Parents Choice Bottle Starter Gift Set

From One Sleep-Deprived Parent to Another: Honest Insights That Will Save Your Sanity

Let me start by saying something I wish someone had told me before my first child was born: the right baby bottles can make or break those precious early months of parenthood. As a first-time parent three years ago, I stood in the baby aisle at Walmart for what felt like hours, staring blankly at the wall of bottle options. If only I’d known then what I know now about the Parent’s Choice Bottle Starter Gift Set!

After experiencing the newborn phase twice now (yes, I’m either brave or crazy), I’ve learned that having the right bottle setup from day one isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for your sanity. So grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment here), and let me walk you through everything you need to know about this budget-friendly lifesaver of a gift set.

What Exactly Is Included in the Parent’s Choice Bottle Starter Gift Set?

When I first unwrapped the Parent’s Choice Bottle Starter Gift Set at my baby shower, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised by how comprehensive it was! The set comes with everything a new parent needs to begin their bottle-feeding journey.

The standard set includes:

• 3 9oz bottles with level 2 medium-flow nipples (perfect for babies 3+ months)
• 2 5oz bottles with level 1 slow-flow nipples (ideal for newborns)
• 1 bottle brush designed to reach all those annoying corners
• 2 pacifiers that match the bottle nipple design
• 1 formula dispenser with three compartments for on-the-go feeding
• Detailed instruction booklet

What impressed me immediately was the thoughtfulness behind the selection. When you’re sleep-deprived and trying to figure out this whole parenting thing, having different bottle sizes and nipple flows already figured out for you is incredibly helpful. I didn’t have to make a panicked late-night run to the store when my baby suddenly decided she needed a faster flow—I already had what I needed.

Is This Set Actually Good for Newborns?

After bringing my second baby home and trying several bottle brands, I can confidently say that the Parent’s Choice Bottle Starter Gift Set is excellent for newborns. The 5oz bottles with slow-flow nipples are specifically designed for those first few months when babies are tiny and learning how to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing.

What makes these bottles particularly newborn-friendly is their design. The nipples have a wide, breast-like shape that helps reduce nipple confusion if you’re also breastfeeding. As someone who combo-fed both my children, this feature was invaluable. The transition between breast and bottle was relatively seamless, which anyone who’s tried to get a breastfed baby to take a bottle will tell you is nothing short of miraculous.

The anti-colic vents built into the bottles were another newborn-friendly feature I grew to appreciate. My firstborn had terrible gas issues, and we went through several premium bottle brands before discovering that the humble Parent’s Choice bottles worked just as well at reducing air intake. Those 3 a.m. gas screaming sessions significantly decreased once we switched exclusively to these bottles.

The BPA Question: Are These Bottles Safe?

Let’s talk safety because I know it’s at the forefront of every parent’s mind. When I first became a parent, I went down many late-night internet rabbit holes researching bottle materials and safety.

I’m happy to report that all Parent’s Choice bottles are 100% BPA-free, which was a non-negotiable requirement for me. The bottles are made from polypropylene plastic, which is considered one of the safest food-grade plastics available. It’s durable, doesn’t leach chemicals, and stands up to repeated sterilization.

Beyond being BPA-free, these bottles are also phthalate-free and lead-free. The nipples are made from silicone rather than latex, which is important for babies who might have latex sensitivities or allergies.

While we’re on the topic of safety, I should mention that these bottles have passed all the relevant safety tests and comply with FDA regulations. As someone who obsessively researched baby product safety (hello, first-time parent anxiety!), this gave me significant peace of mind.

Bottle Sizes and Growth Stages: Will They Last?

One question I had when initially considering this set was whether it would see us through the different stages of our baby’s growth. After all, nobody wants to invest in a starter set only to need a completely different system three months later.

The Parent’s Choice set thoughtfully includes both 5oz and 9oz bottles, which effectively covers you from newborn days through the first year. My daughter started with the 5oz bottles, and around four months, when her appetite increased, we seamlessly transitioned to the 9oz bottles.

The set comes with both level 1 (slow flow) and level 2 (medium flow) nipples, which covers approximately the first six months. After that, you can purchase level 3 (fast flow) nipples separately as your baby grows. I appreciated this staged approach, as it meant we weren’t overwhelmed with unnecessary parts at the beginning, but had a clear path for upgrading as our baby developed.

The Price Factor: Is It Really a Good Deal?

Let’s get real about finances for a moment. Having a baby is expensive—shockingly expensive. From diapers to daycare, the costs add up quickly. So when I tell you that the Parent’s Choice Bottle Starter Gift Set offers exceptional value without compromising quality, I’m speaking as a parent who has tracked every baby-related penny.

The complete set typically retails for around $20-25, depending on where you purchase it. To put this in perspective, a comparable starter set from brands like Dr. Brown’s, Tommee Tippee, or Avent would cost you anywhere from $40 to $60.

But the savings don’t end with the initial purchase. Because these bottles have fewer parts than some of the more complex anti-colic systems, replacement costs are lower too. The nipples are reasonably priced, and the bottles themselves are durable enough to last through multiple children (our first set is still going strong with baby number two).

For budget-conscious parents or those wisely choosing to allocate their baby budget to other essentials (hello, better stroller!), this set represents significant savings without cutting corners on functionality or safety.

Comparing to Premium Brands: How Does It Stack Up?

Before settling on the Parent’s Choice set, I tried bottles from nearly every major brand on the market. My first child had feeding issues, so we went through quite the bottle buffet trying to find one that worked. This gives me a unique perspective on how the Parent’s Choice bottles compare to pricier alternatives.

When compared to Tommee Tippee, the Parent’s Choice bottles have a similar wide-base design that mimics breastfeeding, but I found the Parent’s Choice nipples to be slightly softer and more flexible. Both have effective anti-colic systems, though the Tommee Tippee has more parts to clean.

Against Dr. Brown’s, the renowned anti-colic champion, Parent’s Choice holds its own surprisingly well. While Dr. Brown’s venting system is indeed excellent, it comes with many small parts that need cleaning (a task I grew to dread). The Parent’s Choice anti-colic system is simpler but still effective for all but the most colicky babies.

Compared to Philips Avent, the Parent’s Choice bottles are slightly less sturdy feeling but functionally very similar. Both have wide necks that make cleaning and formula preparation easier.

The most significant difference I noticed wasn’t in performance but in marketing and packaging. The premium brands come in fancy boxes with lots of promises, while Parent’s Choice keeps it simple. After using both, I can honestly say the performance difference doesn’t justify the price gap for most babies.

Availability: Where Can You Find It?

The Parent’s Choice Bottle Starter Gift Set is Walmart’s store brand, so naturally, it’s most readily available at Walmart stores and on their website. This exclusivity might seem limiting, but Walmart’s ubiquity makes it a non-issue for most parents.

I’ve found the sets consistently in stock both in-store and online, which is more than I can say for some specialty baby brands that seem perpetually backordered. During the pandemic-related supply chain issues, when many baby products were hard to find, the Parent’s Choice bottles remained relatively available—a significant advantage for parents who couldn’t afford to experiment with whatever random bottles happened to be in stock.

Online ordering through Walmart’s website or app is straightforward, and they often offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. For parents who prefer to see products in person before purchasing, the sets are typically located in the baby feeding aisle at physical Walmart locations.

An unexpected benefit of choosing a Walmart store brand is that when you’re making that inevitable 11 p.m. run for more diapers or formula, you can easily pick up replacement nipples or additional bottles without having to make a separate trip to a specialty baby store.

The Anti-Colic Question: Do They Really Work?

Let me share a personal story that convinced me these bottles are effective at reducing colic. My firstborn was what the older generation would call a “high-need” baby—he cried… a lot. Gas pains were a major culprit, and we initially invested in an expensive brand of anti-colic bottles based on recommendations.

After weeks of continued gas issues (and a rapidly depleting bank account from buying “premium” bottles), I decided to try the Parent’s Choice bottles as a less expensive alternative. To my surprise and delight, they worked just as well, if not better.

The anti-colic system in the Parent’s Choice bottles is simple but effective. Rather than using complicated venting tubes that require meticulous cleaning, these bottles use a vented nipple design that allows air to enter the bottle without mixing with the milk or formula. This prevents the vacuum effect that causes babies to swallow excess air.

For both my children, these bottles effectively reduced post-feeding gas, spit-up, and the general discomfort that comes from swallowing too much air. The difference was especially noticeable with my son, who went from crying for hours after feedings to being relatively comfortable.

While I can’t promise these bottles will work miracles for every colicky baby (sometimes colic just happens despite our best efforts), I can say they’re worth trying before investing in more expensive specialty bottles.

Nipple Compatibility and Options

The Parent’s Choice set includes both slow-flow (level 1) and medium-flow (level 2) nipples, which is thoughtful for a starter set. As your baby grows, you can purchase level 3 (fast flow) nipples separately.

What I particularly appreciate about this system is the clear numbering on the nipples. When you’re assembling bottles at 3 a.m. with one eye open, being able to quickly identify the correct nipple flow is surprisingly important.

The nipples are made of soft, durable silicone that holds up well to repeated washing and sterilization. After months of use, they maintain their shape without becoming discolored or sticky (an issue I’ve had with other brands).

If your baby has specific feeding challenges, Parent’s Choice also offers specialized nipples sold separately, including:

• Y-cut nipples for thicker liquids and cereals
• Extra slow-flow nipples for preemies or babies with feeding difficulties
• Natural-flow nipples designed to more closely mimic breastfeeding

This range of options means the system can adapt to your baby’s changing needs without requiring you to switch to an entirely new bottle system.

Cleaning and Maintenance: The Real Test

As any parent quickly learns, the true test of a baby bottle isn’t just how well your baby takes to it—it’s how easy it is to clean at midnight when you’re exhausted. The Parent’s Choice bottles excel in this category, which is one of the main reasons they became our go-to.

The wide neck design means you can easily fit a bottle brush inside to clean all surfaces. Unlike some anti-colic systems that require tiny brushes to clean venting tubes, these bottles have fewer parts and crevices where milk can hide and grow bacteria.

All components are dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended), which was a non-negotiable feature for me. The included bottle brush is surprisingly effective, with a nipple cleaner built into the handle that can reach those hard-to-clean areas.

For sterilization, these bottles handle both microwave steam sterilizer bags and traditional boiling methods without warping. We’ve put our set through countless sterilization cycles, and they’ve maintained their integrity.

One cleaning tip I discovered: soaking the bottles in warm soapy water immediately after use prevents milk proteins from drying and becoming difficult to remove. This simple habit saved me countless minutes of scrubbing!

Formula Compatibility: Does It Work With All Types?

Having tried nearly every formula on the market (thanks, formula shortages of 2022!), I can confirm that the Parent’s Choice bottles work well with all types of formula. The wide neck makes it easy to pour powder without spilling, and the clear measurement markings are accurate and easy to read.

The included formula dispenser is a simple but incredibly useful addition to the set. It has three compartments that each hold enough formula powder for an 8oz bottle. For parents who plan to be out and about with their baby, this dispenser eliminates the need to measure formula while balancing a hungry baby on your lap in a restaurant or car.

For pre-mixed liquid formula, the bottles seal tightly without leaking, even when tossed in a diaper bag. The same is true for expressed breast milk—no precious drops lost to leakage.

One particularly nice feature for formula feeding is how the bottles mix without excessive bubbling. The wide design allows you to gently swirl rather than shake vigorously, which helps reduce air bubbles and potential gas issues.

User Experience: What Do Real Parents Say?

Beyond my personal experience, I was curious about what other parents thought of these bottles. I spent time in parenting forums and reading reviews, and the consensus largely aligned with my experience.

The bottles receive consistently high ratings, typically averaging around 4.3-4.6 out of 5 stars. Parents repeatedly mention three key advantages:

1. Value for money: Many parents express surprise at the quality given the price point
2. Effectiveness for gas and colic: Several parents report switching from premium brands with no negative effects
3. Simplicity: The straightforward design with minimal parts is widely appreciated

The most common criticisms centered around two issues:

1. Some parents found the measurement markings faded after months of washing
2. A few reported that the nipples collapsed during feeding with very vigorous nursers

Overall, the sentiment from other parents reinforces my own experience—these bottles perform on par with much more expensive options for the majority of babies.

Breastfed Babies: The Transition Challenge

As someone who combo-fed (both breast and bottle), I was particularly concerned about nipple confusion. Many lactation consultants recommend specific bottle types for breastfed babies, and these recommendations rarely include budget options.

My experience defied this expectation. The wide-base nipple design of the Parent’s Choice bottles creates a latch similar to breastfeeding, which helped both my children transition between breast and bottle without confusion.

The slow-flow nipples included in the set are appropriately paced for newborns accustomed to breastfeeding, preventing the frustration that can occur when bottle flow is too fast compared to the breast.

For exclusively pumping parents, these bottles thread directly onto many major breast pump brands (including Medela and Spectra) with an adapter, or you can pump into storage bags and transfer to the bottles. The wide opening makes milk transfer easy with minimal spillage.

If you’re planning to primarily breastfeed but want bottles for occasional use, the 5oz size included in this set is perfect for those smaller, supplemental feedings without overwhelming your baby.

Materials and Durability: Will They Last?

The Parent’s Choice bottles are made from polypropylene plastic for the bottle itself and silicone for the nipples. These materials strike a good balance between durability and safety.

After two years of heavy use with my first child—including countless dishwasher cycles, drops on the kitchen floor, and being thrown from the high chair—our original set remained intact and functional. The plastic did not crack or cloud significantly, and the measurement markings remained legible (though slightly faded).

The nipples are remarkably resilient as well. While silicone nipples from any brand will eventually need replacement due to normal wear, the Parent’s Choice nipples lasted approximately 3-4 months of regular use before showing signs of wear—comparable to much more expensive brands.

The included bottle brush lasted about six months before the bristles began to splay, which is actually longer than some specialty brushes I’ve purchased separately.

For parents concerned about environmental impact, the bottles are recyclable in facilities that accept #5 plastic. While not biodegradable (no plastic baby bottles are), they’re durable enough to be passed down to younger siblings or cousins, extending their useful life.

Assembly and Use: The Practical Details

One aspect of bottles that doesn’t get enough attention in reviews is how easy they are to assemble, especially when you’re holding a crying baby. The Parent’s Choice bottles excel here with a simple three-part design: bottle, nipple, and collar.

The wide threads make it easy to align the parts correctly, even in dim light or when you’re distracted. The collar screws on smoothly without cross-threading, which was an issue I encountered with some pricier brands.

When properly assembled, these bottles don’t leak—a claim I’ve tested extensively by tossing them somewhat haphazardly into the diaper bag. The secure seal also prevents air from entering through the threads, which helps with the anti-colic function.

For warming, the bottles respond well to standard bottle warmers. The plastic is thick enough that it doesn’t warp or leach when heated, but thin enough that the contents warm evenly and relatively quickly.

One practical tip: the bottle parts are interchangeable within the Parent’s Choice line, so if you purchase additional bottles or replacement parts later, everything will remain compatible.

Gift Potential: Perfect for Baby Showers?

As someone who has both received and given this set as a gift, I can speak to its reception at baby showers. While it may not have the “premium” brand recognition that some expectant parents might put on their registry, it has consistently been appreciated as a practical gift.

What makes it particularly suitable as a shower gift is its comprehensiveness. Rather than just giving bottles, you’re providing a complete feeding system that a new parent can use immediately. The inclusion of the bottle brush and formula dispenser elevates it from “just bottles” to a thoughtful feeding kit.

If you’re considering giving this as a gift, here’s a tip: pair it with a box of formula (if the parent plans to formula feed) or a gift card to a lactation consultant (if they plan to breastfeed). This acknowledges that feeding choices are personal while providing practical support.

For parents who already have a different bottle system on their registry, this set still makes an excellent backup option. Many babies unexpectedly reject certain bottles, and having alternatives on hand can be a lifesaver during those early weeks.

Replacement Parts: Availability and Cost

No matter how careful you are, bottle parts get lost. The sippy cup lids mysteriously disappear, nipples wear out, and somehow the formula dispenser always ends up under the car seat. Knowing that replacement parts are readily available is important for any bottle system you commit to.

Replacement parts for the Parent’s Choice bottles are easily found at Walmart, both in-store and online. Individual nipples, collars, caps, and even the bottle brush can be purchased separately. This availability is a significant advantage over some specialty brands that require ordering replacement parts online and waiting for shipping.

The cost of replacement parts is reasonable:

• Individual nipples typically cost around $2-3 for a 2-pack
• Replacement collars are approximately $3-4 for a 3-pack
• A new bottle brush runs about $3-4

Compared to premium brands, where replacement nipples alone can cost $6-8 for a 2-pack, the ongoing cost savings is substantial.

The Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

After thousands of feedings across two children, countless middle-of-the-night bottle washings, and having tried nearly every bottle on the market due to my first child’s feeding difficulties, I can unequivocally say that the Parent’s Choice Bottle Starter Gift Set delivers exceptional value and performance.

For new parents overwhelmed by baby gear decisions and budget constraints, this set offers a simple solution that works for most babies without breaking the bank. The quality is comparable to bottles costing twice as much, and the comprehensive nature of the set means you won’t need to make additional purchases right away.

Is it perfect? No bottle system is. Some babies with severe feeding issues might need more specialized options, and parents looking for glass or stainless steel alternatives won’t find them in this line. But for the vast majority of families, this set will meet or exceed expectations.

The Parent’s Choice Bottle Starter Gift Set exemplifies what new parents really need: practical, effective solutions that don’t require a second mortgage. In the world of baby products, where marketing often outpaces actual value, this set stands out as a genuine bargain that doesn’t compromise on performance.

So if you’re standing in that baby aisle, feeling overwhelmed by options and price tags, or scrolling through endless online reviews—take it from a parent who’s been there. Start with this set. Your baby will likely be perfectly happy, and your wallet will definitely thank you.

And remember, at the end of the day, the best bottle for your baby is the one they’ll actually drink from—regardless of how much it costs or what the packaging promises. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to try the budget-friendly option. Sometimes, as in this case, it’s actually the smart choice.