Baby milk bottles hold a special place in the world of parenting and infant care. These bottles, typically made of safe materials like BPA-free plastic or glass, serve as essential tools for feeding newborns and infants. They provide a convenient way to deliver nourishing baby formula or breast milk to little ones, ensuring they receive the vital nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
The design and features of baby milk bottles have evolved to meet the changing needs and preferences of parents and babies. From anti-colic systems to ergonomic shapes, these bottles aim to make feeding time as comfortable and fuss-free as possible.
In this article, we’ll delve into the considerations when buying a milk bottle and list some of the best bottles for breastfed babies!
Why Should You Trust Me
Hello! I’m Serene, a mother of a 3-year-old daughter. I’ve used a Hegen milk bottle for three years now and I enjoy its long mileage, allowing me to use it for other reasons – keep formula milk powder, condiments and fruits! I have breastfed my daughter for 2 years and I’m thankful to say that she didn’t face any nipple confusion, allowing me to latch and bottle feed freely.
Bottles are as unique as babies and the way only to find out if a bottle suits your baby is to try it! In this article, we’ll uncover some of the best bottles for breastfed babies. We believe you’ll be able to find a bottle that suits your budget and your lifestyle.
Considerations When Choosing Bottles for Breastfed Babies
When choosing baby milk bottles, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure your baby’s comfort, safety, and overall well-being. Here are some key factors to consider:
Material
Baby milk bottles are typically made from three main materials: plastic (PPSU and PP) and glass.
Plastic bottles are lightweight and durable but can contain chemicals like BPA, so opt for BPA-free options. Also, when comparing PPSU and PP bottles*, the former is made from medical-grade plastic, which is highly durable and more heat resistant (356°F / 180°C) as compared to PP (230°F / 110°C).
On the other hand, glass bottles are chemical-free but are heavier and more fragile. Learn about the differences between glass and plastic baby bottles in more detail here.
*You can see the comparison between PPSU and PP on Hegen’s website.
Features
Many bottles are designed with anti-colic features such as venting systems or angled shapes. These features can help reduce the intake of air during feeding, reducing the risk of colic and gas.
Bottle and Nipple Shape
The shape of the bottle can affect how easy it is for both you and your baby to hold and use. Some bottles have ergonomic designs for a comfortable grip.
The nipple on the bottle should mimic the shape and feel of a breast to facilitate a smooth transition between breast and bottle feeding. Nipples come in different flow rates (slow, medium, fast) to match your baby’s feeding pace.
Ease of Cleaning
Bottles with wide openings and minimal parts are generally easier to clean and sanitize. Dishwasher-safe bottles can be especially convenient for busy parents. Something I especially loved about the Hegen bottle is its ‘sqround-shaped’ like bottles, allowing the ease of washing.
Price
Consider your budget, but remember that the safety and comfort of your baby should be a top priority. High-quality bottles may be a bit more expensive but can be a worthwhile investment.
Best Baby Bottles for Breastfed Babies
The following bottles have been chosen as some of the best bottles for breastfed babies. You could consider the ease of purchase in your country so that you can easily upgrade to a faster teat when the time comes.
Comotomo Baby Bottle
Material (bottle and nipple): Food-grade silicone
Comotomo baby bottles have wide nipples with built-in vents to help even fussy babies feed. They’re designed to mimic breastfeeding, making it easier for babies to switch between breast and bottle.
The bottles are made from high-quality, safe silicone, making them easy to hold and comforting to touch. Plus, they’re easy to clean with their wide openings and simple design.
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+™ Narrow Baby Bottle
Material (bottle): BPA-free glass
Material (nipple): Silicone
Clinical studies have confirmed that the internal vent system designed to prevent colic in Dr. Brown’s® bottles is effective. These bottles offer a more comfortable feeding experience for babies by reducing issues like spit-up, burping, and gas.
Evenflo Balance + Angled Bottle
Material (bottle): BPA-free plastic
Material (nipple): Silicone
Their special nipple promotes a wide and healthy latch. These bottles come with an integrated vent that prevents colic, gas, and fussiness, all in a single piece. The slower flow rate guarantees a calm and gulp-free feeding experience. These bottles were created in collaboration with baby feeding experts.
They offer a variety of options, including different shapes, sizes, and colors, such as wide, standard, and angled versions. Additionally, glass options are available for those who prefer them.
Hegen PCTO™ Feeding Bottle
Material (bottle): PPSU
Material (nipple): Silicone
Hegen’s 240ml/8oz Feeding Bottle is perfect as your baby’s appetite grows. It includes a Medium Flow teat suitable from the third month when the teat hole gets bigger for a faster milk flow. This bigger bottle also holds more milk for moms with a well-established milk supply.
Read our full review of the Hegen milk bottle here!
Lansinoh Breastfeeding Bottle
Material (bottle): BPS/BPA-free
Material (nipple): Silicone
An improved bottle for babies who breastfeed. Simplify the process for your baby with a bottle crafted to make switching between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding seamless. Lansinoh® NaturalWave® nipples encourage the same feeding techniques acquired during breastfeeding and have been clinically proven to decrease nipple confusion.
Medela Breast Milk Storage Bottles
Material: BPA-free PP
Expressed breast milk in Medela bottles provides essential nutrients for your baby. These bottles come in two sizes with clear measurements and work with all Medela pumps. The nipple has options for slow or medium flow, suiting your baby’s needs, and a travel cap keeps it clean while traveling.
MAM Easy Start™ Anti-Colic 5oz Baby Bottle
Material (bottle): BPS/BPA-free
Material (nipple): Silicone
This 3-pack includes three 5oz Easy Start™ Anti-Colic Baby Bottles suitable for infants aged 0+ months. These bottles are designed to reduce air bubbles and colic, featuring a flat, soft nipple that mimics a mother’s breast during breastfeeding, making them perfect for combination feeding.
Additionally, they offer a unique self-sterilizing function, making them convenient for travel. These bottles are BPS/BPA-free, ensuring safety and peace of mind for parents and a healthy start in life for your newborn.
Munchkin Latch Baby Bottle
Material: BPA-free
This BPA-free 8oz bottle comes with an easily cleanable design and includes one ultra-flexible silicone stage 1 (slow flow) nipple, along with a sealing disc. It’s a doctor-recommended choice for promoting healthy feeding and sleeping habits.
The nipple is designed to stretch, flex, and mimic breast movement for a proper latch during every feed, while the unique anti-colic valve positioned at the bottle’s base minimizes gas and fussiness.
Philips Avent Natural Bottle
Material (bottle): BPA-free PP
Material (nipple): Silicone
Their latest bottle includes a nipple crafted from skin-soft material and a flexible spiral design, closely mirroring the breast. The incorporation of comfort petals and a naturally shaped nipple eases the process of achieving a natural latch and simplifies the transition between breast and bottle feeding.
Pigeon SofTouch™ Nursing Bottle - PPSU
Pigeon SofTouch™ Nursing Bottle - Glass
Material (bottle): Glass and PPSU
Material (nipple): Silicone
Research on babies’ feeding behavior in Japan inspired their design. Their soft and flexible silicone nipple enables a smooth transition between breast and bottle feeding, allowing for natural tongue movement. The nipple’s latching curve helps guide the baby to latch on correctly for effective feeding. The bottle’s user-friendly design includes a wide neck and streamlined body, making it easy to clean and hold.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottles - PPSU
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottles - Glass
Material: BPA-free PPSU and glass
Material (nipple): Silicone
Their award-winning Closer to Nature baby bottle makes transitioning between breast and bottle feeding a breeze. It has even been voted as the top choice for mothers when it comes to switching between the two!*
Featuring a teat that mimics the breast and an integrated anti-colic valve, it might just become their baby’s favorite, right after them! Created with inspiration from moms and designed by experts, it’s a bottle that truly understands their baby’s needs.
FAQs About Baby Bottles for Breastfed Babies
Can I combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding?
Some parents may choose to combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding for various reasons:
- To know exactly how much the baby is drinking
- Currently breastfeeding but want to introduce bottle feeding
- Need to be away from the baby
- Want to introduce formula feeds
I personally combined breastfeeding and bottle feeding at about 3 weeks postpartum due to my newborn’s jaundice levels. Since then, I continued combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding and reaped great benefits. Not only did my daughter get used to bottles, but she did not have nipple confusion (thank goodness!). As a result, she could be taken care of by someone else while I ran some errands.
According to the National Health Service, should you choose to bottle-feed formula milk, it’s advisable to introduce the process gradually, allowing your body time to naturally decrease milk production (if that’s your aim). This approach can reduce the risk of experiencing discomfort, swollen breasts, or mastitis.
When should I introduce my breastfed baby to a bottle?
According to The Pump Station & Nurtury, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Lactation consultants typically suggest waiting until breastfeeding is established, and the breast milk supply is on track.
A suitable time frame for introducing a bottle is often between 2 to 4 weeks after birth. Delaying it beyond 6 weeks can occasionally lead to a baby being more resistant to bottle feeding.
How do I introduce my breastfed baby to a bottle?
A breastfed baby might require some time to become accustomed to bottle feeding. It’s typically beneficial to introduce the first few bottles when your baby is content and at ease, rather than when they’re extremely hungry.
Having someone else provide the initial bottle feeds can be helpful in preventing your baby from being close to you and detecting your breast milk. Experimenting with different positions for bottle feeding compared to breastfeeding could be worth considering.
According to La Leche League International, here are some ways you can introduce a bottle to your breastfed baby:
- Gently stimulate the baby’s mouth to encourage an open mouth.
- Position the baby towards the bottle nipple, directing it toward the palate.
- Consider using an article of your worn clothing, like a nightgown or t-shirt, to place on your arm, shoulder, or chest for the baby to smell.
- Initially, it’s often advisable to be nearby but not in the room during the baby’s first bottle-feeding experience. Babies are perceptive and may prefer to wait for your presence if they sense you are nearby and ready to feed them.
Disclaimer: Nuevamae is not sponsored by any of the mentioned brands or platforms. This article expresses our honest opinion based on our experience and research. Read more about our mission. This article includes affiliate links so we may earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase via the link.
