The growth and development of a baby depends on the amount of breastmilk provided to him/her at the earliest phase of life. Mothers do their best to make sure their baby gets the right amount of milk. But amid the hustles and bustles of modern life, it is hard to stay with the newborns all day long, therefore comes the need of milk-feeding bottles.
Since babies take time to familiarize with new feeding tools other than direct breastfeeding from their mothers which they are used to, you might need to buy several ones before you find the one which your baby is comfortable with (if this is what ‘nipple-confusion is).
You might be wondering which one is the best bottle for breastfed babies, or what kind of material does not harm a baby’s health, right? See for yourselves.
What is the Breastfeeding Bottle Usually Made of?
Breastfeeding bottles usually constitute of glass, stainless steel, and plastic (polycarbonate). Glass bottles are heavy, breakable and difficult to handle while feeding the little ones but they do not contain any chemical. This is also true for steel bottles. But manufacturers use BPA to thicken the walls of plastic bottles which can prove harmful for babies’ health.
3 Best Bottle for Breastfed Babies- Comparison
What Type of Bottle is Best for Breastfed Babies?
Glass bottles do not contain any chemicals that can harm babies’ health by leeching into the milk which is common in plastic bottles. Plastic material is lightweight and unbreakable but the BPA which is used to thicken the bottle wall can blend with the milk. To avoid feeding chemicals to a baby, glass or steel-made bottles are suggested to use.
Review of the 6 Best Bottle for Breastfed Babies
1. Dr. Brown’s Original Bottle Gift Set, 8 Ounce, 4 Pack (Mom’s Picks)
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Standard Baby Bottle is one of the most bought, reviewed, and trusted products for breastfeeding babies which reduces burps, spit-ups, and colic and ensures a happy, healthy, and harmless feeding for the baby. These air-tight bottles eliminate air intake in milk or formula and are adjustable to different breast pumps so that moms can store breastmilk conveniently and within an affordable price.
It has proved to maintain the highest amount of nutrients, vitamins, fats, and other elements of breastmilk without damaging any of their value. The BPA-free material prevents any potential mixture of unhealthy chemicals with the milk. Lactation consultants and pediatricians have recommended this bottle because of its slow-flow feeding nipples and baby’s comfort in eating their own pace.
Specifications at a Glance
Brand Name: Dr. Brown’s
Material: BPA free Plastic
Capacity: 8 Ounces ( More Available 2 and 4 Ounce)
Dimensions: 5.9 x 9.3 x 5.9 inches
Bottle Nipple Type: Slow-flow nipple
Color: Pink ( Also Available blue)
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
More Features
- Ensured vacuum free feedings
- Comes with 2-extra Level 2 silicone nipples,1-Watermelon Teether, and 1-PreVent Pacifier
Pros
- Anti-colic bottle, reduces burping and spit-ups
- Preserves necessary nutrients
- Imitates breastfeeding experience for the baby
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Consumers have shared that bottles get leakage easily
- The anti-colic vent system includes complex parts
2. Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle, Clear, 9 Oz, 4 pack (Best for Brand)
Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle is not just a regular bottle, it’s a medium of baby’s transition between bottles and breasts. With the wide breast-shaped nipple, the baby gets a comfortable breast-like latch and does not get confused with the bottle-breast transition. Comfort while feeding is further increased by the spiraled design and unique petals giving the baby a natural feeding experience.
The anti-colic vent helps remove any gas so that the baby do not get burps or spit-ups. Its unique shape gives both the mother and child the utmost comfort in feeding. This bottle comes in 5 different sizes and capacities starting from 2 ounces to 11 ounces with two of them made of glass material. Combining all these features, this bottle comes at a higher budget.
Specifications at a Glance
Brand Name: Philips Avent
Material: BPA free Polypropylene, Silicone
Capacity: 9 ounces ( More available 14.3/ 7.4/3.84 Ounce)
Dimensions: 2.8 x 8.4 x 6.6 inches
Bottle Nipple Type: Ergonomic shape, Wide neck
Color: Clear (More available blue/Pink/Purple/Teal)
Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
More Features
- Breast-shaped nipples and easy for baby to adapt both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
- Air-vents are designed to remove air so that air-caused problems can be prevented
- Natural and slow-flow of milk
- Set of 4 Bottle
Pros
- Comes at different sizes and materials
- Harmless material
- Creates natural feeding experience
Cons
- Bottles with wider shape ay not fit into a warmer
- Glass bottles offer only two sizes
3. MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle, 9 oz 3-Count (Best for Self Sterilizing)
This 3 in 1 anti-colic bottle set is specifically designed to reduce gas, reflux, and indigestion stimulated by air. Its air-vent system stops air transfer, eliminates bubbles, and reduces colic symptoms in 80% of babies. Its BPA/BPS-free material takes care of the baby’s health and the natural wide–shaped silicon material is perfect for the baby’s mouth.
This set is an absolute solution to breastfeeding moms as it includes 3 bottles with 3 smooth nipples. What is more, these bottles do not require a sterilizer, they can sterilize themselves within 3 minutes in a microwave. Isn’t it effortless?
Specifications at a Glance
Brand Name: MAM
Material: BPS/BPA free Silicone
Capacity: 9 Ounce (More available 5 and 11 Ounce)
Dimensions: 6.73 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches
Bottle Nipple Type: Medium Flow Bottles
Color: White (More Gray/Pink/Blue)
Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
More Features
- Do not need a sterilizer
- Air-vent system prevents bubble formation
- Super flexible, wide nipples
- Set of 3 bottles
Pros
- Multiple bottles
- Self-sterilization capacity
- Proven by several studies
- Harmless material
Cons
- Separating different parts while cleaning is bothersome.
- Bottles are too long to handle
4. Comotomo Baby Bottle, Green, 8 Ounce (Best for Dual Anticolic Vents)
This one offers the regular, common features with the exception of it soft and squeezable body which babies love to hold onto. Besides, Comotomo Baby Bottles are produced with 2 sizes, 5 ounces for newborns and 8 ounces for the older ones. The silicone material is safe for keeping breastmilk and they are compatible with microwave, sterilizer, or boiling water.
Speaking of these, this bottle is such wide-necked that you can clean it all by your hands, without the help of long brushes to reach the bottom. Moreover, its dual-vent nipple prevents air-intake and subsequent colic. Overall, it is a good option for smooth use.
Specifications at a Glance
Brand Name: Comotomo
Material: BPA, PVC, Phthalate free Silicone
Capacity: 8 Ounce (also 5 Ounces)
Dimensions: 5.2 x 2.6 x 6 inches
Bottle Nipple Type: Ultra wide-neck design a
Color: Green (Also Pink)
Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5
More Features
- Wide necked opening
- Soft material provides comfort to the baby
Pros
- Safe in microwave, sterilizer, boiling water or dishwasher
- Easy to clean
- Multiple size
- Natural flow with 2-holed nipple
Cons
- Loose lids cause frequent leakage
- Expensive
5. Boon NURSH Reusable Silicone Pouch Bottles (Best for Reusable Silicone Pouches)
Boon Nursh Silicone Bottles come with flexible pouches that collapse when the baby drinks the liquid kept in it. This process cuts down the ingestion of air which consequently decreases the chance of gas, burps or colic. They are lightweight, easy to carry and comfortable for baby’s hands.
It does not have any vent, valve or straws making it super easy to assemble, open and clean. The PVC and BPA free material is suitable for baby’s health and the softness of its wall gives it a skin-like touch that ensures baby’s feeding experience natural and fuss-free.
Specifications at a Glance
Brand Name: Boon
Material: PVC and BPA free silicone
Capacity: 8 Ounce (Also available 4 Ounce)
Dimensions: 3.2 x 3.2 x 6.2 inches
Bottle Nipple Type: Nipple to wide-neck base
Color: Mint (More Available Blue/Gray/Pink)
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
More Features
- Comes as a set of 3 bottles
- Collapsible pouch prevents air ingestion
- Safe with microwave, fridge, boiling water and dishwasher
Pros
- The plastic parts never touch the milk
- Silicone pouches changeable like nipples
- The plastic bottle can be reused with new silicone pouch
- Multiple bottles
Cons
- Silicone pouch and other parts make it hard to clean
- Soft nipples can tear down after using a few times.
6. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottle (97% Mom’s Recommended)
This brand has reinvented the word ‘variation’ through their breastfeeding bottles. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottles are made with glass, BPA free plastic and silicone material. Its anti-colic valve attached to the nipple prevents air transfer and makes sure your baby do not get burps or spit ups. The natural looking wide shaped, soft nipple provides a real feeding experience to the baby.
A study conducted by the company reveals that 97% moms have recommended Tommee Tippee baby bottles. This particular model comes in a set of 4 with each of the bottles having the capacity of 9 ounces. With its breast-like shape and and nipple, this bottle ensures comfort to both the baby and the mother.
Specifications at a Glance
Brand Name: Tommee Tippee
Material: Phthalates Free, BPA Free silicone
Capacity: 9 Ounce (More Available 5 and 11 Ounce)
Dimensions: 6.06 x 6.38 x 5.75 inches
Bottle Nipple Type: Super-sensitive bottle nipple and Optimum venting anti-colic nipple
Color: Translucent (Available multi Colored)
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
More Features
- Comes as a set of 4 bottles
- Anti-colic, soft, breast-like nipples
- Slow-flow and natural latch provides comfort
Pros
- Brings comfort and convenience to the baby
- Have achieved user’s trust
- Easy to clean
- Multiple bottles
- Measurement marks are drawn on the bottle
Cons
- Nipple flow is can be too slow sometimes
Breastfeeding Vs. Formula Feeding
While parents all over the world ponder around whether feeding formula to their newborn babies is a healthy decision or not, some parents’ only choice is to feed formula due to unexpected medical conditions or busy lifestyle. Whatever the reason is, feeding formula is a reliable substitute of breastfeeding. Much alike breastmilk, formula bears the all the essential nutrients that boost babies’ nourishment. Yet, to erase your confusion completely, we have documented the necessary details of both sides. Have a look!
1. Essential Nutrients
Breastmilk contains the necessary components like protein, lactose and fat that are easily digestible for a newborn baby. Through breastmilk, antibodies and other germ-fighting units transfer from mother’s body to her baby strengthening its immune system. Similar growth-inducing ingredients are provided while manufacturing formula, but it lacks the antibodies that ensures baby’s protection. Commercial manufacturers cannot produce antibodies at factories, these are only found in breastmilk.
2. Acquaintance with Solid Foods
Breastmilk contains different vitamins and minerals from various kinds of foods a mother consumes in a day, which in turn gives the milk different taste and nutritional elements. Thus, babies who are used to the breastmilk find it easier to accommodate with the solid foods and their nutrients in later stage of their life. Formula, on the other hand, do not have such access to multiple vitamins.
3. Mother’s Convenience
Mothers who can stay with their babies all day long can breastfeed them without worrying about extra expenses, bottle cleaning, or warming. But if there is a medical issue with the mother, or if she has to follow a specific diet plan that is not compatible with breastfeeding, or she is a busy mom who cannot breastfeed her baby anytime, formula is a good alternative for them.
4. Smarter Children
Numerous researches shows that children who were breastfed regularly have a little higher IQ than children who were formula fed. Its better to use both method back and forth so that children can have proper nourishment and mothers enjoy their comfort sometime as well.
5. Feeding Frequency
Since a baby can digest breastmilk faster than formula, moms can breastfeed frequently and whenever the baby is hungry. Formulas are complicated mixture of proteins, vitamins and fat which take time to digest reducing frequency in feeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Right Time to Introduce Bottle to a Baby?
Lactation consultants and pediatricians suggest waiting at least 4-5 weeks before introducing bottles to a baby. Bottles have a different level of comfort than natural suckling. Babies can get used to bottles and show a lack of interest in natural feeding.
How Frequently Should I Feed My Newborn?
Lactation consultants and pediatricians suggest to wait at least 4-5 weeks before introducing bottles to a baby. Bottles have a different level of comfort than natural suckling. Babies can get used to bottles and show lack of interest in natural feeding.
How Frequently Should I Feed My Newborn?
Lactation consultants and pediatricians suggest to wait at least 4-5 weeks before introducing bottles to a baby. Bottles have a different level of comfort than natural suckling. Babies can get used to bottles and show lack of interest in natural feeding.
How do you make a baby bottle safely?
Preparing a baby bottle can be an important task for parents and caregivers. Ensuring the safety and well-being of your little one is crucial, and that starts with properly preparing their bottles. One convenient tool that many parents rely on is a bottle warmer. But how do you use it safely?
Carefully reading the instructions provided with your specific model of bottle warmer. Each brand may have different guidelines and settings, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with them before use.
Always make sure to clean the bottle thoroughly before heating it in the warmer. Use warm soapy water and a dedicated brush to remove any residue or milk remnants from inside the bottle. Rinse it thoroughly to ensure no soap remains before placing it in the warmer.
Concluding Suggestions
A baby’s body is too vulnerable to handle germs or lack of nutrients and therefore needs extra care. To protect them from malnutrition it is important to ensure proper food and harmless tools (bottle, nipples, caps etc.) that will not cause damage to their health. We have provided a detailed description of the best bottle for breastfed babies so that you can research at home with the information mentioned above. Read again if you need to!