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Where should the Easi-Vent valve be when feeding my baby?
We recommend the valve to be at the top, near your baby's nose.
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Can I put bottles and teats in the dishwasher?
Yes, our bottles and teats are dishwasher safe. We advise you place bottles and teats on the top shelf.
Also, try not to put baby bottles and teats in the dishwasher with strong coloured food as the colour from this food can transfer. We also advise that you sterilise the bottles and teats in Closer to Nature sterilisers.
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Why is the teat collapsing when my baby is feeding?
The Closer to Nature Easi-Vent Teat is very sensitive as it is made of specially designed silicone material which can sometimes stick slits together when not used. This is perfectly natural. You can reopen the slit at the tip of the tent like valve by gently manipulating the valve between your finger and thumb until you see the slit open. This allows the air to flow into the bottle and prevents the teat from collapsing.
The Closer to Nature Teats for Vented Bottles round dome valve that fits onto the bottom of the venting tube is also very sensitive as it is made of specially designed silicone material which can sometimes stick together when not used. To ensure the slit in the dome valve is open before use, flush through with water and gently manipulate the valve between finger and thumb until you see the slit re open.
Also, your baby may want more milk than they are able to get. Try either a Variflow teat or the next flow stage teat. -
Do tommee tippee bottles contain BPA?
Our best-selling, award-winning Closer to Nature range is now BPA free, with all bottles in the range now made in top quality polypropylene. This material is light to hold, easy to clean and gives great results – but contains no Bisphenol A.
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Can I use Easi-Vent Teats on Vented Bottles?
No. The Closer to Nature Easi-Vent Teats have an air valve which will prevent the Vented Bottle system from working properly. You should only use Closer to Nature Teats for Vented Bottles with Vented Bottles.
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Can I use the microwave to heat up the bottle?
No, we strongly recommend that you do not heat milk in a microwave as this produces localised hot spots. You should also never boil breast milk as this destroys valuable nutrients in the milk. Try our Electric Bottle and Food Warmer or our Travel Bottle Warmer instead.
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Can I store milk in the bottles?
You can store breast milk in your Closer to Nature bottle in the main section of your fridge (not in the fridge door) or your freezer. In both cases, be sure to use a sterilised air tight container (you will need to buy Milk Storage Lids). See our storing breast milk advice for more information about storage times and other best practice tips for storing breast milk.
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Why have my bottles shrunk?
If boiling water is poured directly into the bottles and the lids and teats placed back on, a vacuum builds inside the bottle, sometimes causing it to suck inwards and misshape. Please ensure that you allow the water to cool for at least 30 minutes before adding to the bottle.
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Can I buy bottles with faster flow teats?
As most bottles are bought before birth, we always include stage 1 teats (for 0-3 month old babies). However, the 340ml Closer to Nature Bottle comes with a stage 2 teat (for 3-6 month old babies). This is largest bottle we sell. Faster flow teats are available sold separately. View our teats for more information.
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What if milk flow is too fast or slow? When should I change teats?
Our teats are staged size 1 for 0-3 months, stage 2 for 3-6 months and stage 3 for 6 months plus, but these age stages are just for guidance. Your baby usually lets you know when they are ready for the next stage. If your baby is comfortable with their current flow rate then you do not have to change.
If you find the milk flow in the stage one teat is too fast, you might want to consider Variflow teats, which have an X cut in the end of the teat and allow baby to dictate flow rate. Your baby may also be ready to move on to a sippy cup, such as our First Sips Cup.
No matter what flow rate your baby is comfortable with, you should replace all your teats regularly to ensure they are in good condition. The bottles themselves will last until baby is fully weaned off the bottle. -
Are the Closer to Nature bottles recyclable?
Yes, the Closer to Nature bottles are made from polypropylene (PP) which can usually be recycled where facilities are available.