A bottle is a narrow-necked container that primarily stores liquids. It is used to carry water, juice, alcohol, and other liquids, and can be sealed with a stopper, cap, closure, or induction seal.
There are many different types of bottles, depending on the material and design. The most common are plastic and glass. The latter is easier to clean and safer than plastic, but can stain more easily. It is also heavier than the former.
The shape of a bottle is also important. Some are ovoid, others round or curved, and some have a flared bottom. Occasionally, they have a conical or cylindrical top and neck.
Often, the bottom of a bottle has a distinctive “lip,” which is an upper portion of the container that holds the contents; these are called lip or crown finishes (Jones & Sullivan 1989). A finish can be one part, two parts, or three parts.
Parts of a Bottle
Some bottles are simply vessels with nipple attachments; others have complex parts that help with tummy troubles such as gas or colic. Some even have venting systems or specially designed straw filters.
These can make the bottle easier to clean and prevent tummy problems. However, they can be expensive and require more effort to maintain.
Other types of bottles are eco-friendly or are made from recycled materials, which is good for the environment. These bottles can cost more, but they are better for the planet.
They are often BPA-free, and can be sterilised in the microwave or heated on the stove. They are also more durable than other types of bottles, and some brands have been known to last long after the baby years.
This is a great category for gift sets that include both small and large bottles as well as nipple attachments. If you’re not sure what type of bottles your baby will like, consider adding either a starter kit or a sample box to your registry.
Decolorizing the glass – In order to produce clear or colorless glass, the impurities in the sand used to make the bottle are often neutralized by adding selenium, manganese dioxide, and/or arsenic to the mix. This is referred to as “glassmakers’ soap” since it was traditionally used by early glass makers.
Ghost seams – Lightly imprinted or meandering mold seams on the body, neck, and base of machine-made bottles from blow-and-blow machines are conclusive evidence that the bottle was manufactured by a machine. These seams are especially prevalent on the mouth of a bottle.
Calabash – A large, gourd or pear shaped bottle popular during the mid 19th century – 1850-1870. This type of bottle is sometimes referred to as a “globe bottle.”
The term “calabash” comes from the Latin word for “gourd.” These bottles are often a fusion of the round and ovoid shapes.
Whether it’s a prank gone wrong, a secret revealed or just a simple problem that your characters can’t escape from, the bottle episode is an excellent way to apply pressure on your characters and calcify running themes. It’s also a great way to build drama, tension and conflict that will drive the rest of your series’ plot forward.
