SofTouch vs. Step-Up: Which Pigeon Bottle Fits Your Baby’s Stage?

When it comes to feeding, every baby has their own pace, preferences, and milestones. What works perfectly for a newborn might not suit a curious six-month-old eager to hold their own bottle. That’s why choosing the right bottle at each stage can make all the difference in helping your baby feed confidently and comfortably.

Here at Pigeon, we understand that every feeding journey is unique. That’s why we’ve designed bottle systems that grow with your baby, from the very first latch to those independent sips. Whether you’re navigating the early newborn days or helping your little one learn to drink from a straw, the SofTouch™ Step-Up ranges were created to support every stage of development with comfort, safety, and science at their core.

In this guide, we’ll break down what makes each range different, when to transition, and how to choose the right bottle for your baby’s needs.

Understanding the Two Ranges

SofTouch™ Baby Bottles - Wide teat bottle designed for breastfeeding support

The SofTouch™ baby bottle range is crafted to help parents who are breastfeeding, expressing, or combination feeding. Its ultra-soft, breast-like teat is scientifically designed to mimic the natural movement of the nipple during breastfeeding, allowing babies to perform the same ‘peristaltic’ sucking motion.

This motion helps babies feed naturally without confusion or interruption to breastfeeding, making SofTouch™ the go-to choice for newborns and babies who are still developing their suck-swallow-breathe rhythm.

Key Features of SofTouch™:

- Breast-like shape and flexibility for a natural latch

- Air Ventilation System (AVS) to reduce colic and discomfort

- 100% food-grade materials (BPA & BPS free)

- Available in Bio-Based Plastic, made from renewable plant materials making it gentle on baby and the planet

- Compatible with various flow teats for every stage

- SofTouch™ bottles are clinically tested and trusted by hospitals worldwide for supporting seamless transitions between breast and bottle feeding.

For more on the design science behind SofTouch™, see our SofTouch Bio-Based Bottle Technology page.

SofTouch Step-Up™  Bottles - Supporting independent drinking

Once your baby begins showing interest in holding bottles or sipping through a straw, the Step-Up™ bottle range is your next essential step. Designed to bridge the gap between bottle and cup, the Step-Up Straw Bottle Set encourages independence while maintaining comfort and spill-free functionality.

Key Features of Step-Up™:

- Easy-grip handles for small hands

- Spill-proof straw with a cross-cut opening for safety

- Soft silicone straw gentle on gums and teeth

- Air ventilation for smooth drinking

- Designed for easy transition from bottle to cup

This bottle is perfect for babies aged 8+ months who are ready to explore new ways of drinking, helping build oral and motor skills while still offering a secure, leak-proof experience.

You can learn more about the product here: Step-Up Straw Bottle Set.

When to Transition Between SofTouch™ and Step-Up?

Every baby develops at their own pace, but here’s a general guide for when each bottle fits best:

Just like every milestone, feeding transitions are about following your baby’s cues, not the calendar^[1].

How to Know When to Change Teats or Bottles?

Babies grow fast and so should their bottle system. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to move up a teat size or switch to a Step-Up™ bottle:

- Feeds take too long: If your baby is sucking for over 20 minutes and seems frustrated, the flow may be too slow.

- Fussiness during feeding: Crying mid-feed or pulling away could indicate the flow rate isn’t right.

- Milk leaking from the mouth: If the flow is too fast, your baby may struggle to keep up.

- Developmental readiness: Once your baby can sit upright, grab objects, or shows interest in self-feeding, it’s time to introduce the Step-Up™ Straw Bottle.

For more tips on choosing the right flow, see our guide on Bottle Acceptance: Expert Tips to Help Your Baby Transition Smoothly.

The Science Behind SofTouch™ and Step-Up™ Design

Both ranges are designed using Pigeon’s proprietary research on infant sucking science, developed through more than 70 years of expertise in supporting babies’ oral development.

SofTouch™ and Peristaltic Motion

Clinical studies show that babies use a wave-like (peristaltic) motion of the tongue to extract milk from the breast. The SofTouch™ teat is designed to support this same motion, allowing a baby to maintain a natural latch, regulate flow, and swallow comfortably. This helps reduce nipple confusion and ensures an easier transition between breast and bottle.

Step-Up™ and Oral Development

The Step-Up Straw Bottle encourages oral muscle coordination and tongue control. Sipping through a straw supports jaw strength and speech development while helping babies learn to manage airflow and swallowing, essential steps for transitioning from bottle to cup.

Both bottles are BPA and BPS free, made from food-grade materials, and tested for safety and hygiene in accordance with international standards.

Cleaning & Hygiene Tips

Feeding gear hygiene is just as important as bottle selection. According to the Australian Government’s Raising Children Network, baby bottles should be washed and sterilised after every feed to prevent bacteria buildup^[2].

Follow these steps:

1. Rinse bottles immediately after feeding.

2. Wash thoroughly using warm water and a food-grade cleanser.

3. Use a bottle brush to reach narrow parts and teats.

4. Rinse well to remove any residue.

5. Sterilise regularly - especially for babies under 6 months.

For quick, safe cleaning, we recommend pairing your bottles with Pigeon’s Liquid Cleanser or Cleansing Foam Spray, both made from 100% food-grade ingredients and proven to remove milk residue effectively.

Whether you’re starting your feeding journey with SofTouch™ or cheering your little ones first independent sip with Step-Up™, you can feel confident that every detail has been created with your baby’s comfort and development in mind ^[3].

SofTouch vs. Step-Up FAQs

Can I use SofTouch™ and Step-Up™ bottles interchangeably?

They’re designed for different stages. SofTouch™ suits feeding with a teat, while Step-Up™ is for straw or sippy-cup style drinking. Many parents use both during the transition phase.

Are these bottles safe for sterilisation?

Yes. Both ranges are made from heat-resistant, food-grade materials and can be safely sterilised using boiling, steam, or UV sterilisation.

When should I start offering a straw bottle?

Most babies are ready between 8–10 months, once they can sit upright and show interest in self-feeding.

What makes the SofTouch™ teat different from others?

It’s designed using Pigeon’s patented peristaltic design, allowing a natural suck-swallow-breathe rhythm and reducing nipple confusion.