Baby bottle from the site of the Coach and Horses Hotel

Double-ended baby feeding bottles, often called a ‘boat’, or a ‘banana bottle’ were invented around 1896. These bottles not only allowed milk to flow smoothly, but were much easier to clean than earlier models. A teat was inserted at one end and a valve at the other, allowing them to be rinsed under running water. This bottle is marked ‘Made in France’, and also features a Nestlé trade mark symbol based on the coat of arms of Henri Nestlé. Nestlé developed and patented ‘mother’s milk substitutes’ based on powdered cow’s milk. Better quality bottle designs and water quality, understanding of hygiene and development of fortified milk substitutes meant that bottle feeding became a safer option for mothers and babies.