Qi: A Self-Heating Disposable Baby Bottle

An Innovative Solution for Feeding On the Go

Parents often face challenges when it comes to feeding their babies while traveling or in emergency situations. The Qi baby bottle aims to address these challenges by combining the convenience of ready-made formula with an integrated heating system, providing parents with the independence to maintain a ritual feeding pattern with minimum hassle.

The inspiration behind the Qi baby bottle came from the desire to grant both parents and children the same comfort found in the ritual feeding pattern achieved at home. The bottle's design aspires to reflect this period of nurturing with a subtle, friendly, and organic form.

One of the unique properties of the Qi baby bottle is its thermochromic heat sensing symbols, which provide an indication of the milk's temperature. With a simple twist of the bottle base, parents can adjust the heat, enabling full control of the temperature, so a warm feed can be safely delivered while on the go or in an emergency.

The Qi baby bottle also ensures hygiene and convenience. Both the teat and formula are kept separate in foil-sealed sterile sections, permitting storage for up to 12 months. The bottle comes in a variety of formulas, flow rates, and sizes for infants from 6 to 24 months.

The bottle is made using blow-molded HDPE for the main container, while the base, lid, collar, and canister are injection molded. All silicone and HDPE parts are BPA-free, avoiding potentially harmful chemicals from leaching into the milk. An exothermic reaction between water and calcium oxide produces enough heat to warm the ready-made formula milk to body temperature within 3 minutes for a quick feed.

The design of the teat and rounded nipple replicates the feel and shape of a real breast, encouraging babies to latch on more quickly. The offset teat reduces the angle of feed, ensuring it remains full of milk as long as possible, preventing the swallowing of air to reduce colic. The bottle's organic form and rounded base have been ergonomically designed to sit comfortably within the hand, providing an ideal feeding position for both parent and baby.

The Qi baby bottle has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Baby, Kids, and Children's Products Design category in 2014. This award is given to designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence and introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

The Qi baby bottle is a testament to the power of design in addressing practical challenges faced by parents. With its unique features and thoughtful design, it offers a convenient and hygienic solution for feeding babies on the go.