What are the best bottles ?

Choosing the best bottle can be a hard decision especially because there are more bottles on the market now than there ever have been. But, let’s not get distracted by all the marketing ploys and instead, we’ll stick to the facts. The fact is that our choice in bottles are important but even more important are the nipples that accompany the bottles.

Any bottle we offer to our infant (whether they are breastfed or not) should closely mimic a breast with a wide shape and a rounded soft nipple. But, Why? Because bottles that closely mimic a breast help encourage a natural latch for our infants! The shape of nipple and rate of flow are much more important than the bottle itself.

With that said let’s look at some good options for you to start with.

Tommee Tippee Bottles

Tommee Tippee Close to Nature is one that I really like. Not only do that have minimal parts to keep up with (and to clean) the nipple design is also very unique. This bottle was designed to have a nipple that closely mimics a mother’s anatomy which is ideal for encouraging a natural deep latch like we want to see at the breast and bottle alike. These are also affordable, and can be found at Target, on Amazon and most major stores. 

Lansinoh Bottles

The Lansinoh brand offers another well designed option because these bottles are clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion and they closely mimic breastfeeding. Although as a Lactation Consultant I must tell you it’s less about the bottle and more about the way in which we feed the baby WITH the bottle that causes the “nipple confusion.” More on that can be found here. But, these bottles are also affordable and easy to clean with minimal parts! They can be found in heaven, I mean at Target (one in the same for me! ha!)

Philips Avent Glass Natural Baby Bottle

These are awesome because they only release milk when baby is actively suckling which is truly innovative and aids in decreasing bottle preference. This flow pattern closely mimics breastfeeding in that the rate of flow is being controlled by your infant. They are also easy to clean with minimal parts which is always a plus! They are more pricey than the above options but remember, you get what you pay for. They can be found on Amazon.

Other Things To Consider:

What’s the correct flow rate for your infant’s age?

  • Newborns through 3 months of age need a extra slow flow or slow flow with a rate of “0 or 1”

  • Babies who are 3-6 months of age can handle a medium flow rate of “2”

  • Babes who are 6+ months of age can have a fast flow or “3”

How will you know it’s time to move up to a higher flow?

  • If infant is now over 3 months old, try a medium flow or “2”

  • If your infant is collapsing the nipple and sucking aggressively it could be a sign the flow rate it too slow

  • And lastly, if your babe is fussing and taking a longer time to finish their bottle!