The ten Greatest Bottles for Breastfed Infants, Mother or father- and Knowledgeable-Accredited

Fed is greatest, whether or not little tummies are crammed with system or breast milk. However there’s no denying breast milk has well being advantages, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends unique breastfeeding for a child’s first six months. Many breastfeeding dad and mom additionally depend on bottles, whether or not they’re sometimes or solely pumping, or supplementing with system. And for them, discovering the fitting bottle a breastfed little one accepts could take some trial and error. 

A bottle’s supplies, form, and nipple movement price are all elements to contemplate. It’s not unusual for caregivers to check quite a few bottles earlier than discovering a match. “All infants simply need to feed with out having to work too exhausting, which may take a special bottle for every child,” explains Erin Carroll-Manning of Mild Giraffes New child Care and Household Companies. “It’s greatest to get pattern packs of two–3 bottles of various sorts to seek out out what bottle your child likes or what is likely to be greatest on your little one’s particular scenario.” 

In line with Katie Billingsley, a licensed breastfeeding specialist, speech-language pathologist, lactation guide, and director of operations at Fourth Trimester Retreat, “Breastfed infants use a deep latch and a extra coordinated suckling movement that engages muscle groups otherwise than bottle-feeding. Bottle nipples that mimic the breast in form and measurement will be extra readily accepted by breastfed infants.” 

To seek out the perfect bottles for breastfed infants, we surveyed 29 members of the Mother and father workers who had been breastfeeding and utilizing bottles. We requested what they appreciated about their bottles, how simply their child took them, and the way easy they had been to assemble and clear. We additionally tapped a number of specialists to supply insights and product suggestions. We assessed bottles primarily based on supplies, form, measurement, nipple movement, and anti-colic options to offer you a spread of choices.

Our Favorites 

When Ought to You Introduce a Bottle to a Breastfed Child?

Specialists advocate ready till your child has efficiently breastfed for 4 to 6 weeks earlier than introducing a bottle. This may assist to attenuate nipple confusion and make sure that your child has mastered their latch and sucking methods. “If there are feeding difficulties earlier than this level and the newborn wants further milk or the father or mother is simply too sore to straight breastfeed, bottles can be utilized so long as the newborn is on a really slow-flow nipple and their feeding is paced,” notes Sheila Janakos, MPH, IBCLC, LE, RLC, CEO and co-founder of Wholesome Horizons Company Lactation Applications and Breastfeeding Facilities. 

What If Your Child Refuses the Bottle?

Bottle refusal isn’t essentially an indication that one thing is flawed. “For preliminary steps, contemplate altering positions, minimizing distractions, and having another person feed the newborn,” says Chardá Bell, IBCLC, a lactation guide, doula, and govt director of the San Diego Breastfeeding Middle Basis. “If a breastfeeding father or mother is bottle feeding, turning the newborn away throughout bottle feeding can forestall them from searching for your nipple.” If issues persist, it’s possible you’ll want to hunt skilled assist. 

“If the newborn actually can’t take a bottle and gags or can’t coordinate the suck, it is likely to be time to fulfill with a lactation guide or speech pathologist specializing in toddler feeding,” Janakos explains. “These professionals will help rule out any anatomical points, equivalent to tongue-tie, excessive palate, or an excessive gag reflex that may affect the newborn’s capability to make use of a bottle.”

However first, you additionally may need to experiment with a number of of the next child bottles and nipple sorts.

Greatest General: Philips Avent Glass Pure Child Bottle

Why We Like It 

Sturdiness and a wise nipple are the most important perks of Philips Avent’s Glass Pure Child Bottle. The nipple works equally to the breast: Milk is simply launched when the newborn is actively sucking, making certain they don’t get overwhelmed by the movement. Our survey respondents appreciated the sturdiness, ease of maintenance, and pure grip: “They’re straightforward for us to carry, clear, transport, and heat up,” they famous. 

Respondents particularly beloved how glass doesn’t take up flavors, harbor micro organism, or leach chemical compounds like plastic. This decide is BPA-free and heat-resistant. The bottles can be found in assorted four-packs, though it’s potential to seek out them in three-pack units at some retailers. In the event you’re not a fan of glass bottles, Philips makes a plastic model. 

However Take Notice

Glass bottles are heavier and will break if dropped. Even our survey respondent admitted that for all of the positives, the heavier weight meant it was tougher for a child to carry, particularly when full. The nipple movement could also be gradual for infants who had been bottle-fed early.

The Particulars:

• Sizes: 4 ounce, 8 ounce
• Nipple sorts: Degree 1 by way of 5
• Supplies: Bottle: glass; nipple: silicone
• Washing directions: Dishwasher protected; hand wash with cleaning soap and water

Knowledgeable-Really useful: Evenflo Steadiness Plus Huge Neck Bottle

Why We Like It

Lactation consultants sing the praises of the Evenflo Steadiness Plus Huge Neck Bottle, particularly for infants who’ve been solely nursing. One of many largest promoting factors right here is the longer nipple that re-creates what a breastfeeding child is used to. Billingsley says breastfed infants usually tend to settle for “a nipple with a gradual tapered slope, such because the Evenflo Steadiness Plus.” Better of all, you may join these bottles to your breast pump flanges with an adapter. 

The nipple has a built-in vent to assist forestall air from getting in, and the slower movement intently matches nursing, permitting infants to drink easily and keep away from gulping. It comes with a slow-flow nipple, and you should purchase medium or quick flows individually. The straightforward three-part design and broad neck make cleansing straightforward. This BPA-free bottle is out there in singles, three-packs, or six-packs, and it’s protected to make use of within the dishwasher and microwave. 

However Take Notice

The nipple is liable to collapsing, and its distinctive form makes the nipple vent exhausting to wash and dry. It’s very important to get all the water out of the vent to stop mildew from rising. 

The Particulars:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 9 ounce
• Nipple sorts: Sluggish, medium, quick
• Materials: Bottle and lid: BPA-free plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing directions: Dishwasher protected; hand wash with cleaning soap and water

Greatest Anti-Colic Plastic: Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle with AirFree Vent

Why We Like It

Caretakers with colicky or gassy infants will recognize the distinctive design of those anti-colic bottles. Whereas it’d seem like a bizarre scoop or spoon, that design works to stop air from getting into the nipple, even when held horizontally. Survey respondents appreciated the straightforward design and that the elements had been dishwasher-safe. 

The plastic bottle is designed from BPA-free materials and a silicone nipple. In complete, there are 4 items: the bottle, ring cap, silicone nipple, and the AirFree vent. The bottle additionally nonetheless works with out the vent, if you happen to discover you don’t want it will definitely. 

However Take Notice

Respondents shared that that they had to purchase a number of completely different nipple sizes to seek out the fitting movement. There are 4 nipple sizes to select from. The nipples could also be simply broken, creating holes that enhance the movement. 

The Particulars:

• Sizes: 4 ounce, 9 ounce, 11 ounce
• Nipple sorts: 1 by way of 4
• Materials: Bottle and lid: BPA-free plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing directions: Dishwasher protected; hand wash with cleaning soap and water

Greatest Anti-Colic Glass: Dr. Brown’s Pure Circulation Anti-Colic Choices+ Huge Neck

Why We Like It

Sustainability and sturdiness are two primary advantages of glass bottles. Dr. Brown’s anti-colic glass bottles are particularly beloved for anti-colic inside vent that stops air from getting into the nipple, thus decreasing gasoline, spit-up, and burping. The nipple is designed to imitate the pure breast, serving to cut back nipple confusion and making it simpler for breastfed infants to take a bottle. 

The glass bottle can safely be put within the dishwasher and sterilized both by way of electrical or microwave strategies. It’s accessible as a single-unit buy or a three-piece set that comes with the extent 1 slow-flow nipple, which is an effective guess for breastfed infants. You should purchase different movement ranges individually, and the bottles are additionally accessible in plastic if you happen to desire. 

However Take Notice

Glass is heavy and will be damaged. Moreover, Dr. Brown’s bottles have many elements, so cleansing them—particularly by hand—could be a ache. 

The Particulars:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 9 ounce 
• Nipple sorts: Premie, 1 by way of 4, Y-shape
• Materials: Bottle: BPA-free glass; lid: plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing directions: Dishwasher protected; hand wash with cleaning soap and water

Best to Clear: Comotomo Inexperienced Child Bottle

Why We Like It

Comotomo is a caregiver favourite due to the wide-mouth design that makes it tremendous straightforward to wash. Its easy three-piece development—bottle, nipple, and ring cap—makes meeting and disassembly a snap. This implies no hard-to-reach nooks or crannies when cleansing. Manufactured from food-grade silicone, it’s BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free, in addition to protected to make use of in each the dishwasher (high rack) and microwave.

This model can also be beloved for its tapered, comfortable silicone physique that’s straightforward to grip and looks like pores and skin, making it very best for breastfed infants who’re hands-on once they nurse. “I switched to those due to their design similarity to the breast,” one survey respondent famous. “I can use these bottles and breastfeed with out confusion.” The nipple options anti-colic vents that gained’t leak. The 5-ounce model comes with slow-flow nipples whereas the 8-ounce options medium-flow nipples. A quick-flow nipple will be bought individually.

However Take Notice 

The very versatile materials may also enhance the prospect of spills when filling the bottle or securing the nipple onto it. Moreover, because the bottle design is wider, it doesn’t slot in all bottle heaters. 

The Particulars:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 8 ounce
• Nipple sorts: Sluggish, medium, quick movement
• Materials: Bottle: silicone; nipple, ring: silicone, plastic
• Washing directions: Dishwasher protected; hand wash with cleaning soap and water

Greatest Silicone: Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Child Bottle

Why We Like It

Silicone bottles are a preferred selection amongst nursing dad and mom as a result of they’re usually simply accepted by their infants. The fabric’s skin-like, easy-to-grip texture could also be why they take to it. The pure angle on these bottles prevents air from getting into the nipple, and the triple vent design helps forestall colic. The nipple gained’t collapse, which helps help an ideal latch and reduce abdomen upset and gasoline. 

One other actual winner amongst caregivers is the Nanobébé’s flat base that stops tipping—which was a ache level for some Comotomo customers. You should purchase these as single, double, or three-packs with white, grey, pink, or teal ring caps. The silicone is BPA-, PVC-, lead-, and phthalate-free. All bottle parts are high rack dishwasher-safe and will be sterilized both by electrical or microwave strategies. 

However Take Notice

The measurement strains will be troublesome to learn, and the fully comfortable bottle means there’s an actual danger of spilling that liquid gold. 

The Particulars:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 9 ounce
• Nipple sorts: 1 by way of 4
• Materials: Bottle and nipple: silicone; lid: plastic
• Washing directions: Dishwasher protected; hand wash with cleaning soap and water

Greatest Nipple Form: Lansinoh Child Bottles for Breastfeeding Infants

Why We Like It

Preserving air out of a bottle’s nipple is the most important problem most caregivers face, which is why Lansinoh’s Child Bottles for Breastfeeding Infants are an enormous hit. Particularly, the NaturalWave nipple reduces air consumption and permits your child to keep up their pure sucking motion in order that feeding with this bottle feels much like precise nursing. The nipple is comprised of 100% silicone and is meant to be versatile but sturdy. 

The bottle and ring cap are comprised of BPA-free plastic whereas the nipple is comprised of sturdy silicone. All parts are dishwasher-safe (high rack) and microwave-safe. There are three movement ranges accessible for the nipples, gradual, medium, and quick. The bottles will be bought in units of three or six bottles. 

However Take Notice

The nipples tend to break down. Additionally, the bottles come commonplace with the medium movement nipple, which is rated for infants 3 months or older.

The Particulars:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 8 ounce
• Nipple sorts: Sluggish, medium, quick
• Materials: Bottle and lid: BPA-free plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing directions: Dishwasher protected; hand wash with cleaning soap and water

Greatest Slim: Dr. Brown’s Pure Circulation Anti-Colic Choices+ Slim Child Bottle

Why We Like It

The bottle has the identical options as Dr. Brown’s different Pure Circulation Anti-Colic Choices+ bottles in a slimmer, plastic model. Slim child bottles are helpful for caregivers trying to save cupboard space in cabinets or diaper luggage, or who desire a bottle that’s simpler for infants to deal with independently. The bottle is designed to make sure little tummies get solely milk, not air and the nipple mimics the breast to encourage acceptance and cut back nipple confusion. “I’ve not ever seen a child not like Dr. Brown’s Slim Necks,” says Carroll-Manning. 

This multi-part bottle comes with a Degree 1 gradual movement nipple, however that may be swapped for sooner movement nipples. The bottles will be bought individually or in units. The two-ounce bottle is designed for preemies and comes with the Preemie nipple, which is slower than the Degree 1 movement. All parts are dishwasher and microwave-safe and are constructed from BPA-free plastic. 

However Take Notice

As with different Dr. Brown’s child bottles, most complaints heart across the further elements—which makes bottle cleansing a chore. Nonetheless, most dad and mom observe that this can be a tradeoff they’re prepared to make if it means their infants can eat comfortably with out gasoline afterward. 

The Particulars:

• Sizes: 2 ounce, 4 ounce, 8 ounce
• Nipple sorts: Preemie, 1 by way of 4, Y-shape
• Materials: Bottle and lid: BPA-free plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing directions: Dishwasher protected; hand wash with cleaning soap and water

Greatest Self-Sterilizing: Mam Straightforward Begin Anti-Colic Bottles

Why We Like It

Mam’s self-sterilizing bottles are a recreation changer. Slightly than organising a separate sterilizer or boiling water, merely fill this bottle with water, pop it within the microwave absolutely assembled, and set it for 3 minutes. The Mam Straightforward Begin Anti-Colic Child Bottle has one other distinctive design component: The anti-colic element is within the base quite than in or close to the nipple. This vented base aids with milk movement and is detachable. Mam bottles additionally function an extended nipple form supposed to higher imitate the true factor. 

It is a handy bottle for pumping. One survey participant shared that they “can straight connect this bottle to my Spectra flanges.” Meaning you gained’t must switch the milk and danger spilling it within the course of. These BPA-free plastic bottles are dishwasher- and microwave-safe and will be bought in a wide range of colours together with a gender-neutral choice. It comes with a slow-flow nipple, however you should purchase different flows individually.

However Take Notice

In the event you don’t assemble the bottle and valve base accurately, it could actually leak.  

The Particulars:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 9 ounce
• Nipple sorts: Additional gradual, gradual, medium, quick, further quick
• Materials: Bottle and lid: BPA-free plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing directions: Dishwasher protected; hand wash with cleaning soap and water

Our Testing and Overview Course of 

To seek out the perfect bottles for breastfed infants, we surveyed 29 members of the Mother and father workers who had been breastfeeding and in addition used bottles with their kids. Past figuring out if their child appreciated the bottles, we requested respondents to contemplate if the bottle helped to manage colic or digestive points, how simply they might assemble and clear the bottles, and if there have been any particular points they skilled when utilizing the bottles.

Our Specialists

We additionally tapped a number of specialists to supply insights into what buyers ought to contemplate when buying bottles for breastfeeding infants and if that they had any explicit merchandise they’d advocate:

• Sheila Janakos, MPH, IBCLC, LE, RLC, CEO and co-founder of Wholesome Horizons Company Lactation Applications and Breastfeeding Facilities 
• Ali Alhassani, MD, FAAP, head of medical providers at Summer time Well being digital pediatric care and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
• Katie Billingsley, a speech-language pathologist (SLP), licensed breastfeeding specialist (CBS), feeding therapist, lactation guide, and director of operations at Fourth Trimester Retreat
• Chardá Bell, IBCLC, a lactation guide, doula, govt director of the San Diego Breastfeeding Middle Basis, and founding father of the birthing assets web site Melanin Milk
• Erin Carroll-Manning, a grasp new child care specialist (MNCS), postpartum doula, new child sleep specialist, lactation educator, and founding father of Mild Giraffes

Components to Take into account When Shopping for Bottles for Breastfed Infants

• Form and Measurement: Most child bottles can be found in slim, broad, or further broad widths. Slim is right if it’s good to maximize horizontal cupboard space. Wider bottles will often function a curved design, which makes them simpler to carry. Likewise, bottles are usually bought in capacities starting from 2 to 9 ounces. Two-ounce bottles are for preemies or newborns; most infants will depend on 4-, 5-, 8-, or 9-ounce bottles. 
• Nipple Circulation: This refers to how briskly the milk is launched from the bottle. Most manufacturers provide nipple flows starting from gradual to quick which might be labeled both by numbers (i.e. 1 to 4) or by pace. Some manufacturers additionally make an extra-slow movement, which is supposed for preemies, or an additional quick, which is meant for a lot older infants. Milk movement when breastfeeding is of course slower, so most bottles focusing on breastfed infants function the bottom pace. You may swap to a faster-flow nipple if you happen to desire—simply be ready to purchase these nipples individually. 
• Materials: “Secure, BPA-free supplies are a should,” says Dr. Alhassani. “Whether or not you select plastic, glass, or silicone, guarantee it’s protected and sturdy.” There are execs and cons with every materials. Glass bottles are much less prone to take up odors, leach chemical compounds, or get discolored with use. However they’re additionally heavier, breakable, and dearer. Plastic is reasonable and straightforward to wash however can develop into discolored or take up odors, particularly if you happen to’re not washing the bottles proper after they’re used. Silicone bottles have essentially the most “skin-like” texture, however their flexibility can result in spilling or leakage, and there’s nonetheless the chance of odor absorption and discoloration over time. Virtually all nipples are comprised of silicone or a silicone mix, however you can even get latex nipples. Bell cautions that “latex is comfortable however much less sturdy resulting from sooner put on and tear; some people, together with infants, could also be allergic.” 
• Venting and Different Particular Options: Most child bottles have some type of anti-colic vent function meant to stop air from entering into the nipple. Often, this design function is within the nipple or bottle ring, however generally it will likely be on the base of the bottle. Many nipples are designed to keep away from collapsing or to permit infants to keep up their pure sucking habits from breastfeeding. Dr. Alhassani advises avoiding bottles with heavy decorations and colours, noting that “easy, clear bottles are higher as they don’t distract the newborn and are simpler to wash.”
• Nipple Form: Some producers make specifically designed nipples supposed to mimic a pure breast to keep away from nipple confusion. “There is no such thing as a such factor as a really human-like nipple, and this suggestion is extra of a advertising software,” Janakos says. “It’s greatest for fogeys to get a number of completely different dimensions and shapes and see what the newborn is most snug with.” Billingsly cautions in opposition to utilizing orthodontic bulb-shaped nipples: “Breastfed infants use a deep latch and a extra coordinated suckling movement that engages muscle groups otherwise than bottle-feeding. Orthodontic formed nipples could not encourage the identical sucking method, doubtlessly resulting in confusion for the newborn when transitioning between breast and bottle.” 
• Ease of Cleansing: Cleansing bottles is low on anybody’s listing of enjoyable actions. However some bottle designs are tougher to wash—particularly if you happen to let milk sit too lengthy in them. In the event you don’t need to put money into specialty brushes due to further nooks and crannies, persist with bottles that don’t function further elements. Billingsly reminds caregivers that “correct cleansing can reduce deterioration and lengthen the usability of a bottle. At all times observe the producer’s tips for cleansing and sterilizing your chosen bottle.”
• What Your Child Needs: Finally, your child has the ultimate say on what bottles you employ. Infants have their very own preferences, and it’s not unusual for caregivers to undergo a number of various kinds of bottles earlier than discovering one which makes their little ones comfortable. This could embody discovering bottles they will maintain, which have nipples appropriate with their latch, and don’t encourage colic or abdomen upset. 

Methods to Use Child Bottles Safely

When bottle feeding with breast milk, correct bottle utilization all the time begins with making certain protected breast milk dealing with.  

Breast Milk Dealing with and Storage

• Containers ought to be correctly washed and sterilized.
• At all times wash your fingers earlier than storing or making ready breast milk for consumption.
• Freshly expressed milk ought to be frozen for long-term storage after both 4 hours at room temperature or 4 days within the fridge.
• Milk is protected for consumption for as much as 12 months of freezer storage.

Bottle Cleansing

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) recommends that child bottles be cleaned after each feeding. If washing in a dishwasher, first make sure that the bottle is dishwasher protected. Utterly disassemble the bottle and place it within the high rack, which is usually what producers advocate. For added security, think about using a basket to stop small elements from getting caught within the dishwasher’s filter and broken. For greatest outcomes, set the dishwasher to a scorching water and heated drying cycle to assist kill germs. In the event you use the heated drying cycle, you don’t must carry out a separate sanitizing step. 

For hand-washed objects, the CDC advises:  

• Wash fingers with cleaning soap and water earlier than dealing with the bottles.
• Disassemble the bottle and rinse elements below working water.
• Set them in a clear basin.
• Fill the basin with scorching water and add cleaning soap. 
• Use a devoted bottle brush to wash objects.
• Squeeze water by way of nipple holes to totally clear them.
• Rinse cleansed elements below contemporary water to take away cleaning soap.
• Set cleansed elements on a clear towel and let air dry.

Hand-washed bottles must be sanitized after each use in case your child is lower than 2 months outdated or has a weakened immune system. This may be accomplished both through the use of an electrical or microwavable sanitizer or by submerging the disassembled elements in boiling water for no less than 5 minutes. Bottles for older infants don’t must be sanitized day by day so long as they’re washed totally after each use.

Suggestions for Correct Bottle Utilization

Examine bottles for harm earlier than each use. Torn nipples can develop into harmful. By no means use the microwave to warmth a bottle. As a substitute, go for a bottle hotter or place a bottle in a bowl of heat water for a couple of minutes. At all times take a look at the milk earlier than giving it to your child. 

The AAP reminds caregivers to concentrate to the nipple movement. In case your little one is gagging or gulping, the movement is simply too quick. In the event that they’re sucking exhausting or getting pissed off, the movement is simply too gradual. Make sure the bottle is angled correctly to stop air within the milk movement. 

Keep away from propping bottles up, as this may additionally pose a choking danger and will even trigger ear infections. This contains gadgets that maintain the bottle to your child’s mouth. By no means put your child to mattress with a bottle as this may encourage cavities as they grow old. Go for a pacifier as an alternative in case your child must suck themselves to sleep. “Pacifiers are sometimes really useful for soothing with out the chance of overfeeding, although they need to be used sparingly and with warning to keep away from masking starvation cues, and ought to be phased out by age 3 on the very newest to keep away from dentition, palate, and jaw improvement points,” says Billingsley.

Who We Are

Dorian Smith-Garcia is a commerce, well being, and parenting author at Mother and father, and a mother of 1 daughter who’s out of the newborn stage. She breastfed her daughter for the primary 8 months. Though she primarily nursed till her daughter was 6 months outdated, she and her daughter had been massive followers of the Comotomo bottles.