I purchased Lifefactory bottles the first time I saw them. I love the cheerful colors. What I didn't realize is how well they would work! The bottles have been dropped, thrown, washed in the dishwasher, bounced down the steps at daycare, and they still look brand new. I love them so much I have purchased even more. — Lisa
What are the sleeves on Lifefactory bottles made of? Our sleeves are made of silicone, which is non-toxic and has been strength-tested for durability. Silicone is made from silica, the most common constituent of sand. It is a great alternative to plastics, which can leach chemicals, and to rubber or latex, which some people are allergic to.
Why are Lifefactory bottles more expensive than some other glass bottles on the market? Our expertly-designed silicone sleeve is the hallmark of our bottles: it not only gives them their distinctive look, but it also improves their gripability and helps prevent breakage. Silicone is much more expensive to manufacture than plastic – particularly the thick, high-grade silicone that we employ – which is the primary reason our bottles cost more than some of our competitors’. Additionally, we use top quality, FDA-approved plastic for our caps and rings, and our nipples are medical grade silicone; both of these factors affect product pricing. A final contributor to the price of Lifefactory bottles is our commitment to rigorous product testing, which ensures safety, durability and minimal environmental impact.
What kind of nipple is on Lifefactory bottles? Our nipples are made of silicone that is produced in France. Our manufacturer, the leading supplier of nipples in France, adheres to safe labor and fair wage standards for its employees. The nipples that come with our 4 oz. bottles are Stage 1 (0-3 months), and those that come with our 9 oz. bottles are Stage 2 (3-6 months).
Does Lifefactory carry other stage nipples? Yes. All of our nipples – Stage 1 (0-3 months), Stage 2 (3-6 months), Stage 3 (6+ months), the Y-cut nipple and 2-holed fast-flow nipple – are available at our online store or check with your local Lifefactory retailer for availability.
Will other nipples fit this bottle? Yes, any standard size nipple will fit on our bottle. Wide neck nipples will not fit.
Does Lifefactory sell replacement parts? We sell replacement glass bottles, silicone nipples, solid caps, and caps/ring/stopper sets. Find them at our online store.
Does Lifefactory sell its sleeves separately? Do the sleeves fit on other bottles? No, we do not sell the sleeves separately. They do not fit well on other bottles, as they are custom designed to fit our bottles. We sell the complete package, which ensures the high quality standards to which we are dedicated.
How do I wash the bottle and its parts? Boil or run the bottle through the dishwasher initially to sterilize. All parts are dishwasher-safe, or they can be hand-washed. The bottle and sleeve may be boiled together. Nipples should be washed on the top rack of the dishwasher only.
Do you need to take the sleeve off to wash the bottle? No, you can leave the sleeve on the bottle and wash the whole thing in the dishwasher. If you wish to remove the sleeve, it comes off best in warm, soapy water.
Where are Lifefactory bottles made? The bottles and sleeves are made at a factory in China that adheres to safe labor and fair wage policies. It is supervised by a team we have contracted from the U.S. to ensure that all practices are enforced and that FDA-approved materials are used. Our silicone nipples are made at a factory in France with comparable labor standards.
What safety certifications does Lifefactory have? At Lifefactory, we are very concerned about infant safety. We have voluntarily had our bottles tested for safety and integrity by an independent third party lab, Bureau Veritas. The bottles are in compliance with the requirements of CPSIA 2008 and 16 CFR 1500 in the United States. The nipples are EN 14350 compliant and CE certified.
Do Lifefactory bottles have a venting system? Yes, our bottles have a traditional venting system, in which ridges are located on the flange of the nipple. Tightening the ring too much will prevent ventilation.
Your nipples are not marked according to Stage. How do I tell them apart? The difference between the various Stages of our nipples is flow rate, which is determined by the size of the opening. As it is difficult to distinguish the hole size on a nipple by simply looking at it, we recommend washing the nipples separately according to Stage, or not opening new nipple packages until the nipple Stage that it contains is appropriate for use. Our nipples are not labeled according to Stage for manufacturer-related reasons.
What is the Lifefactory e-store’s return policy? We stand behind our products and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee (less shipping costs). If you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, please contact us or call our return department at 888-900-5520 for instructions on how to return or exchange your purchase.
