While it’s easy to write your baby’s name on the bottles, you might find that the name labels keep falling off, making it difficult to keep track of which bottle or pacifier belongs to your baby at daycare. We’ve heard from many parents who have faced this issue and have tried various hacks like painter’s tape, electrical tape, and Sharpies, but nothing works. Painter’s and electrical tape often peel off, while Sharpies tend to rub off and leave your little one’s hands stained.

If you’re struggling with this problem, you’re not alone! Fortunately, there are some solutions that you can try that will work and help you keep track of which bottle belongs to your little one and prevent germy mix-ups.

What is silicone, and why does nothing stick to it!? 

Silicone is a synthetic rubber created with silicone and oxygen. Silicone does not allow for microbiological growth, (which means it’s FDA compliant) and that’s why it is so is often used for products that require good hygiene, like many baby, children’s and personal care products. 

Due to the low surface energy of silicone it cannot create a bond and nothing will stick to it. So don’t be fooled by label companies claiming their markers, stamps or labels will stick. They will stick as well as jelly being nailed to a wall.

We have solutions! While we understand that nothing will stick, we have workarounds that will allow you to label all your kid’s silicone items. 

How to label silicone baby bottles

You can label silicone baby bottles in a few ways. Firstly, you can use a small rectangle label to adhere to the edge of the plastic lid.  You can find the small rectangle labels on their own, or as part of the top-selling Baby Label Pack or the Daycare Label Pack 

You can use a Baby Bottle Band to adhere around the bottle. These bottle bands are laser engraved with your child’s name, and they silicone band fits snugly around the bottle. If you need want to tightest fit it over the silicone bottle you can first freeze your baby bottle (just using water) once solid you can fit your bottle band snugly around the silicone baby bottle and it will flex and compress with the bottle. You can put it in the bottle warmer and dishwasher without needing to remove it!

Mabel’s Labels Baby Bottle Bands are reusable and easy to clean, making them a cost-effective, convenient safe solution for labeling your baby’s bottles and a top choice among parents! 

How to label a silicone pacifier  

Pacifier Labels! The most clever labels ever! This pack of labels combines perfectly sized tear-resistant and sterilizer-safe labels. If you have a silicone pacifier, the wraparound label can be looped through the hole or handle, and voila, it sticks to itself and won’t fall off.  

They’re waterproof (and drool-proof!), so they can be washed, wiped, and put through the sterilizer without falling off!   

How to Label Silicone Swim Goggles

Kids off to camp or swim lessons? Swim goggles can be tricky to label because they’re made of silicone (and obviously, you don’t want to label the lens). The pacifier labels will work similarly. However, if you’re not looking to purchase them separately, you can use either a small rectangle label or a large rectangle label and simply fold the label over the strap at the back of the head. The label will stick to itself and remain stuck!

The labels are waterproof, so they won’t fall off in the pool, lake, or bathtub (because inevitably, your child will wear goggles in the tub one day, just because).

If you’re heading to camp, the Day Camp Label Pack includes the small rectangle labels, and the Sleepaway Label Pack includes of the large rectangle labels, so your camp label pack will already have what you need to label your swim goggles.

How to label silicone reusable snack bags 

Look for silicone snack bags with this little plastic loop in the corner. A personalized mini bag tag will easily fit through the loop, and your kids won’t lose or mix-up their snack bag again.

If you’re looking for tips on how to wash your silicone bottles, straws and toys, read this post for all the best tips!

The post How to Label Silicone: Solutions for Baby Bottles, Pacifiers, Swim Goggles, and More.   appeared first on The Mabelhood.

So, thank goodness for the bottle. The genius invention that gives a mama the ability to leave her child in another loving person’s arms while she takes a much-needed break, gets a little sleep, or finally goes to that long-overdue appointment.

Well, in theory, yes. But there are a lot of breastfed babies who STRAIGHT UP REFUSE to take a bottle. Some cry and seal their lips, others just chew on the plastic nipple, unsure about what they’re meant to do. Getting your baby to accept a bottle can be a huge stressor that takes a lot of trial and error, practice and patience.

So what are some things you can do to try and encourage success with the transition?

Lactation consultants suggest the following to help breastfed babies transition to bottle:

Have your partner give baby the bottle

Sometimes, that one degree of separation works! Some babies get flustered and confused when their food source is trying to get them to feed in another way. Leave the room and try having your partner or another caregiver bottle feed instead. A lot of babies are more likely to accept a bottle from someone other than their mom.

Get the timing right

A starving, fussy baby isn’t going to have much patience for a new feeding source. Wait to introduce the bottle when your babe is hungry, but happy and calm. Many mamas have had success introducing a bottle during dream feeds, when the baby is drowsy.

Try different positions

If your baby is laying in the position they always breastfeed in, they might be less willing to take something new. Try feeding the baby in different positions or when they’re a little more separated from you, like in a bouncy chair or stroller (with you holding the bottle, of course).

It’s hard to know which bottle to buy when there are hundreds of different ones available. Don’t worry, mama. We did some research so that you can hopefully find one that works for your little bundle of joy. Here are the highest-rated baby bottles that breastfeeding moms have had the most success with.

Remember, finding a bottle that works is a trial-and-error process, so don’t buy bottles in bulk during your testing period!

Top Picks of Bottles for Breastfed Babies:

Como Tomo

The Como Tomo‘s unique style of bottle is soft and pliable, which is meant to mimic a breast for babies with especially wandering and curious hands. The wide mound and naturally shaped nipple were designed to help babies switch from breast to bottle easily. With thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, this bottle is a top choice for moms who are struggling and desperate.

MAM

If your baby has rejected slimmer nipple options, a MAM anti colic bottle might be worth a try. The MAM Ultra Soft Silicone Nipple makes it easy to switch from breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, and back. So if your baby is struggling with the switch, this might bottle might be a top choice for you.

Dr. Brown’s

The Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Bottle is a great option for babies who struggle with colic, gas and reflux as it’s designed with a full venting system to prevent any air from entering. The teat has a natural flow to prevent nipple confusion (or preference), but as your baby grows you can purchase faster flow teats to use with the same bottle. The venting system can be removed if your baby outgrows their feeding struggles and no longer requires it. This simplistic looking bottle does exactly what it says it will and has thousands of rave reviews.

MimiJumi

With it’s natural colours and shape, the Mimijumi Bottle claims to provide the easiest transition from breast to bottle. The slanted top and skin-like texture of the nipple should feel more natural to your baby. Warning: this bottle is definitely not the cheapest option, but if it works and you can get away for the odd baby-free break, it’s worth every single penny!

Medela

Backed by research, the Medela Calma bottle boasts a special nipple design that allows your baby to have complete control of the flow of milk. It also grows with your baby, so you won’t have to change nipple sizes as your little one grows and eats more. Another bonus? The body of the bottle screws directly on to a Medela breast pump, meaning less milk transferring and cleaning if you’re pumping and feeding.

Philip’s Avent

With an ultra-soft nipple and anti-colic design, the Philips Avent Natural is a great choice for mamas who want to switch easily between boob and bottle. The soft material and comfort petals on the nipple mimic the breast and allow for a natural latch and they’re easy to find at any store or online retailer (Bonus: they’re affordable). Reviews for these bottles often mention how easy they are to assemble and clean, which is a feature any busy parent will appreciate.

Trial and error, and a guilt-free breather

Selecting the right baby bottle can be very overwhelming, and what works for one baby may not work for the next. It’s a matter of trial-and-error, and as frustrating (and time consuming and expensive) as it can be, just know that you will eventually find something that works for you and baby! Remember, all moms deserve a break, so make sure to allow yourself a guilt-free breather.

Oh, and once you do find that holy grail bottle – don’t forget to get some Personalized Labels  for it so that you don’t lose it! Once your baby is all set with bottle feeding they’ll be more prepared for daycare. Good luck mama!

The post Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies Who Refuse a Bottle appeared first on The Mabelhood.