Best Baby Bottles: The Ultimate Buyers Guide

Jess-Miller-Sunglasses
Published by 
Jess Miller
Last updated: 
March 17, 2023
two babies lying on teal textile

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The best way to your baby’s heart is definitely through his stomach. A baby bottle is the second best way to deliver food to your little one. Whether you breastfeed or not, there is a very high chance there will come a time when you need to use a baby bottle.

The problem is that there are so many different baby bottles on the market it can be difficult to know where to begin. It can be surprisingly difficult to find a baby bottle that won't leak and is just as easy to use as it is to clean (and even then your baby still might reject it). The whole process of buying a baby bottle can be a be a bit daunting to a new parent.

To solve this problem I have created the most detailed baby bottle guide in existence. I will walk you through everything you could ever need to know about baby bottles including the different types, features, what to look for when buying and even examples of the best baby bottles on the market.

By the time you have finished reading this guide you will be a baby bottle expert. We also have reviews of the best bottles for kids, which you'll need to consider once your baby is older!

What’s in the baby bottle guide

This is an absolute monster of a guide. I have crammed in every possible thing you could ever need to know about baby bottles on this one page. Use the links below to navigate to your desired section.

Alternatively, you can read the guide from top to bottom. It’s all great information!

Baby bottle anatomy

different parts that make up a abby bottle; travel cap, collar, nipple and bottle

A baby bottle is generally made up of four different pieces:

  • Bottle – Holds your milk or formula.
  • Nipple – A fake teat that your baby sucks liquid through.
  • Collar – Essentially a lid in the shape of a ring. The nipple sticks through the collar. The collar then screws onto the bottle and secures the nipple in place; preventing your baby from swallowing or choking on the nipple.
  • Travel Cover – Found on the majority (but not all) of baby bottles. The travel cover prevents dirt and grime coming into contact with the nipple when not in use.

I know this may be basic to some of you but I want every new parent to be comfortable with the above terms as I will be using them a lot throughout this guide.

Different types of baby bottles

Gone are the days when there was only a single type baby bottle available. Modern baby bottle designs range from plain to just plain weird. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of baby bottles you may come across.

standard plastic baby bottle with blue lid and brown nipple

Standard baby bottle

If you were to close your eyes and think of a baby bottle then chances are this is the image that jumped into your head. A standard baby bottle has no bells or whistles and is little more than a lid and nipple attached to a bottle (and maybe a cover to protect the nipple). Standard baby bottles are also known as straight-neck bottles. Standard bottles are cheap. You can pick them up for as little as a couple of dollars and are found just about anywhere. If you need a bottle in a hurry then you should be able to pick one up at your local pharmacy. Standard bottles have a basic shape, making it easy to fit a bottle warmer, a bottle sterilizer, or a bottle carrier becuase they are all designed to fit this common shape.

PROS

  • Incredibly cheap.
  • Widely available.
  • Simple design, simple to clean.
  • Can fit conventional accessories like warmers and sterilizers.

CONS

  • Cheaper bottles can be poor quality.
  • No exciting or useful features.
  • Your baby will likely swallow air as he feeds.
plastic angled baby bottle

Angled baby bottle

Also known as angle-neck bottles; these baby bottles have come with a very visible bend in the neck of the bottle. The bend is designed to keep the nipple filled with milk (or formula) while preventing air bubbles getting trapped in the nipple. The result – your baby swallows less air, which is only a good thing.

Pediatricians recommend that you bottle feed your baby in a semi-upright position as it may help prevent ear infections. Angle necked baby bottles promote feeding in this position and are easier for the parent to hold.

Angled bottles do come with a learning curve, you will need to hold the bottle sideways to fill it up or use a funnel. While the first few times filling an angled baby bottle can be messy, you will soon get the hang of it.

PROS

  • Helps prevent your baby from swallowing air.
  • May be more comfortable to hold.
  • May help prevent ear infections.

CONS

  • Considerably more expensive than standard bottles.
  • Not all stores stock angled bottles meaning you will have to hunt around.
  • Can be difficult to clean.
wide neck baby bottle in plastic

Wide neck baby bottle

As the name suggests, the neck is wider than that of a standard baby bottle. Because the opening is wider, so is the nipple that attaches to the bottle.

The wider nipple resembles the look and feel of your own nipple. The similarity in nipples may prevent nipple confusion. As a result, wide neck bottles are a suitable option for mothers who wish to switch back and forth between breast and bottle feeding.

The wider neck also makes cleaning than narrow-necked bottles. Once you remove the nipple and collar you will find that the mouth of the baby bottle will easily accept the largest of bottle wands.

It used to be that wide neck bottles were shorter and squatter than regular bottles. Nowadays they come in all shapes and sizes but they all share one thing in common. A wider neck.

PROS

  • Mimics breastfeeding.
  • Prevents nipple confusion.
  • Easy to clean.

CONS

  • Standard nipples won’t fit.
  • More expensive than ordinary baby bottles.
vented baby bottle with natural flow

Vented baby bottle

When your baby sucks on the nipple of a baby bottle a vacuum is formed. This vacuum can cause air bubbles to become trapped inside the nipple.

If air is in the nipple then it is one step away from being swallowed by your baby (resulting in colic or gas). A vent prevents the air from becoming trapped or mixing through the milk and swallowed by allowing air bubbles to back towards the base of the bottle.

Vented baby bottles are also known as natural flow bottles (named after the popular vented bottle by Dr. Brown) or anti-colic bottles. Baby bottles can be vented from the nipple, by use of a straw (pictured above) or by a valve in the base of the bottle. In order from worst to best, the venting systems are as follows:

  • Worst – Non vented: Contains no venting whatsoever. Air enters the bottle as soon as your baby stops sucking.
  • Fair – Top-vented: The nipple has small holes that allow air to pass through and into the bottle. Since air is still bubbling through the milk, your baby will still ingest some of the air.
  • Better – Straw Venting: Air is drawn through slits in the nipples and passes through the milk via a straw. Since air can go directly to the bottom of the bottle, it won’t mix through your baby’s milk or formula.
  • Best – Bottom Venting: When the bottle is upended and sucked on, air is drawn into the bottle through a valve at the base of the bottle. Since negative pressure is completely eliminated, your baby’s milk or formula will be virtually air free.
If your baby is fidgety after feeding and suffers from gas or colic then it is well worth your time trying a vented baby bottle. While vented baby bottles do not work on every gassy baby there is a huge army of parents that swear by them.

PROS

  • Reduces the amount of air your baby swallows.
  • May prevent help prevent colic and gas.

CONS

  • More difficult to clean due to extra pieces.
  • More expensive than ordinary baby bottles.

Disposable baby bottles

Disposable baby bottles are designed to be used when traveling or in other situations where you are unable to clean up your regular baby bottle. Rather than clean these bottles, you simply throw them in the trash when feeding time is over.

There are two different types of disposable baby bottles.

a packet of disposable baby bottles

1. Disposable baby bottles

A pre-sterilized baby bottle that comes complete with a nipple and lid. Sold in multiple packs, simply add breast milk or formula and throw the whole bottle in the trash after use.

baby bottle with disposable liner nipple and lid

2. Disposable liner baby bottles

These bottles come with small plastic pouches that sit inside the bottle. Your milk or formula is added to the plastic pouch and never comes into contact with the bottle itself.

Each liner is usable for a single meal. As your baby drinks, the liner collapses, leaving less room for air bubbles.

While you have to initially buy the bottle that holds the pouch, disposable liner bottles are cheaper in the long run. A plastic pouch is much cheaper to buy than a whole disposable bottle. Extra pouches are sold separately.

PROS

  • No cleaning required.
  • Convenient.
  • Great for traveling.

CONS

  • Not eco-friendly.
  • Bottles that fit liners are more expensive than standard bottles.
  • Requires ongoing purchase of liners.

Baby bottle buying guide

This section will focus on all the different features you will need to consider before choosing the right baby bottle for you. Pay attention! Many of these features are taken for granted and can easily be overlooked.

Because many bottles and nipples can be interchanged, I have broken the buyers guide into two separate sections:

  1. The Bottle
  2. The Nipple

Let’s start off by taking a look at the bottle…

The baby bottle

bottle section of a baby bottle no nipple

The bottle holds the milk and formula before it enters the nipple and then your baby’s mouth. Seems simple, right? Do not be fooled, there are many different choices to be made surrounding the bottle. Like the material for instance…

The bottle material

Baby bottles can be made from one of three different types of materials; Plastic, glass or stainless steel. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each material.

close up of a baby bottle made from plastic

Plastic baby bottles

By far the most commonly used material in baby bottles. Plastic is cheap, lightweight and easily molded into different shapes. Plastic baby bottles won’t break if dropped and also don’t sweat (That small layer of condensation that forms on the outside of the bottle when you put cold liquids inside).

While parents may warn you that plastic baby bottles contain BPA, water bottles are now composed of bpa-free plastic.

FDA has amended its regulations to no longer provide for the use of BPA-based polycarbonate resins in baby bottles and sippy cups.

That is business speak. Simply put; the FDA banned the use of BPA in baby bottles in 2012. Since then all plastic baby bottles sold in the USA have been BPA-free bottles.

If you are using an old bottle or in doubt then you can determine what plastic your baby bottle is made from by the recycling symbol on the bottom. You now have the peace of mind that you can truly get a bpa-free plastic water bottle.

  • #1, #2, #4 – Polyethylene (safe)
  • #5 – Polyethylene (safe)
  • #7 – Polycarbonate (unsafe) likely contains BPA
Unfortunately, it’s not all roses for plastic baby bottles. Because plastic is the softest of all baby bottle materials it can easily be scratched so be sure to stick to softer bottle brushes and cloths when cleaning. Why don’t you want scratches? Bacteria can hide in scratches and can be missed during the cleaning process.

While plastic baby bottles may look smooth the surface actually has tiny little indentations (as shown in the magnified picture above).

You know what that means?

These indentations are great for capturing milk and formula. As a result plastic baby bottles are the most difficult to clean and can even start to smell after continued use. Not a problem, read my guide to removing bad smells and cleaning baby bottles to easily overcome these issues.

PROS

  • Lightweight.
  • Inexpensive.
  • Won’t break if dropped.
  • Don’t sweat.

CONS

  • Can absorb odors.
  • Will eventually wear down with continued use.
  • Soft material can be easily scratched.
  • Repeated hot temperatures will eventually wear down plastics.
close up of a baby bottle made from glass

Glass baby bottles

Believe it or not, glass baby bottles have been around longer than plastic baby bottles. They are beginning to make a big comeback thanks to the BPA controversy a few years back.

Glass bottles have an entirely smooth surface. This means that greasy milk or formula has nowhere to stick to and makes cleaning glass baby bottles an incredibly easy task. If you have ever spent more than 10 minutes scrubbing a plastic baby bottle then you will know what a blessing this can be.

Eco-conscious parents rejoice! Glass is a fairly natural material (made from superheated sand, soda ash, and limestone). As a result, there is no worry about unknown chemicals leeching into your babies meal.

If you use boiling water to sterilize your baby bottles then you will be pleased to know that unlike plastic, glass does not break down when exposed to hot temperatures. In fact, a glass bottle will last forever unless you break it. Speaking of which...

If you drop a glass bottle, particularly on a glass floor, then there is a good chance that it will shatter. Not only is this a chore to clean up but if you fail to clean up every last piece then your baby may cut himself while crawling around on the floor.

Fortunately, many manufacturers sell glass bottles in removable silicone sleeves (or more annoyingly sell them separately). The silicone sleeve helps cushion the glass bottle in the event that it falls, potentially saving it from breaking. The silicone sleeve will also help stop the glass from sweating, a common problem when holding cold liquids.

If you want to use glass baby bottles be sure to check that your daycare accepts them. Many daycare centers will only allow you to use plastic baby bottles because glass can be dropped, break and harm children.

PROS

  • Super easy to clean.
  • Chemical free.
  • Recyclable.
  • Long lasting.

CONS

  • Heavier than plastic baby bottles.
  • Last a long time if properly cared for.
  • Can sweat with cold liquids.
  • Can break if dropped.
  • More expensive than plastic.
  • Not accepted by some daycare centers.
close up of a baby bottle made from 316 stainless steel

Stainless steel baby bottles

Stainless steel is by far the least common of the three materials used in baby bottles. If you can imagine a thermos with a nipple then you pretty much know exactly what to expect from a stainless steel baby bottle.

Stainless steel has amazing insulating properties that some manufacturers take advantage of. What this means is that it can keep warm milk warm or cold milk cold for a longer period of time than the other two baby bottle materials.

Unfortunately not every stainless steel baby bottle was designed with temperature management in mind. Those that aren’t will still have a special benefit. They allow you to easily feel the temperature of the formula or milk inside through the bottle itself. But be careful! If your baby’s formula or milk is super hot then the stainless steel will be incredibly hot as well

Stainless steel is the most durable of the three materials. Treat it as rough as you like, breaking it will a stainless steel baby bottle will be incredibly difficult. It is even incredibly resistant to scratches. Stainless steel is also super easy to clean.

But wait right there… It’s not all praise. Stainless steel is a difficult material to work into shapes during the manufacturing process. As a result, stainless steel baby bottles are often very boring and simple designs. They are also the most expensive out of all the different baby bottle materials.

If you are a parent who painstakingly measures each and every baby meal to the exact drop then you are in for a disappointment. Since stainless steel is not transparent, you will have difficulty measuring the amount inside unless you use a separate measuring cup and that’s one more thing you have to clean up.

PROS

  • Almost unbreakable.
  • Difficult to scratch.
  • Easy to clean.

CONS

  • The most expensive baby bottle material.
  • Sweats with cold liquids (although not as much as glass).
  • Not transparent makes measuring difficult.
  • Plain designs.

Handles

plastic baby bottle with handles

Let’s consider your little baby’s hands for a moment. It can be easy to forget just how small your baby’s hand is. This picture will jog your memory.

tiny baby hand wrapped around mothers index finger

Newborns will happily let you hold the bottle during feeding time. As your baby gets older he will become more independent (they grow up so fast) and very likely want to start holding the bottle himself during feeding.

If your baby enjoys holding his own bottle then you will have to be prepared to frequently pick it up off the ground. The rounded shape of a bottle is difficult for your baby’s small hands to hold and will be dropped often.

That’s where handles come in. Your baby can wrap his whole hands around the handles of a baby bottle allowing your little one to get a better grip.

Baby bottles with handles are also known as trainer bottles.

Measurement lines

baby bottle with measuring lines

When it comes time to feed your baby you will no doubt measure out how each of your baby’s meal. Baby bottles with measuring lines will make your job much easier.

Using measuring lines you will be able to quickly and accurately measure out breast milk or formula. Measuring lines can be found on baby bottles that are transparent (glass or plastic).

Baby bottle size

three different sized baby bottles

Baby bottles also come in different sizes. Size is measured by the amount of formula or milk the baby bottle can hold. Baby bottles generally come in two different sizes:

  1. Small: 4 or 5 ounces
  2. Large: 8, 9 or 10 ounces

So how do you choose the right size for your baby? Generally, infants and preemies will go with smaller sizes (smaller babies have smaller tummies) and older babies will go with larger sizes.

You can use this guide to choose an appropriate baby bottle based on how much your baby bottle drinks. You can find the full table and feeding frequency here.

  • Newborn – 1.5-3 ounces every meal
  • 2 months – 4-5 ounces every meal
  • 4 months – 4-6 ounces every meal
  • 6 months – 6-8 ounces every meal

This is simply a loose guideline and many parents recommend you feed your baby smaller meals more times a day to prevent bloating. If you go this route then you will only need a smaller baby bottle (4 ounces would do it).

Parents on a budget: If you are looking to save money then you can get away with only buying large bottles. While your baby is young you only fill the bottle to halfway. By doing this you will not need to spend money on a small baby bottle that is quickly outgrown.

Number of parts

different parts that make up a whole baby bottle

Wow… you see that?

This baby bottle is made up of 6 different pieces. (some baby bottles have more pieces again!) Each piece is a piece that needs to be cleaned can break or worse, can go missing; rendering the whole bottle useless.

See where I am going with this? Less is definitely more when it comes to baby bottles. Look for a baby bottle that is functional but uses as few pieces as possible. A fiddly baby bottle with lots of pieces can drive a parent insane.

Generally speaking, the more parts a baby bottle has, the more likely it is to leak (whether its because the bottle was incorrectly assembled or one of the parts has worn down).

Does the bottle fit your breast pump?

breast pump that fits directly onto baby bottle

Isn’t it wonderful when everything just works together? Wouldn’t it be great if you could pump milk from your breast directly into your baby’s favorite bottle? Depending on your breast pump, you may be able to do just that!

The majority of baby bottle manufacturers actually have a baby bottle that can fit directly to standard breast pumps. If you find yourself pumping frequently then you will save yourself a lot of time and energy (and stress) transferring milk between bottles.

Unfortunately, if your baby prefers wide neck or slightly unusual baby bottles then you may not be able to match your breast pump to the baby bottle.

If you exclusively formula feed then this feature will be of no use to you.

From baby bottle to sippy cup

glass baby bottle that covers into a sippy cup

Your baby won’t be drinking out of his baby bottle forever. Yes, I know it’s sad but your little one won’t stay little for long. If you want to plan for the future then some baby bottles have the ability to turn into a sippy cup for when your baby outgrows the bottle.

The sippy cup lid will usually be sold separately (but you probably want to but it now in case the product is discontinued) and replaces your baby bottle’s nipple. Thanks to sippy cup lids, many parents report that their baby transitioned to a sippy cup easier because their little one was already familiar with the bottle.

The nipple

silicone nipple and lid from plastic any bottle

The nipple is the other major part of the baby bottle. When sucked on; milk or formula is drawn through the nipple and into your baby’s mouth.

Like pacifiers, baby bottles can come with many different styles of nipples. Your baby will be less likely to reject a baby bottle nipple if it is the same as the nipple found on his pacifier.

Once you have settled on a baby bottle it is recommended that you buy the same brand of the nipple. While different nipples may fit, you may find that they leak or worse, pop off into your baby’s mouth.

Nipple material

Baby bottle nipples can be made from two different types of material; latex or silicone. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each.

Latex nipples

latex rubber baby bottle nipple

Latex is a soft flexible rubber that closely mimics the feel of a nipple (which is why some babies prefer it). Latex nipples are easily identified by their golden brown color and are fairly opaque (a fancy word that means you barely see through them).

Baby bottle nipples made from latex wear quicker than those made from silicone. Over time you will notice tiny cracks and tears appear on the nipple. Fortunately, latex nipples are inexpensive and it will not break the bank when the nipple needs to be replaced.

Another problem with latex is that many babies are allergic to it. If your baby suffers from a latex allergy then you will have to avoid nipples made from latex. If you do not know whether or not your baby is sensitive to latex then you should still avoid these nipples. Better safe than sorry.

Silicone nipples

clear silicone baby bottle nipple

Silicone is a clear flexible material. While silicone is firmer than latex it is far less likely to trigger an allergic reaction (Silicone allergies are incredibly rare) and is the go to nipple material in modern baby bottles.

Baby bottle nipples made from silicone will last 3-4 times longer than a latex nipple. If your baby is particularly rough with the nipple then this extra durability can be a blessing.

Silicone nipples are firmer than a latex nipple (and your own) and as a result, not all babies will take to them.

Nipple shape

There are two different nipple shapes available. orthodontic nipples and round shaped nipples.

Standard round baby bottle nipples

standard round baby bottle made from silicone

The most common baby bottle nipple available. Cheap and it does the job.

Orthodontic nipples

orthodontic silicone baby bottle nipple

No, it’s not a baby bottle nipple that has half melted. This funny looking thing is known as an orthodontic nipple.

Orthodontic nipples have an asymmetric shape (that is if you were to fold it in half, one side wouldn’t match up with the other) and an angled top.

According to Nuk, orthodontic nipples better suited for your baby than the standard round type:

These nipples are designed to fit the shape of baby’s palate and gums, giving the tongue and jaw more room to move naturally while sucking, promoting healthy oral development. The design also allows the milk to mix with baby’s saliva for better digestion.

So as you can see; while orthodontic nipples are more expensive and less commonly available, they offer unique benefits over the old rounded nipple.

Which type of nipple is better?

Round nipples have been around since you and I were born. We grew up just fine, didn’t we? Round nipples are cheap, easy to stock up on and can be found just about anywhere. While I’m not saying that orthodontic nipples are useless, I just figure if something works and it works well then why change?

Nipple size and flow

Like baby bottles, nipples come in different sizes according to the stage of your baby’s development. In general, the size of the nipple determines the rate that milk or formula can flow from the nipple.

Depending on the brand your nipple will be sized under different names. The most common used sizing is flow, age or stage. Below is a sizing chart you can use when trying to match another brand’s nipple with the one you already have.

  • Newborn
  • 0-3 Months
  • Stage 1
  • Slow
  • 3+ Months
  • Stage 2
  • Medium
  • 6+ Months
  • Stage 3
  • Fast
  • 9+ Months
  • Stage 4

Preemies and newborns will start with the smallest sized baby bottle nipple. This is because their mouth is smaller and they are still learning the correct swallowing technique (milk flowing too quick will cause your baby to choke).

As your baby grows, he will “graduate” to larger sized nipples with faster flows. You don’t have to follow these guidelines exactly. Different babies may prefer different sized nipples and flow rates so you may need to experiment a little. In fact, you may even find if you have twins that one baby will prefer one type of bottle nipple while the other prefers one completely different.

While most parents choose the nipple flow based on age, there are some other factors that can come into play.

When is slow flow suitable? If your baby easily chokes on milk or gets acid reflux and you are looking for the slowest flow nipple around. Dr. Brown’s Preemie Standard Nipple is the way to go. While other brands claim slow flow, this is one nipple that actually delivers.

When is fast flow suitable? If you are using a thicker formula then you may need a faster flow nipple just so that your baby can suck the formula out.

Nipple cover

baby bottle with nipple cover

That plastic dome that sits on top of the nipple in the picture above is known as a nipple cover and attaches directly to the lid of your baby bottle. Its purpose is to prevent the nipple from coming into contact with dirt and bacteria. Your baby sucks on the nipple, you don’t want him sucking down germs with every gulp; do you?

A nipple cover (also known as a travel cap) is great for bottle feeding on the go. If you carry your baby’s bottle around in your carryall then it will come into contact with all many of dirty things such as your mobile phone (how often do you clean that?) or wallet (another item hardly cleaned). A nipple cover will prevent all these objects and more from coming into contact with the nipple.

Not all baby bottles come with nipple covers. If you only bottle feed at home then a nipple cover may not be needed at all as it is an extra piece that needs cleaning or can get lost.

Stock up!

Once you have decided on a nipple that your baby readily takes to then it is time to stock up! Nipples are like the socks of the baby bottle world (they very easily get misplaced). There is nothing more frustrating than a nipple breaking (or go missing) only to discover that you have no spares.

Many parents not only buy spare nipples but also the next size up as well, particularly if they plan to continue bottle feeding through their baby’s next development phase.

The best baby bottles examined

I’ll be honest with you. There are a LOT of baby bottles out there. Even if you have followed my guide so far and know exactly what to look for, the sheer number can still be daunting.

To make your life a little easier I have created a list that looks at the best baby bottles for different situations.

Are you ready? Then lets jump right in!

Remember; what works for one baby may not necessarily work for yours. Many parents have to try a few baby bottles before they find one they like.

Best baby bottles for breastfed babies

If it looks like a breast and it feels like a breast then it’s a breast. To your baby, it really is as simple as that.

So how do you get your breast loving baby to take a bottle? By providing a bottle that not only feels like a breast but also mimics the whole breastfeeding experience. The similarity also helps prevent nipple confusion.

These bottles are also suited to baby’s that exclusively bottle feed (they still hold up really well) but the key selling point is the similarity to your own breast.

Most popular bottle for breastfed babies

Baby bottle set

Style: As pictured
Brand: Lansinoh mOmma

  • Unique design.
  • Air vents.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Dishwasher safe.

This is the new and improved version of the Lansinoh mOmma feeding bottle which was absolutely brilliant for breastfed babies but it’s rounded shape made it difficult to hold. Fortunately; this gripe has been fixed and the new design is super easy to hold. I am personally a huge fan of this bottle and recommend it to all you breastfeeding mommas out there.

The Lansinoh mOmma baby bottle is available in two different sizes:

  • 5 ounce
  • 8 ounce

Like you, this bottle has amazing nipples. Your baby can use the same wavelike (‘peristaltic’, for all you word buffs) tongue motion to effectively draw milk from this nipple as he would your own. Despite being made from silicone the nipple is incredibly soft and flexible which further adds to tricking your baby into thinking this bottle is your breast.

Breast milk baby bottle set

Style: As pictured
Brand: Medela

  • Trusted brand.
  • Fits breast pumps.
  • Easy measure.
  • Dishwasher safe.

Guess what? The company that makes amazing breast pumps also makes a great baby bottle to go with them. These baby bottles are compatible with all breast pumps in the Medela range.

You know what that means?

The bottle used with your breast pump is also your baby’s bottle. No need to transfer milk between containers and bottles. Less bottles means less cleaning, a huge plus for any time poor parent.

This hugely popular baby bottle is available in two different sizes:

  • 5 ounce
  • 8 ounce

As you would expect from any baby bottle designed to hold pumped breast milk, it appeals to breast fed babies. Despite their simple design, the nipples have a wide base and are surprisingly similar to your own.

The Medela breast milk bottles are sold in sets of three. The set contains:

  • 3 bottles
  • 3 nipples
  • 3 caps
  • 3 travel shields

Three bottles for a very competitive price. If you already have a Medela breast pump then I would definitely start with this bottle before trying the other bottles suited for breast fed babies (the majority of which cost more for a single bottle).

Best baby bottles for colic and reflux

There is nothing worse than a gassy baby. Colic and reflux can be incredibly uncomforting to a baby. One of the possible causes of colic and reflux is swallowing too much air during feeding.

The easiest way to soothe colic is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Due to popular demand, there are now a wide range of baby bottles available that have been designed to reduce air intake while feeding so that you don’t have to deal with a gassy baby; the best of which I have listed below.

Angled baby bottle

Style: As pictured
Brand: Playtex

  • Bottom vent.
  • Travel cover.
  • Easily cleaned.
  • Easy to hold.

A unique angled design coupled with a valve that is located at the bottom of the bottle makes this one of the best baby bottles for preventing air intake. The bottle is available in two different sizes:

  • 6 ounce

Sensitive Tummy Bottle

Style: As pictured
Brand: Tommee Tippee

  • Built-in thermometer.
  • Travel cover.
  • Anti-colic nipple.
  • Wide neck.

Does this bottle look familiar? It should, the bottle very closely resembles the Tommee Tippee Easi-Vent we listed above. That is where the similarity ends as this bottle was designed with one purpose and one purpose only, to defeat colic.

The bottle comes in two different sizes:

  • 5 ounce
  • 9 ounce

The nipples on this baby bottle are slow flow to prevent your baby from gulping too fast. Unlike other Tommee Tippee bottles, the nipples are unvented. Instead, a tube and valve system that sits at the center of the bottle helps reduce air bubbles in your baby’s formula or milk.

The venting itself also serves a second purpose, it will show you if your baby’s milk is too hot. If the milk is above 98°F, the venting tube will change color from red to a pinky red in an effort to visually warn you.

Best plastic baby bottles

While I covered some amazing plastic baby bottles in the best bottles for breast feeding and colic section, there are still some super performers I did not list. This section will focus on plastic baby bottles that are just all round great.

Angled nipple baby bottle

Style: As pictured
Brand: Chicco

  • Unique design.
  • Travel cover.
  • Anti-colic valves.
  • Easy to hold.

Unlike other angled baby bottle that have an obvious bend in the bottle, the Chicco NaturalFit has an angled nipple instead. The bottle is available in two different sizes:

  • 5 ounce

There is one major benefit an angled nipple has over an angled bottle. It can be swapped out for a regular nipple. If your baby doesn’t take to an angled bottle you will have to buy a whole new regular bottle. Replacing a nipple instead is easier on the wallet.

The Natural Polypropylene baby bottle is a great all-rounder, a wide neck, tempting vented nipple and easy to clean. If you are absolutely confused by all the different baby bottle choices then you could pick a much worse place to start.

Best glass baby bottles

Don’t like the idea of a plastic baby bottle because you don’t know the mystery chemicals that make it up? Glass baby bottles are a natural and effective alternative.

If you are clumsy or have a baby that drops his bottle often then be sure to choose one with a silicone sleeve!

Below are some of the best glass baby bottles available, loved by babies and parents alike.

Glass baby bottle with silicone sleeve

Style: Many different color options
Brand: Lifefactory

  • Shock resistant.
  • Easy to hold.
  • Wide neck.
  • Dishwasher safe.

Lifefactory knows a thing about glass baby bottles; they are what their business was founded on. On the back of the baby bottles success, Lifefactory has grown to offer some of the finest glassware available. Their glass baby bottle is available in two different sizes:

  • 4 ounce
  • 9 ounce

The quality of the bottle is outstanding and is one of the few baby bottles not made in China. Instead it is constructed from borosilicate glass and made in France. Why is borosilicate glass so special? It resists thermal shock (breaking from rapid temperature change). In a practical scenario; this means that you could boil your baby bottle after pulling if straight from the freezer without it cracking. You definitely shouldn’t try this with other glass baby bottles.

As an added measure of protection, the Lifefactory glass baby bottle comes with a silicone sleeve (unlike other glass bottles that require you to buy the silicone sleeve separately). The sleeve has two separate purposes; it allows you or your baby to better grip the bottle and also protects it from shattering if dropped.

An added benefit to these bottles is the vast range of colors it comes in. If you pump your breastmilk (oh yeah, this bottle is compatible with most major breast pumps) then you will be able to color code your breast milk according to the day it was pumped. Organized mothers rejoice!

Natural glass baby bottle

Style: As pictured
Brand: Philips Avent

  • Twin valves.
  • Easy to hold.
  • Wide neck.
  • Silicone nipple.

If you are a fan of the Philips Avent baby bottles (and who wouldn’t be? The nipples are awesome!) but don’t like the idea of plastic then you will be pleased to know that Philips has recently extended the range to include this stylish glass baby bottle; available in two different sizes:

  • 4 ounce
  • 8 ounce

Measurements on the side of the glass (in both metric and imperial) allow you to easily size out your baby’s meal. While this glass baby bottle does not come with a silicone sleeve, it’s unique ergonomic shape makes it easy to grip, even while feeding a wriggling baby.

As always, Philips Avent ensures that every bottle in it’s natural range is compatible with each other. This means that if you already bought the plastic version then you have spare parts on hand for this baby bottle.

Glass natural flow bottle

Style: As pictured
Brand: Dr. Brown's

  • Vacuum free feeding.
  • Nipple cover.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Dishwasher safe.

Like the Philips Avent above, Dr Brown’s extended their range of Natural Flow baby bottles to cover the increasing demand for glass baby bottles. The good news? It is every bit as good as their plastic range with the added benefit of being made from glass. The bottle is available in two sizes:

  • 4 ounce
  • 8 ounce

The baby bottle is exactly the same as the Dr Brown’s Natural flow bottle except for the fact that it is made from glass. Right down to the patented vent system and vacuum-free feeding. Everything you would find on the plastic bottle can be found on the glass version.

Classic twist glass bottle

Style: As pictured
Brand: Evenflo

  • Inexpensive.
  • Unique shape.
  • Tempered glass.
  • Easy to grip.

One of the disadvantages of glass baby bottles is that they are generally more expensive than ones made out of plastic. Somehow Evenflo has manufactured a cheap glass baby bottle suitable for parents on a budget that want to use glass to feed their baby.

  • 4 ounce
  • 8 ounce

Admittedly Evenflo keeps the cost down by making you buy this bottle in a pack of six. If you wish to buy multiple bottles then this is a blessing. If you only want to buy a single baby bottle then you can get a premium glass bottle for less (like the Lifefactory).

For the price; you get a whole lot of baby bottle. The modern twist design makes the baby bottle easy to grip and the nipples come with small air vents, to help prevent nipple collapse and gas.

Best stainless steel baby bottles

While not as popular as glass or plasticplastic, stainless steel baby bottle will last you well through your baby’s bottle using period. Let’s explore some of the best stainless steel bottles on the market.

Stainless steel infant bottle

Style: Six color options
Brand: Pura Kiki

  • No plastic.
  • Convertible.
  • Silicone nipple.
  • Dishwasher safe.

If you wanted a stainless steel baby bottle then this is it. Unlike other brands, this baby bottle contains no plastic. Even the collar is stainless steel. Yep. Your baby will never come into contact with plastic with this bottle.

The bottle is available in two different sizes:

  • 5 ounce
  • 9 ounce

While stainless steel baby bottles can be notoriously plain, this bottle gives you a choice of 6 different colors (although plain stainless steel is still an option you prefer).

You know how stainless steel lasts basically forever? Pura Kiki has taken advantage of this by offering a range of lids (sold separately) to keep your bottle in use long after your baby has outgrown it. The lids include sippy cup, straw bottle and sports bottle.

My only gripe with this bottle is that it is not dishwasher safe which is a shame since there is so much to love about this bottle.

Stainless steel Kid Kanteen

Style: As pictured
Brand: Thinkbaby

  • Inexpensive.
  • Nipple cover.
  • Polished.
  • Dishwasher safe.

One of the cheapest stainless steel baby bottles on the market. If you wanted to test if a stainless steel bottle is right for your baby then this is a cost effective place to start.

Unlike other baby bottles that give you a bit of choice with sizing, the Thinkbaby only comes in one size;9 ounce. If that holds too much for your younger baby, simply fill the bottle half way.

With a smooth modern shape, this stainless steel baby bottle is definitely one of the nicer looking ones on the market. A contoured shape makes the bottle easy to hold and a wide mouth allows you to easily fill, pour and clean.

While stainless steel baby bottles are not the best for measuring out your baby’s meal, Kleen Kanteen have made the best of a bad situation. The bottle has measurement markings on both the inside and outside of the baby bottle making this the easiest stainless steel bottle to use for measuring.

This was incredibly close to taking out the crown for best stainless steel baby bottle. Why didn’t it? The replacement nipples are expensive. Unjustifiably so. In fact, you could buy a complete plastic baby bottle for the price of the replacement nipples.

Now be warned, a lot of parents complain that this baby bottle leaks. The key problem seems to be when you buy the conversion kit (sold separately); in particular the handle addition. The conversion kits seem to be very poorly designed and allows milk or formula to leak regardless of how hard you tighten it.

With the warning out of the way I can go on to tell you that on it’s own, this is a very good stainless steel baby bottle, especially for the price.

Best disposable baby bottles

If you are out on the road then a disposable baby bottle will allow you to cut down on cleaning. While there are only a few choices in the disposable baby bottle category, they fortunately perform very well.

Drop ins baby bottle

Style: As pictured
Brand: Playtex

  • Pre-sterilized liner.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Convenient.
  • Guaranteed leak proof.

By far the most popular of the disposable baby bottles is the Playtex Nurser with Drop-Ins. Rather than throw the whole baby bottle out you simply dispose of a single plastic liner.

Simply fill the pre-sterilized liner with pumped milk and drop it in your baby’s bottle when he is hungry. Perfect for traveling or the odd occasion (or more often) when you don’t want to clean up after your baby’s meal.

The only part of the bottle comes into contact with the milk is nipple so if you are traveling around and won’t be able to clean then be sure to keep a few extra nipples on hand.

Since the liners are a disposable item, they will need to be continually replenished as you use them up. Fortunately, they are not overly expensive, with a pack of 100 setting you back a little over $7.00 (works out to be roughly 7 cents a liner).

Single use baby bottle

Style: As pictured
Brand: Steri-Bottle

  • Single use.
  • No need to clean.
  • BPA free.
  • Made in USA.

Want a baby bottle that is 100% worry free? Once your baby has finished chowing down on his favorite meal you simply throw this bottle in the trash. Yep, the whole thing. Wasteful? Maybe. Convenient? Definitely.

Coming in a pack of either 5 or 10, the Steribottle is a simple solution to use while traveling. Rather than worrying about lugging along more expensive baby bottles (or worse, losing them) you instead take these cheap substitutes.

Surprisingly the Steribottle is made in America which largely contributed to me choosing this disposable baby bottle over other brands. Given two brands being equal, why wouldn’t you buy American?

If you are really worried about the wastage side of this bottle then you will be pleased to know that the bottle can be recycled (number 5). Just be mindful that not all curb side recycling programs can recycle number 5 plastics.

The one downside to this baby bottle is that the nipple comes built in (fast flow, 3months +) and cannot be replaced. Also, don’t be tricked into thinking you can use the bottle more than once. They are 100% one time use. Once the lid snaps on, it’s on for good.

At home testing

So you have decided on the baby bottle you want based on all the features I went through above. Unfortunately this is only half the battle. The real baby bottle test begins when you take it home and begin using it on a daily basis.

Below are some key usability features to look out for at home.

Leakage

baby bottle leaking milk or the floor

First things first.

It is okay to cry over spilled milk!

You work hard for that milk, whether you pump it or mix it and it’s a drag to watch it go to waste. Particularly if the milk spilled from that brand new baby bottle you only just bought.

A baby bottle that leaks is as utterly useless. Fill your new baby bottle with water and dry off any excess from the outside of the bottle. Hold the bottle at different angles (if you are feeling confident, give it a good shake). You are looking for signs that liquid can escape the baby bottle. If it does, you are going to have to throw it in the trash and start again.

You want to be confident that you can toss a full baby bottle in your diaper bag and be out the door without any further worry. The last thing you want is greasy milk or formula seeping through the entire contents of your bag!

Cleanability

two hands in rubber gloves washing a baby bottle with a soapy sponge

It is really quite amazing just how much your little baby will eat. The average newborn will eat at least every 2-4 hours. If you are exclusively bottle feeding then you could be using over 12 bottles a day!

You know what that means…

You guessed it. Each bottle has to be washed!

Cleaning the baby bottles that quickly becomes a chore and will quickly become a major part of your daily routine. Just how major all depends on how easy the baby bottle is to clean.

Every baby bottle can be cleaned in warm soapy water but some make your life easier by allowing you to wash them in the top rack of your dishwasher. Look for the words “top-rack dishwasher safe” or similar on your baby bottles packaging. Just be mindful that plastic is known to break down quicker in the dishwasher and hand washing will extend the life of plastic bottles.

The more parts your baby bottle has the more time consuming it will be to wash. Each individual piece of your baby bottle will need to be washed. Simply put, the less parts your baby bottle has, the less time you will spend cleaning it.

Ease of use

When your baby wants the bottle, he wants it now! There is a good chance you will be quickly and sleepily need to put together a baby bottle at a moments notice while juggling a wiggling baby at the same time.

A baby bottle should be easy to put together, assemble, clean and travel well. There are enough hardships that go with being a parent, an inconvenient baby bottle should not be one of them.

Once you have tested your baby bottle…

One you have used your baby bottle for a week or so any annoyances (however they major they may be) will soon become apparent. If you find yourself cursing every time you go to fill up or clean your baby’s bottle then it may be a sign that you should try a different model.

Remember, finding out what works and what doesn’t is all a learning process that comes with being a parent. You are not the first person to have these hardships and you wont be the last. Using this guide will arm you with as much information as possible to help you make the right baby bottle choice. The rest is up to you (and your fussy baby).

Baby bottle FAQ

Below I will answer commonly asked questions about baby bottles. If you have a baby bottle related question you want answered, simply ask it in the comments below and I will answer ASAP!

How many baby bottles do you need to buy?

Many parents keep a minimum two- three baby bottles on hand. If you find yourself leaving your baby with a carer or family member then you may want to purchase a bottle for each individual feeding.

Can I buy used baby bottles?

Baby bottles are one of the more inexpensive baby essentials and wont break the bank. There is nothing to be gained from buying a used baby bottle.

If I breast feed, what bottle should I use?

You want to choose a bottle that is as close to the breast feeding experience as possible. If your baby believes the bottle is a breast then he will be much more likely to take to it.

Another advantage is that your baby will use the same mouth movements (sucking) as he does to draw milk from your breast on the bottle itself. When you switch back from the bottle to the breast your baby will not suck improperly and hurt your nipple.

Featured Image Source: Unsplash

Resources

You also might like:

Below are some other awesome resources on baby bottles.

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