Whether you’re breastfeeding (BF) or formula feeding (FF), you’ll need some bottles. Yes, even breastfeeding moms who are exclusively breastfeeding (EBF) need bottles… Unless you want to be tethered to your baby for months on end. In this article, we will discuss the best baby bottles for your child.
Type and Size
- “Regular” neck bottles are best suited for nursing mothers who want to use a breast pump (small or large amount) because you can attach the bottle directly to the breast shield (something like a flar) and then suck the breast pump directly into the bottle. No adapter required.
- On the other hand,”wide” neck bottles are best suited for formula feeding, as it is easier to pour the milk powder into a wider area without the risk of a large spillage.
In addition, bottles are usually available in two different sizes:
- 4 (or 5) oz
- 8 (or 10) oz
The smaller ones are suitable for newborns (0-2 months). Several are available in both sizes.
Our Favourite – Baby Bottles
There are a lot of great bottles out there, so don’t think too much about this decision. Even the “all-purpose” bottle that comes with a breast pump is suitable for a lot of people. Note that if you’re concerned about plastic in your baby’s diet, opt for glass bottles. That said, here are some favorites:
Lansinoh Breastfeeding Bottle~$19 (5oz/3 pack)
The Lansinoh Breastfeeding Bottle with NaturalWave nipple is highly rated and is our top choice at the moment – for both formula-fed and breastfed babies. These bottles (like many bottles) are specifically designed to help reduce nipple confusion (important for breastfed babies) because the nipples mimic the breast, guiding the baby through the movements they would normally take when breastfeeding. In addition, the bottle has a soft, elastic nipple and has a slightly angled shape, which researchers say makes it easier for many babies to latch on and keep a proper seal.
These are also preferred for babies with colic or gas problems (let’s be honest: which baby doesn’t have gas problems??). Lansinoh uses an air ventilation system that reduces excess air intake, which reduces the occurrence of spit-up, bubbles, and colic.
Moms especially love this bottle because it’s super easy to clean (only three pieces!), doesn’t leak easily, and costs $3 for a 5-ounce pack of 19 ounces, which is affordable.
Comotomo Natural Sensation ~$15
For babies with EBF type and difficult to accept bottles, many mums rely on Comotomo Natural Feel baby bottles. The design and feel of this bottle mimics that of a mother’s breast (the silicone material is skin-like: soft and squeezable), making it easier for breastfed babies to hold the bottle.
Comotomo also has a special exhaust system that reduces the excess air inhaled by the baby (thus reducing the occurrence of bubbles and colic).
Another bonus: Comotomo baby bottles are heat-resistant, so you can boil them up and put them in the dishwasher (yay!).
Chicco Duo ~$2 for 19 Servings
These new bottles from Chicco are so cool that parents love them. The bottle is a hybrid material – glass on the inside and plastic on the outside – so you can enjoy both the benefits of glass inside and the durability of plastic. (I really wish these bottles were around when I was bottle-feeding, because I did drop our glass bottles on the floor and shatter when I got off at the nursery.) It’s really… It’s embarrassing. These bottles have few parts and are easy to clean (dishwasher safe).
Also note: these bottles are surprisingly light – honestly, you wouldn’t know they’re glass based on how their weight feels alone.
Philips Avent Natural ~$49/set
Another of the most popular bottle/feeding sets is the Philips Avent Natural. Avent also has an anti-colic valve to prevent flatulence, but without having to clean a million different parts.
The baby feeding kit comes with a variety of beautiful amenities: two 9-ounce and three 4-ounce bottles, two additional nipples (1 first nipple and 1 newborn nipple), bottle brushes, seven sealing trays for storing breast milk and two nipples. Something for everyone.
Teats
Each brand of bottle has multiple nipples to choose from. The nipple controls the speed at which milk flows out of the bottle.
Nipple size:
- For newborns, start with the first stage or slow-flow pacifier (0-3 months)
- From there, you will graduate to the second stage (approximately 3 months)
- Then comes the third stage
Carry-On Items
Cleaning Brush
In addition to the bottle, you will need a bottle brush. I love the OXO Tot Bottle Brush (~9USD) and Dr. Brown’s(~$5) because they stand independently next to the sink. You can use regular dish soap to wash bottles and nipples, or you can put them in the dishwasher.
Dishwasher Rack
Speaking of dishwashers…… Dishwasher racks can be of great help. We love the OXO Tot dishwasher basket($11). You can throw all the bottle parts and accessories out there and rest assured that they won’t fall on the bottom rack or base of the dishwasher and get ruined.
Drying Rack
If you’re formula feeding or plan to bottle feed often, you may want to purchase a bottle drying rack. Any rack will do, but parents love Boon’s hay “rack” (about $15).
Bottle Warmer
Another item you may have heard about a lot is a bottle warmer. Yes, babies do prefer hot milk over cold milk. In fact, my baby wouldn’t drink milk if it wasn’t hot, but be aware that many bottle warmers are notorious for not heating the bottle enough. * You don’t need one of these…… I know a lot of moms who buy one and find it more time-consuming (and/or annoying) than heating the water alone.
That said, if you’re planning to buy one, I recommend using a Kiinde bottle warmer.
If you know you’ll be out a lot but you’re not sure how to warm up your bottle when you’re out and about, the Tommee Tippee Travel Bottle and Food Warmer is a great choice.
Again, if you plan to bottle feed often, this can be a worthwhile investment. If not, you can always heat the bottle the old-fashioned way with hot water from the stove or microwave.
Formula Blender
Finally, if you’re formula feeding full-time (or almost full-time), I highly recommend some sort of formula blender/warmer.
Yes, you can mix and heat bottles the old-fashioned way, but friends who bought a formula blender joke that it changes their lives. The Baby Brezza Formula Pro (about $199) is the one I recommend, and be sure to follow the setup instructions carefully or you might accidentally drink his/her bottle.
A cheaper, less technical (and more economical) option that requires manual mixing is the beloved Dr. Brown Recipe Mixing Jar (about $26). This takes about a minute of manual pumping time, but results in a full can of formula that can last up to 24 hours from the day of mixing. Many parents, especially those with multiple births, are convinced of this.