She is ALWAYS drinking, mummy! – JD, 4

Miss J has always been fussy about her choice of bottles. If you’re a long-term reader, you may recall how much trouble we had getting her to take a bottle at all, and since finally settling into a mixed feeding routine, the Avent Classic bottle is all she has ever really accepted.

Recently, I ventured to London to take a look at the new Phillips Avent Natural range. Promising to aid combination feeding, this new range represents a dramatic design shift:

• The teat: wider, softer and more flexible than the Classic alternative, the new teat more closely resembles the breast and is said to promote a more natural latch. Miss J accepted it immediately and drank without breaking.
• The anti-colic device: gone is the need to wash that fiddly little ring you find in the Classic range, in this range a twin valve is built right into the teat.
• The bottle: the bottle has been rounded all over and pinched in the middle. It’s easier to hold and Miss J seems keener to hold it herself.

The bottles are available in the same two sizes and in same choice of teat flows as the Classic range. Well worth a try if you’re starting out with combination feeding.

Meanwhile, I’m still expressing milk and remain a fan of my trusty Medela Swing Pump when at home, but I’m also pleased with the new Avent Comfort Manual breast pump for when I’m out and about. It’s very gentle – boasting the same soft ‘petal’ design that makes the new teats soft and flexible – so it doesn’t leave you bruised or chaffed like some brands.

Disclosure: I was provided with two bottles and a breast pump for review. No payment was received. All reviews are 100% honest.