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Glass? Plastic? Curved? Angled? Straight? These are just a few of the many, many baby bottle options today’s parents have to choose from. And, with these choices comes confusion. So, if you’re not sure where to begin your baby bottle search, we’ve done the research to help make the selection process easier.
Whether you have plans to nurse exclusively, need to pump to feed your kiddo while you’re at work, or will formula-feed your baby, bottles are a staple that you shouldn’t wait to invest in. While you don’t need to buy in bulk, you should pick a few basic bottles to start with. This means thinking about what you want in a bottle and learning about the different available options. From natural-feeling silicone nipples to anti-colic designs, the best bottle is the one that matches your baby’s individual feeding needs.
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There are different types of baby bottles
So, what do you really need to know about these different types of baby bottles? While the differences often lie in the details you can’t easily see – such as the nipple structure or a valve design – the overall type and shape of the bottle can make a major difference in how both you and your baby use it.
The two primary types of baby bottles are plastic and glass
While you might think of glass bottles as old school or even baby gear relics, this classic option is sturdy, BPA-free, and recyclable. While glass can hold up well, accidental drops are a drawback. More specifically, what happens after an accidental drop. Unlike plastic bottles, glass will typically shatter when it hits the floor, a table, or any other hard surface. This makes more than just a mess – it can create a serious safety hazard.
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They come in a few different shapes
Along with the material makeup, bottles are available in a variety of shapes. According to info from Mount Sinai Hospital, the most common bottles include standard (straight or slightly rounded sides), angle-neck, wide mouth, and vented shapes. The shape can make the bottle easier to clean, reduce air, give baby a better grip on the sides, or help to smooth the breast-to-bottle transition.
The nipples for baby bottles also make a difference
Like bottles, nipples also come in different shapes. These include breast-like dome, flat, or wide nipples or thinner options. Not only can you choose a nipple shape, you can select a flow option. Most major bottle brands offer a variety of flow rates, such as slow, medium, and fast. Some bottles also offer a natural flow option, releasing formula or breast milk only when the baby actively sucks.
Best Silicone Baby Bottles For Comfortable And Effective Feedings
Silicone baby bottles are a great alternative for parents who would rather not use plastic. The material is soft, flexible, and durable.
Things to consider when choosing a baby bottle
Which of these many bottle/nipple options is right for your little one? Finding the just right bottle may take some trial and error.
Safety is a top priority for any baby bottle choice
Gone are the days when baby bottles contained Bisphenol A (a.k.a. BPA). In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned this potentially hormone-disrupting chemical in baby bottles and sippy cups. Any bottle that you choose should clearly state that it is BPA-free.
What your personal preference is going to be
Provided the bottle is a safe selection, the rest of it is a personal preference. If your baby is colicky, look for a bottle with an anti-air or anti-gas valve/nipple. This type of design can reduce colic and the resulting fussiness.
Whether you plan to breastfeed is important too
Parents who also breastfeed their baby may want a nipple that has a more natural shape and feel. A wider or flatter nipple design made from a soft silicone can mimic the real deal. This may make the transition easier for your kiddo. Pairing a natural shape with an on-demand flow option can simulate breastfeeding, making it less stressful to switch back and forth between nursing and the bottle.
Here are the best baby bottles:
Philips Avent Natural Response
Best Overall
The Philips Avent Natural Response is a nine-ounce bottle that allows baby to control just how fast they drink. This top pick has a wide no-drip nipple, an anti-colic valve, and is available in a range of flow rates.
- Material
- Plastic, silicone
- BPA-Free
- Yes
- Bottle Capacity
- 9 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe
- Yes
- Brand
- Philips
- Bottle Nipple Type
- Natural Response silicone
- Anti-colic valve
- Less waste with no-drip nipple
- Easy to clean
It’s all in the name! The Philips Avent Natural Response has a silicone nipple with a “natural response” to baby. Instead of a free flow of formula or breastmilk, this bottle is made to work like mom – in other words, liquid only comes out of this bottle when your kiddo actually drinks. Parents praise this function, noting, “ Baby gets to decide the flow, no more coughing, and he only leaks maybe once or twice (sometimes not at all) per feeding. He is much more content and no longer frustrated when feeding.”
Along with the natural flow nipple, this top pick scores high marks for its anti-colic valve design. The specialized valve reduces air that gets into your baby’s belly, making them more comfortable and less fussy. And bonus, this four-pack of BPA-free plastic bottles is dishwasher safe. This adds to the convenience factor, making the Philips Avent Natural Response the perfect choice for busy parents who don’t have time to hand wash every bottle.
Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Baby Bottle
Best Design
The Nanobebe Flexy Silicone Baby Bottle is a BPA, PVC, phthalate, and lead-free bottle that is available in five or nine-ounce options. The specialized slanted design lets the bottle sit steady on most surfaces – making a messy spill less likely.
- Material
- Silicone
- BPA-Free
- Yes
- Bottle Capacity
- 5 Ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe
- Yes
- Brand
- NANOBÉBÉ
- Bottle Nipple Type
- Non-collapsible
- Dishwasher-safe
- Triple vented nipple
- Stable base
- Bottle handles are sold separately
The soft design of the Nanobebe Flexy Silicone Baby Bottle makes it a winner with babies and parents, “They’re soft and she likes to hold them unlike any of the other more conventional ones we’ve tried.” But that’s not the only reason why these bottles are a top selection. While the set does not include bottle handles, the extra purchase helps this pick to grow with your kiddo.
With an anti-colic triple vented non-collapsible nipple, the Nanobebe Flexy makes it easy for baby to latch and can help to reduce gassiness. And, what parent doesn’t appreciate a less fussy baby?
Don’t worry about this bottle rolling over or sliding around when you set it on a table. The special design gives this top choice a stable base. Not only does it keep the bottle steady, it makes it easier to read the volume scale and reduces leaks.
Lansinoh Baby Bottles
Best for Breastfed Babies
$18 $20 Save $2
The Lansinoh Baby Bottle’s NaturalWave nipples can help to reduce air that your baby takes in, making it less likely they’ll experience colic. These bottles also have a natural or breasts-like flow, are dishwasher-safe, and are compatible with other faster flow Lansinoh nipples.
- Material
- Yes
- BPA-Free
- Plastic, silicone
- Bottle Capacity
- 5 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe
- Yes
- Brand
- Lansinoh
- Bottle Nipple Type
- NaturalWave
- Choose to use the bottle with different flow options
- BPA and BPS-free
- Easy to clean
- Some parents report minor leaking ? if you do not close the nipple ring completely correctly
This almost five-star bottle (with more than 16,200 reviews) is a stop choice among parents for many different reasons. The nipple design of the Lansinoh Baby Bottle allows baby to feed as if they were nursing naturally, making it easier to switch back and forth between the breast and the bottle. “The nipple is super soft and flexible, and it has that wide base that imitates the breast so their lips flange out perfectly,” according to one parent. Not only can baby control the flow, the 100 percent silicone material is soft and gentle to the touch. This genius design also helps to reduce gassiness and colic!
If cleaning convenience is a major decision-making factor for you, this bottle won’t disappoint. It’s easy to disassemble the bottle into four parts. Just pop it into the dishwasher and you’ll have a clean bottle for baby!
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+
Best Eco-Friendly Bottle
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ comes in a convenient four-pack. This gas-reducing bottle has a specialized vent system, offers consistent nipple flow, and is made to recycle.
- Material
- Plastic, silicone
- BPA-Free
- Yes
- Bottle Capacity
- 8 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe
- Yes
- Brand
- Dr. Brown’s
- Bottle Nipple Type
- Silicone
- Anti-colic vent system
- Breast-like nipple helps with latch
- Grows with baby
- Straight side design isn?t easy for younger infants to hold
Dr. Brown’s partnership with the organization Plastic Bank aims to stop 31 million plastic bottles from entering the Earth’s seas every year. The Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ is a recyclable bottle that won’t need to sit in a landfill for decades, dentures, or more. This makes the bottle the perfect pick for the eco-conscious parent.
Not only does this bottle score high for its Earth-friendliness, it also has plenty of gas-fighting power – with a special anti-colic design and internal vent. But this doesn’t mean you’ll have to ditch the Dr. Brown’s bottle after the fussy colicky days are behind you. As baby outgrows this stage, simply remove the vent for continued use. And, if your baby is struggling to get enough to eat, the different nipple sizes are a plus, according to parents, “Within 24 hrs of her using these bottles she was able to start drinking 4 ounces at a time. I never thought that would be possible. We still have a long way to go, but I’m super thankful for Dr Brown’s bottles.”
NUK Smooth Flow Anti Colic Baby Bottle
Best Style
$19 $20 Save $1
With cute elephant designs and a SafeTemp temperature indicator, the NUK Smooth Flow Anti Colic Baby Bottle stands out from the pack. These bottles also come with a nipple that mimics the breast and an easy-to-clean wide neck.
- Material
- Plastic, silicone
- BPA-Free
- Yes
- Bottle Capacity
- 10 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe
- Yes
- Brand
- NUK
- Bottle Nipple Type
- Smooth Flow
- Cute cartoon design
- Dishwasher safe
- Doesn?t easily leak
The NUK Smooth Flow Anti Colic Baby Bottle is a popular pick among parents who want an option that combines form and function, “Cute bottles and work great for colic.” The adorable elephant design will entertain your baby and the breast-like nipple shape will help them to drink at a rate they control.
Like other top picks, this bottle also helps to reduce colic by regulating how much air gets into baby’s belly. And, if the temperature of warmed formula or breast milk worries you, the NUK Smooth Flow has a TempSafe indicator that lets you know if the liquid inside is too hot.
NUK also makes this bottle easy for parents and caregivers to keep clean. The wide bottle neck makes getting a brush inside a breeze. But if you prefer an even more convenient route, these BPA-free bottles are dishwasher safe!
Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Baby Bottle
Best Leakproof Bottle
$21 $25 Save $4
The Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Baby Bottle has a nine-ounce capacity and comes in a four-count pack. This bottle features an anti-colic valve and has a nipple made from soft silicone.
- Material
- Polypropylene, silicone
- BPA-Free
- Yes
- Bottle Capacity
- 9 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe
- Yes
- Brand
- Tommee Tippee
- Bottle Nipple Type
- Slow Flow
- Easy-to-hold shape
- Anti-colic valve
- Promotes a natural latch
Turn the Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Baby Bottle completely upside down, and you shouldn’t see it leak. This bottle gets high marks for its nipple and ring design. When connected properly, this combo makes the bottle leakproof! And, if you’re wondering just how durable these bottles really are or whether they actually maintain their leak-resistance over time, take a look at what parents have to say, “These bottles are built to last. No leaks or issues.”
Beyond the less-mess pros of this top pick, the Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Baby Bottle also offers a natural feel that may promote a better latch. This makes switching back and forth between bottle and breast easier for your kiddo. The soft silicone nipples are just the right shape and the material stretches so that baby can control the pace of the flow.
Evenflo Feeding Classic Tinted Standard Neck Bottle
Best Value
The Evenflo Feeding Classic Tinted Standard Neck Bottle comes in a pack of 12 pastel-hued eight-ounce bottles. The lightweight bottles are BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
- Material
- Polypropylene
- BPA-Free
- Yes
- Bottle Capacity
- 8 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe
- Yes
- Brand
- Evenflo
- Bottle Nipple Type
- Microvent nipple
- Easy-to-read measurements in milliliters and ounces
- Colorful bottle options
- BPA-free plastic
- The straight design is not as easy for baby to hold as curved bottles
If you’re looking for a basic bottle with a pop of color, the Evenflo Feeding Classic Tinted Standard Neck Bottle is a choice to seriously explore! With more than 15,400 Amazon ratings and an almost-five-star rating, it’s obvious that parents love this Evenflo “classic.”
Not only is this option a colorful choice, it has a nipple that makes it easy for baby to feed. The Classic Slow Flow’s micro air vents can prevent nipple collapse. But if your baby is ready for a different drinking pace, swap them out for a Medium or Fast speed.
Priced at the lower end of the cost spectrum, the 12-pack of bottles is a value for your money. This makes the Evenflo Classic a top choice, with parents, who note it is, “Definitely worth the price I paid.”
Playtex Baby VentAire
Best Air Reducing Bottle
$23 $26 Save $3
The Playtex Baby VentAire is a nine-ounce bottle that is available in a pack of three. The slightly angled bottle helps to reduce air ingestion and colic.
- Material
- Plastic, silicone
- BPA-Free
- Yes
- Bottle Capacity
- 6 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe
- Yes
- Brand
- Platex
- Bottle Nipple Type
- Naturalatch
- Bottom vent design
- Angled shape
- Dishwasher safe
- More parts to clean than some other bottles
The angled design and bottom vents of the Playtex Baby VentAire give this bottle air-reducing power! Instead of an under-the-nipple vent or valve, this top pick uses a lower bottom vent to hold air back and away from formula or breast milk. This reduces reflux, gas, colic, and post-feeding burps. Take it from this real-world parent reviewer, “These work perfect for reducing gas.” Along with the bottom vent, the slightly angled design helps to baby to feed in a semi-upright position.
While the bottle design makes this option a popular choice, it isn’t the only reason to try out the VentAire. This bottle uses “Naturalatch” silicone nipples that encourage, as the name implies, natural latching. This can make feedings easier for baby and help them to transition or switch back and forth between the breast and the bottle.
Best Baby Bottle Warmers
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How many baby bottles do you need and what other accessories?
Could you get by with a bottle or two? Probably. Is this the best option? Probably not. Even though modern plastic bottles are less likely to crack and shatter than the glass option, any bottle can break.
If you only have one or a few on hand, this could leave you in a pinch. While there’s no magical number of bottles that you absolutely need to buy, a four or six-pack will give you enough to have extras if needed. And, keep in mind, the more bottles you have, the more likely it is that you will have a clean one ready whenever your kiddo wants to eat!
The bottles aren’t the only feeding gear you’ll need to invest in. While the bottles you buy will come with nipples, rings, vents, and valves, it’s easy to lose these small parts. Pick up a few of these additional accessories to keep your bottles complete 24-7. Instead of just one type of nipple, you may want to try out a few different flow rates.
Avent Natural Baby Bottles vs. Dr. Brown’s Options Baby Bottles: How Do They Differ?
Two of the top natural feel baby bottles go head-to-head. Here’s what you need to know about the Avent Natural Baby and Dr. Brown’s Options bottles.
But before you buy a basket-full of nipples, make sure they all work with your baby’s preferred bottle.
Other accessories that you may need to pick up include a bottle brush and drying rack – especially if the bottles have hard-to-clean parts or you don’t have a dishwasher. You may also need covers/caps, an insulated bag, and a travel warmer for on-the-go meals!
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