
Ingestion or intake of air, leading to gas, continues to be a problem regardless of the bottles/nipples venting ability or claims. Current bottle venting systems are unreliable, they leak, or simply don’t work. Many bottles contain multiple pieces and require complex and technical assembly. Additionally, these same bottles tend to be very difficult and time consuming to clean effectively.
The negative pressure exerted by an infant during sucking plays a major role in removing milk during breastfeeding. Only Smilo addresses this in the design of a bottle nipple. The force or work required to suck fluid from a particular nipple geometry has not been addressed by any other brand.
The Benefit of the Smilo Bottle System
Smilo feeding nipples require up to 44% less suction pressure to extract the same amount of fluid as competitor nipples. This achieves easier latching due to the wide neck and internal pressure reducing geometry. This also creates less pressure build up in the ear and enables baby to control the pace of milk/formula flow.
Anatomical design on internal and external surfaces to better mimic the fluid transition during breastfeeding. The patented interior shape of the nipple allows for fluid delivery to be similar to fluid delivery while breastfeeding. Turbulent flow and air intake can occur in other brands' models because of the generic internal nipple shape.
The integrated atmospheric vent is more durable than other brands' vents. The Smilo vent is more sensitive to pressure changes, but also more durable for sustained use. This reduces the chance of leaks or vent malfunction during use.