Two months ago when I wrote a post about Avent milk bottles, I promised to write one about NUK too. So here it is.
When I was just in my second trimester of pregnancy, my other half happened to stumble upon a baby fair that was going on at PWTC in Kuala Lumpur. Being a father-to-be, he was all excited and went alone to check out the many baby merchandise and service booths at the fair. That was when he was first introduced to the NUK baby feeding bottles and the special NUK teats.
He came home to tell me all about what he has learned about them, specifically the benefits of NUK bottles and teats and why they cost a bomb compared to the more generic brand names in the market.
We decided to give the teats a try and since then I’ve never used any other milk bottle teats, not even Avent. I actually buy Avent bottles and replace the Avent teats with NUK teats! Find out why I do that by reading on…
About the brand NUK
NUK comes from Germany and its baby products are sold in over 90 countries worldwide. It specialises in baby feeding systems or equipment and also some nursing aid products for the mothers.
In Malaysia, you will find a good range of NUK products available in department stores like Isetan, Metrojaya, Jusco and maybe even Robinsons. I am not 100% certain about the latter as I thought I saw those products there but you can definitely find NUK products in those other department stores. You will also find that Guardian Pharmacy outlets carry a smaller range of these products, specifically the bottles, teats and soothers (or pacifiers).
About NUK feeding bottles
NUK offers 2 types of feeding bottles, plastic and glass. The glass bottles are environmentally friendly and bisphenol A free. Its range of plastic bottles does not claim to be free of bisphenol A. It only states that its plastic feeding bottles are made of either polypropylene or polycarbonate, of which the latter is based on the starting material bisphenol A.
NUK however claims that they are convinced on the safety of the materials used to manufacture its products.
NUK feeding bottles come in 2 different types and in various sizes for each type. You can choose the classic feeding bottles or the wideneck bottles which they call NUK First Choice or premium selection.
NUK Classic Bottle
NUK First Choice Premium Bottle
For each of these types of bottles, you have the choice of different sizes. For the classic bottles, the 2 sizes of bottles available are 125ml and 250ml.
As for the NUK First Choice bottles, you have a choice of sizes of 150ml, 240ml and 300ml.
All NUK bottles come in very colourful and attractive designs. I love how they are engaging to the baby as he or she is being fed. It’s not just simply pleasing to the eyes.
About NUK teats
NUK teats are what got me sold on the brand. It uses the NUK Air System where negative pressure in the bottle is compensated. What this means in layman terms is that it minimises the effects of a baby swallowing air when sucking on the bottle during feeds. Read the below paragraphs for more detailed information:
The NUK Air System
A vacuum builds up in the bottle when baby is sucking. Babies then have to suck against this vacuum – resulting in the swallowing of air. This makes your baby feel unwell. All NUK teats have the NUK Air System, which compensates for the vacuum in the bottle. It reduces infant colic and the harmful swallowing of air.
Apart from this special airflow system in the teats to prevent colic, the other major advantage of the NUK teat is the fact that it is designed to simulate as closely as possible the shape of a mother’s nipple. This is very useful where mothers do not want to jeopardize their breastfeeding efforts whilst letting their babies feed from a bottle as a substitute to direct breastfeeding.
Read these exerpts of the NUK teats below:
Why the NUK shape is not round…
The NUK shape is based on studies undertaken by Dr.med.dent. A.Müller and Prof.Dr.Dr. W.Balters. The NUK shape simulates the nipple during breastfeeding, following nature’s example, and this demands hard work on baby’s part. If, on the other hand, the feed is ingested without requiring any effort, baby may, as a consequence, develop malformations of the jaw and teeth.Every surface of the teat plays its part
Similar to when breastfeeding the flattened baglet of the teat supports the width of the lower jaw, as the tongue is pushed to both sides. The highly arched upper side likewise moulds itself almost perfectly as the palate develops. The lip support is virtually flush, so that – as with suckling at the breast – it is possible to close the lips firmly. This first of all helps train the movement of the lower jaw while sucking, at the same time minimising the swallowing of air, which can so often cause the little ones discomfort from tummy ache.The teat hole has been intentionally placed towards the back of the teat rather than at the point. This means that the nourishment remains in the mouth of the infant longer, enabling it to be softened more easily with saliva – an important consideration for healthy digestion.
The NUK teats come in classic and NUK First Choice to match the designs of the bottles. The teats are also made available in 2 different materials, which are latex and silicone.
The difference between the two materials are explained below:
Latex
Vulcanised materials, based on natural rubber or caoutchouc latex, to use the technical term, possess properties that are as yet unequalled to such a perfect extent by any other plastic.
These are properties that, precisely for babies’ teats, are of considerable significance when it comes to safety in everyday use.
Features which should be particularly emphasised here are as follows: the high level of elasticity, the extreme durability, the excellent pull-and-tear resistance, the exceptional flexibility of the material, its environmentally-friendly disposal and its non-static properties i.e. latex does not attract dust.
Silicone
Silicone is a considerably rubbery, elastic-type material that is especially soft, extremely temperature resistant and with a neutral taste.
It is free of harmful substances, can be boiled, is odourless, transparent and has a smooth surface – these are all-important advantages for a teat.
The safety aspects of silicone as opposed to those of latex teats should not, however, be disregarded. This is because silicone is less elastic than latex and it can rapidly tear once the surface has been damaged. The material is more sensitive and, if silicone teats are being used for long periods, we recommend keeping an eye out for any signs of damage. For safety reasons silicone teats should be discarded at the first signs of wear e.g. furrows, scratches, teethmarks or even tiny holes.
The NUK teats also come with different airflow sizes for different stages of a baby’s life. There are essentially three sizes, categorised as 1,2 and 3. Size 1 refers to small hole size and is suitable for use of a baby who is 0 to 6 months old. Size 2 is a medium sized hole for babies from 6 to 18 months old. Size 3 will feature a large sized hole and is for use for babies who are 18 months and above.
However, in Malaysia, we only have sizes 1 and 2 and not 3. I don’t know why that is. In any case, my son is almost 2 years now and he’s still on size 2 and has no complaints whatsoever on the flow of liquid. So I guess it is fine even without a size 3.
My take on NUK feeding bottles and teats
Ryan was first introduced to the NUK teats when he was first given a milk bottle. Later on when I purchased Avent bottles I tried to let him use the Avent teats that came with the bottles but he didn’t like it. It could be because he was already used to the flow and shape of the NUK teats. Ryan is colic-free and I’m very thankful for that.
Not only is he colic-free, we also do not have much of a problem with him consuming too much air while sucking on a bottle. It has never shown itself in signs of discomforts in him so we assume that all’s well with him.
Now that Ryan is going to turn 2 years very soon, we’re still on NUK teats and I do not foresee us changing to any other teats. Each pack of NUK teats come in a set of 2 teats and retails for about RM20. I buy the silicone ones and despite what was said about watching out for tears in these types of teats, I find them to be very lasting and of good quality. I’ve never had any tears in them and I don’t even find them turning yellow after long periods of use.
To me, NUK teats are value for money and would not mind paying for them.
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for sharing this. I also thought of trying Nuk bottles and teats when Hayley was a couple of months old cause I really like the designs on the bottles as well as the unique shape of the teats (didn’t really study its benefits as in depth as you did
). But then didn’t proceed as I wasn’t sure if Hayley would like it since we’ve started her on Avent. She is also colic-free (thank goodness). After reading your post, I might get one and give it a try 
.
No problem at all. Enjoyed writing and sharing the info. And I definitely recommend NUK. Go for it!
Hi,
I’ve just started work and introduced bottle to my baby a few weeks ago. I used Avent bottles, and each time she feeds, she only takes 1 oz. So she kept feeding 1oz every hour! I work in Bintulu and there aren’t much choices on the brands here. I went to Guardian and tried my luck with NUK (luckily they sell it in Guardian!). Today was the first time she used NUK and I must say that its an Excellent purchase! She doesn’t swallow much air and she feeds very well! Your post gave me very good insights. I’m definitely changing to NUK now!
Hanim, great to hear that NUK works for your little girl too! Glad to be of help to offer some info
Do come and visit again and share stories of your little bundle of joy here.
Thanks Penny. By the way, it seems that the PP NUK bottles are sold for RM63 for 150ml and RM65 for 300ml in Msia. I was looking for cheap spare Ameda breastpump valve and came across http://www.pumps4mums.co.uk/
They sell the BPA free NUK bottles for GBP4.17 (150ml) and GBP 4.60 (300ml). Shipping is not that expensive. When I calculate I could still save some money buying from this site. For example if I buy 2 300ml bottles it comes up to GBP13.70 – thats approx RM41 (i used RM1:GBP6 forex rate) ! I think if you and some friends buy together, then you can share the postage cost.
Thanks for sharing that info! I never thought to buy from online sites. I guess it never occurred to me that they could be cheaper. It sounds like a great idea to get a few parents together to combine purchases!
Penny, I came across your blog after doing a search on whether the NUK teats fit avent bottles. I have been trying to feed my son from the bottle one day a week since he was 6 weeks old (he is now 14 weeks). He doesn’t take well to any of the bottles I’ve tried, avent, tommee tippee closer to nature, pigeon peristaltic teats. I wanted to try NUK but didn’t want yet another set of bottles and teats.
It is good to know that NUK fits the avent bottles as I bought about 10 of these before baby was born not knowing he would reject the teats. However, do both the classic and First Choice nuk teats fit the avent bottles? I thought it may only be the First Choice teats that fit?
Hi Sonia, you’re right, only the First Choice teats will fit the Avent bottles since the classic ones are smaller. Try them and see if they work out well for your little boy
Hi everyone, thank you for the referrals!
Just to state that you need to be a little careful with order sizes if several of you are getting together.
You can order so much, then the shipping cost rises steeply. This is because our maximum shipping weight for regular Airmail is 2kg. More than 2 kg has to be split into 2 or more packages or ship via DHL/TNT.
Also, prices shown on our website include UK sales tax (currently 13.043% of advertised price, rising to 14.89% on January 1st. This tax is removed when the delivery country is outside of the European Union.
Kindest regards,
Richard.
hi, i m a dad, so am a little lost regarding feeding bottles !!
for the anti colic valves teats, there are holes for the air to go thru! now when i m feeding my baby the hole is supposed to be up or down?! thanks very much appreciated !!
I don’t know about the others, I feed with the hole facing up because it leaks out when it’s facing downwards
hi,
just want to ask is it a must to change plastic bottle every 6 months?
how about the glass bottle? no need to change as it not contain material bisphenol A?
Thanks
Hmm…we haven’t been doing that. But I know of parents who do. So I guess it’s completely up to you.
Hi! Can i know where can buy NUK wide neck glass bottle?
i’m stay in KL.
My Email is thong_sc@yahoo.com
Check out Metrojaya at The Curve. Definitely saw some there. Some bigger Guardian outlets will also carry the class bottles.
thx peggy reply.
yes, i saw NUK standard neck glass bottle at Metrojaya, The Curve.
But, i’m looking for NUK Wide-neck Glass Bottle.
do u know where can get it?
Hi there!! I’m currently using the classic NUK plastic bottles for my newborn son and have noticed that there seems to be some brown stains developing in the bottle after 2months.The stains around the bottle are only visible when it’s filled with milk and despite washing with liquid cleanser & sterilising the bottles before & after each use, I can’t seem to get the stains off.
Does anyone else have the same problem?? Any ideas on how to remove the unsightly stains??
Darick, I thought I saw the glass ones at Metrojaya at The Curve….hmm I don’t know where else to find the glass ones, sorry.
Jayden’s Mommy, we don’t have such a problem. Maybe you should enquire from NUK locally and see what the problem is. I wrote to them before. I went to their official website and just sent an email and the distribution office in KL handled my matter.
You can find them at this site: http://en.nuk.de/
Thanks for the suggestion
Will send them an email and hopefully get a prompt response from them like you have.
Cheers
Which of the two would be found harmful for a baby polypropylene or polycarbonate??
hi. came across your blog while blog-hopping. I noticed your post on NUK and I was so thrilled because everyone I know have been or are recommending AVENT and saying how good it is etc…I just want to add that my girls are using the NUK teats and their plastic classic bottles. Irregardless of the bottles not being BPA-free, I’m still using them. There’s just so much one can be so careful about anyways. My eldest is 3 and half now and NUK did help her very much esp when she was a baby. SHe was a colicky baby and once we bought the NUK teat, her colic stopped instantly. Also, because the teats are designed by orthodontist, it really helped with her teeth growth since she sucks her thumb. So yes, it’s a really good investment.
Thank you fro you information I have been looking for information on Nuk teats and bottles and you answered all my quaestion. I live in new zeland and we can buy them here too. Again thank you for taking the time to type your email it has been a god send for me
Sharon
I should have read this post earlier.
Just came back from Sogo having purchased 2 baby bottles, one is a bottle with perilstatic teat from Pigeon and the other is from Chicco. I saw NUK bottles being sold too but only in size 2.
Trying to introduce bottle feed to my baby before I go back to work and finding a bottle which reduces colic would be best.
hai…i want to confirm with u…one bottle nuk,how long can used…i mean…how many mth can change the bottle…
i’m usually use 2 mth or 3 mth i can change the new bottle…
can u tell me,how many mth can i using in one bottle…
thank u so much for your advise..
hi, can anyone tel me NUK brand got sell in kuching town area?
Hi mummy! =)
I chanced upon yr blog on my research for NUK bottle. Im planning to use NUK bottles and is glad to see yr ticle. ell written. there are different kinds of bottle that i dont know which one should i get.. the classic ones or the wide bottle one..wide bottle had statedthat they r BPA -free and can prevent colic. the classic ones has nothing on them. Does that mean there r not BPA-free and can they prevent colic? or should i say its the teats that matter to prevent colic and not the bottles?
Oh yea, which bottle u using?
Please advice me =)
Hi Penny, Im just changed the Dr.Brown bottle to Pigeon for my 16m old boy two days ago. Thank god he is colic free during used of Dr.Brown (since born), reason to change is bcoz it has been used for 8 months, also I feel tired of the bottle cleaning de (it has a inner tube). But I feel regret after changed to Pigeon cz it contains bubble while my boy sucking milk, is it cause of air flow inside ? Been looking for other brand now.
So, I just want to confirm with you this NUK classic bottle & teats have no this problem (bubble) ? Can I just replace the NUK teats to the Pigeon bottle for solve the bubble problem, is the size suitable ?
The nuk bottles are crap!! And these messages are crap!! My little girl has been on then for just over 4 weeks and the last 2 weeks she has had colic!! The best bottles are dr brown not this crap!!!
Hi Jemma, appreciate you dropping by and sharing your story and experience. But would appreciate that you respect our views and experience and not let out your anger on us and calling our messages crap. Didn’t work for you doesn’t mean things are crap for the whole world.
Where can I get NUK at Johor Bahru or Kluang??
I just found out that the NUK classic feeding bottle is class 7 polycarbonate which mean that it may contains BPA .
http://fsq.moh.gov.my/v2/uploads/PANDUAN_PENGGUNAAN_BOTOL_SUSU_BAYI_POLIKARBONAT.pdf
damn !! and i gave my baby this type of feeding bottle !!
somebody pls tell me that i am wrong
NUK was the best for my son so far…i really like it..!! I felt so relieved when my son can start feed by using milk bottle. NUK really helps. I didn’t care about the price coz NUK bottle n teats was very compatible with my son & i will try the NUK glass feeding bottle soon.Thank u
I started to introduce NUK teat to my eldest son after my maternity leave. Until now, he still use it and do not want others. Really love the teat!!!
Hi Penny,
First of all , thank you for your post. It is really helpful. I still have a question though, my son has been using the NUK teat ever since he was born and when he turned to 6 months old i change the silicone teat that is suitable for up to 6 months old babies, it’s bigger that 0-6 months size, but he didn’t seem to like to suck it, so I used a nail cutter and made the 0-6 months teat hole just a little bit bigger, and he is ok now . Do you think what i’ve done is ok? And how long do you normally use a silicone teat? Please answer me as soon as you can.
And by the way, I am from China.
Thank you so much!
Sherry
thank you for this helpful analysis, my baby boy is almost 3 months< i have tried all bottles in the market and all teats, latex or silicone, he refuse all kinds, i am now trying nuk for him as i need to go back to work, he liked the teat, but i realize that there is something wrong in his way i sucking as the wide teat almost vacuumed, the sides come close to each other and this prevent him from sucking correctly , is there any pictures or video I can see of how to use the nuk bottle,
Also it is my first time to know that nuk plastic bottle is not BPA free I just realize that I did not see any claim on that =s, so I will use the glass for now
But since I used it from two days I feel that my LO got some gas and he is crying too much, as we r only breastfeeding and I pumped for him and use the milk in the bottle , I don’t know if this from the bottle or not.
Which shopping centre at KL that i cant found the NUK product.
I just bought the NUK first choice teats (latex) to fit into the Avent bottles… sadly it leaks badly.. wasted..
hi penny, i came across to your blog while finding what brand of bottles that can fit with NUK wide neck teat? my son uses orthodontic teats since i introduce him with bottle since 1 week old. he refuse to use other type of teats. the orthodontic teats’ brands he used were, MAM, Japlo, and the latest is NUK on standard size or classic. since he is growing bigger and need to drink more than 4 oz at once, i try to find wide neck bottle with orthodontic teat, i think only NUK has it. you said it can fit with avent or pigeon bottles, so i bought avent bottle. it seem like the teat is smaller than the size it should be with avent. when i mix the formula in the bottle it doesn’t leaks but my 11 month old love to hold the bottle by the teats, when he squeezed it the teat came out of the bottle. is that happen to you too?
only silicone wide neck teats do fit on avent bottles properly. latex teats are softer and leak.
Hi, I just bought these for my 5 day old baby. Hospital gave me C&G bottles with NUK teats – these were quite small and not available to buy so I bought the Orth wide neck and find her struggling to drink. She sucks continuously and fails to get any milk – it is taking over 1 hour for 50 mils at which stage she is exhausted. Now and then the bubbles flow into the bottle and milk moves quickly, most times no bubbles at all. The only way I find milk flowing is by “threatening” to remove teat from her mouth – can’t seem to find what I am doing wrong and everytime I think we have it, we then go back to bad, slow feeds. Any idea’s??
Hi penny
Thank you for sharing your insights on nuk products. I received free nuk bottle and teats from nestle and was very hesitant in trying them out. I was told that avent products are the best but when i went to the drugs store to buy them they were very costly. I decided to go ahead and tried the nuk bottle and teat i got for free and they work perfectly fine for my new born. Thanks again!
Hi! Thanks for sharing your experience with NUK bottles, it was most useful. I need to find alternatives to Tommee Tippee as my almost 5 month old has just decided she doesnt like them anymore. She is mostly breastfed except for the odd occasion when I need to leave her with a babysitter (about once or twice a week). Question – did you use the First Choice (the wider option) or the Classic? Am deliberating between the two. And also between latex and silicone….with Tommee Tippee we used silicone. Thanks!
Ming, I use First Choice wide neck teats as I put them on the Avent bottles. And for vanity sake, I use silicone because I can’t stand how the latex ones look!
where can i buy the teat only?? im in kl..