(Amazon)
How you choose to feed your baby is one of the most important and personal choices you will make in her early life. Whether she is exclusively breastfed, exclusively formula fed, or a combination of the two, the important thing is that you and baby establish a routine that gets her the nutrition she needs in a way that works for your family. Many mothers who breastfeed like to have the option to bottle feed from time to time, whether they are feeding pumped breast milk or supplementing with formula. In order to help meet your breastfeeding goals, it’s important to choose the right bottle for your baby—preferably, one that will allow her to go from breast to bottle with ease, allowing you to keep the precious nursing relationship you want while also giving you the option for someone else to feed your baby when you’re at work or getting some much needed rest or self-care time.
You may want to check out our ultimate list of the top 20 best diaper bags for new moms so you have somewhere to stash your bottles! Also, see our roundup of the top 10 best baby bottles, which are great no matter whether you plan on formula or breastmilk feeding.
The bottles in this list are all designed to make the transition from breast to bottle as smooth as possible. Whatever your bottle-feeding needs, there is a bottle in this list that’s bound to be perfect for you and your baby.
1. Best Glass Bottle for Breastfed Babies: Philips AVENT Natural Glass Bottle (Set of Three)
(Philips)
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly bottle, the Philips AVENT Glass Bottle is one of the few made from glass instead of plastic, ensuring no harmful chemicals will leach into baby’s food. These bottles are made from pharmacy-grade borosilicate glass, which is heat and thermal-shock resistant. This bottle works with Philips Avent’s natural line of nipples, which are wide and breast shaped, meaning baby is less likely to suffer nipple confusion when switching from breast to bottle. The anti-colic slow-flow nipples also make the bottles perfect for breastfed babies. The glass also ensures that the bottles are easy to clean and sterilize.
The downside of glass bottles is that they are heavier than plastic, meaning baby may not be able to hold them on her own, or that your wrists may suffer a bit from the weight.
Price: $25.12 (13 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Philips AVENT Natural Glass Bottle here.
Pros:
- Made of pharmacy-grade borosilicate glass that is heat and thermal-shock resistant
- Advanced anti-colic system with innovative twin-valve
- Wide, breast-shaped nipples
- Easy to clean and sterilize
Cons:
- Glass bottles can shatter
- Some consumers report issues with getting the seal to work and leaking
- Heavier than plastic bottles
- Nipples have a ridge, making them harder to clean
Find more Philips AVENT Natural Glass Bottle information and reviews here.
2. Best Anti-Colic Bottle for Breastfed Babies: MAM Anti-Colic Bottle (Set of 2)
(MAM)
If your baby is suffering from colic, this bottle comes highly recommended by many parents. With this set, you get two nine-ounce bottles with medium-flow ultra soft nipples that help make the transition from breast to bottle easier. The bottle is designed with a base ventilation system that reduces the amount of air swallowed by baby, which should in turn reduce gas and symptoms of colic. The plastic and silicone bottles are BPA free. A key feature is the ability to take the bottle apart in three easy steps and sterilize it right in the microwave—parents love how easy the process is and that there’s no need to wait for water to heat up.
Some consumers complain that there are so many pieces to keep up with and that they must be positioned exactly so in order to avoid leaks. Some users have reported receiving the Size 1 slow-flow nipples with this set instead of the Size 2 that it is supposed to come with. Depending on your child’s needs, you may need to purchase additional nipples since these bottles only come with one size.
Price: $13.04
Buy the MAM Anti-Colic Bottle here.
Pros:
- Base ventilation system reduces the amount of air swallowed
- Easily comes apart and sterilizes in the microwave
- Removable plastic cap for travel with measurement marks
- Skin-soft nipples are designed to feel like the breast
Cons:
- Many pieces to keep track of
- Pieces must be precisely lined up or the bottle leaks
- Bottles comes with only one size nipple
- Bottle design not very attractive
Find more MAM Anti-Colic Bottle information and reviews here.
3. Best Bottle with Liners for Breastfed Babies: Playtex Baby Nurser Baby Bottle with Drop-Ins Disposable Liners (Set of 4)
(Playtex)
For the parents who just don’t want to mess with cleaning and sterilizing bottles after every single feeding, the Playtex Baby Nurser Baby Bottle is a great solution. The disposable liners come pre-sterilized, meaning you can just drop a new one into a bottle, fill it up, and go. The liners mimic breastfeeding in a way that helps to avoid breast rejection: as baby eats from the bottle, the disposable liner slowly collapses to prevent air bubbles from forming and entering baby’s tummy. This gentle feeding method is clinically proven to make switching back and forth between breast and bottle easier, and it also helps to reduce gas and symptoms of colic. You can purchase this gift set for just over $24; it includes two four-ounce bottles and two eight-ounce bottles, and 60 total bottle liners (30 for the four-ounce bottles, 30 for the eight-ounce bottles). All four bottles come with NaturaLatch silicone nipples that are designed to act like real nipples to avoid nipple confusion. The bottle has a setting that allows you to angle it to promote semi-upright feeding, which can help to prevent ear infections.
Price: $19.19 (29 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Playtex Baby Nurser Baby Bottle with Drop-Ins Disposable Liners here.
Pros:
- Disposable liners make the cleaning process easy
- The liners mimic breastfeeding by collapsing slowly, helping to reduce symptoms of colic
- NaturaLatch silicone nipples are designed to mimic real nipples
- Bottle can angle to support upright feeding
Cons:
- Disposable liners are an added cost
- Can’t be used for pre-made bottles
- Not ideal for pumped breast milk
- Cleaning the angled part of the bottle can be difficult
Find more Playtex Baby Nurser Baby Bottle with Drop-Ins Disposable Liners information and reviews here.
4. Best Bottle for Pumping for Breastfed Babies: Medela Calma Breastmilk Feeding Set
(Medela)
Out of this whole list, the Medela Calma Breastmilk bottle may be the one that most closely mimics breastfeeding. That is because the designers used empirical research to design the bottle and nipple to make the transition between breast and bottle smooth and easy, meaning baby will be happy to continue nursing even after receiving milk from a bottle. The set comes with one bottle and one nipple, so the cost for this product is higher than comparable products. The nipple comes in only one size that is designed to be used for every stage of feeding; this can be seen as a plus or a minus, because although it is convenient, some consumers have complained that the nipple flows too fast for their baby. The unique flow control valve allows baby to control the milk flow, just like she would at the breast; she can pause and breathe during the feeding, just like during breastfeeding.
Price: $15.99 (20 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Medela Calma Breastmilk Feeding Set here.
Pros:
- Flow control valve allows baby to control milk flow
- Compatible with Medela breast pump, which is a highly recommended pump
- You only need one nipple for every stage
- Developed using evidence-based research for ease of transition between breast and bottle
Cons:
- Set only comes with one bottle
- Might take longer to feed than with other bottles
- Flow is too fast for some babies
- More expensive than other bottles
Find more Medela Calma Breastmilk Feeding Set information and reviews here.
5. Most Stylish Bottle for Breastfed Babies: Comotomo Baby Bottle (Set of 2)
(Comotomo)
The Comotomo Baby Bottle is an attractive silicone bottle that will set your back $22 for a set of two bottles and nipples. This bottle comes in just two pieces and has an ultra wide neck, so it’s very easy to clean. It can go right into the microwave, dishwasher or boiling water for heating milk and sterilizing. The bottle is designed with dual anti-colic vents to reduce symptoms of colic in babies. The naturally shaped nipple has a wide mound that mimics the shape of a real nipple. The bottle is wide and soft, making it easy for baby to hold, and you can even buy a separate handle set that attaches to the bottle for older babies.
The bottle is on the more expensive side, but most consumers seem to think it is worth the price. Some minor complaints are the bottle tips over easily due to it being softer, and the measurement ticks are difficult to read.
Price: $21.91
Buy the Comotomo Baby Bottle here.
Pros:
- Ultra wide neck design for easy cleaning
- Safe in microwave, dishwasher and boiling water for sterilizing
- Dual anti-colic vents for reduction of gas and symptoms of colic
- Naturally shaped nipple with wide mound mimics the shape of a real nipple
Cons:
- More expensive than comparable products
- Hard to read measurement ticks
- Bottle tips over easily
- Silicone bottle takes longer to heat
Find more Comotomo Baby Bottle information and reviews here.
6. Best Bargain Bottle for Breastfed Babies: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles (Set of 6)
(Tommee Tippee)
The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles comes in six fun shades when you purchase the Fiesta set—it’s the best bargain of the whole list, at $20 for six bottles. These bottles are also designed to make it easy for moms to switch back and forth between the breast and the bottle: from the easy latch slow-flow nipple to the EasyVent valve that filters out air bubbles, everything is designed with the baby’s comfort in mind. Parents like these bottles because they are easy and convenient to clean.
Some consumers have reported issues with the measurement ticks being more difficult to read on the colorful bottles, and some have even said that the numbers have worn off after a few washings. Make sure that you pinch the EasyVent valve closed before feedings in order to prevent the nipple from collapsing in baby’s mouth.
Price: $19.79 (46 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles here.
Pros:
- Easy latch slow-flow nipple helps with transition between breast and bottle
- Set of six bottles comes in fun shades
- EasyVent valve filters out air bubbles to ease gas and symptoms of colic
- Not too many parts; easy to clean
Cons:
- Replacement nipples slightly more expensive than some other brands
- Must make sure valve button is closed or nipple will collapse during feeding
- Colors make it harder to read measurements when mixing formula
- Some consumers report that measurement ticks and numbers wear off over time
Find more Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles information and reviews here.
7. Most Similar to Nursing Bottle for Breastfed Babies: The First Years Breastflow Starter Set (Set of 4)
The First Years Breastflow Starter Set is another great bargain, which comes with two five-ounce bottles, two nine-ounce bottles, a snap-on bottle container for formula or snacks, and a bottle brush. The Breastflow system is the only bottle that requires both suction and compression from the baby, just like breastfeeding, which makes the transition from breast to bottle and back again a snap. The nipple is vented, which keeps air bubbles out, helping to reduce gas and symptoms of colic. One cool feature that I haven’t seen on any other bottle is that the cap snaps onto the bottom for feeding on the go so you don’t misplace the cap when the bottle is in use.
An issue that many consumers have is that a bit of milk tends to get stuck in the nipple and needs to be squeezed back out (which can be really important if you want to make sure your baby is getting every last drop of that precious pumped milk!). Other consumers have had issues with leaking and with the nipple collapsing during feeding.
Price: $19.19
Buy the The First Years Breastflow Starter Set here.
Pros:
- Breastflow is the only feeding system that requires both suction and compression, just like breastfeeding
- Set comes with extras like snap-on bottle container for snacks and a bottle brush
- Vented nipple is designed to reduce symptoms of colic
- Bottle cap snaps onto the bottom when feeding so it doesn’t get lost
Cons:
- Lots of parts; harder to clean
- Some consumers report issues with leaking
- Milk gets trapped in nipple and must be squeezed back in
- Some consumers have issues with nipple collapsing during feeding
Find more The First Years Breastflow Starter Set information and reviews here.
8. Most Innovative Bottle for Breastfed Babies: Mimijumi Get Going Bottle Kit (Set of 4)
(Mimijumi)
The Mimijumi is the priciest bottle on the list, but it comes with a beautiful modern design and lots of thoughtful features. The lid is easy to open and close with one hand, which can come in handy when you are feeding baby on your own. The nipple, made from medical and food grade silicone, is designed to mimic a real breast to make the transition from breast to bottle easier on baby. Some consumers report that this is the only bottle their fussy baby would take. (See the video below!) The bottle is also designed with integrated venting to reduce symptoms of colic.
The reviews are mixed on the texture of the nipple—instead of being soft like many of the latex nipples on the market, this one is hard and inflexible. Some babies take to it and some don’t, but it may be worth a try if you haven’t yet found a bottle that your baby will take.
Price: $112
Buy the Mimijumi Get Going Bottle Kit here.
Pros:
- Great for fussy babies who refuse most bottles
- Easy to open and close lid with one hand
- Nipple designed to mimic mother’s breast
- Contains integrated venting to alleviate symptoms of colic
Cons:
- Expensive
- Consumers complain of leaking
- Some consumers do not like the hard nipple
- Flow is too fast for some babies
Find more Mimijumi Get Going Bottle Kit information and reviews here.
9. Best Self-Warming Bottle for Breastfed Babies: Yoomi Feeding System
(yoomi)
The yoomi Feeding System is a self-warming bottle that heats up in 60 seconds. The system comes with the heating pod, which you can charge by heating for two minutes in the microwave; it will stay charged until you use it (but you must let it cool down for about an hour first). The bottle is designed to prevent colic, and the slow-flow nipple will more closely mimic the flow of breast milk. Additionally, breast milk is warm, so warmed bottled milk or formula will taste more similar to mama’s milk coming straight from the source.
The downside to this system is the cost: $30 for the set, which only includes one five-ounce bottle, which might not be big enough for older babies. Some consumers have reported difficulties with getting the warming system to work properly and to heat up the milk to the appropriate temperature. The bottom line is if you’re a parent on-the-go and your baby prefers warmed milk, this bottle could be a life saver.
Price: $25.68 (20 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Yoomi Feeding System here.
Pros:
- Warms your baby’s milk in just 60 seconds
- Bottle is designed to prevent colic
- Dishwasher safe
- Slow flow teat helps to prevent nipple confusion
Cons:
- The five-ounce bottle isn’t big enough for some older babies
- Set is expensive for only having one bottle
- Not compatible with other bottles and nipples
- Some consumers have reported issues with the warmer not working properly
Find more Yoomi Feeding System information and reviews here.
10. Best Wide-Neck Bottles for Breastfed Babies: Dr. Brown’s Wide-Neck Bottle (Set of 2)
(Dr. Brown’s)
At under $10 for a set of two bottles and nipples, Dr. Brown’s Wide-Neck Bottle is one of the best ways to make the most of your money when it comes to bottles compatible with breastfeeding. And this bottle comes chock-full of features that could make it the right one for you and your baby, such as the fully vented bottle design that reduces air bubbles and mimics breastfeeding, helping to prevent gas and colic. These bottles are compatible with the Medela breast pump, which is a highly recommended pump.
The major downside is the number of pieces—each bottle has five separate parts—but they are all dishwasher safe, so you could run them through instead of needing to use a special brush for each part if you have a dishwasher. Some consumers have reported the wide neck did not work great for their babies, especially for babies on the smaller side, such as premies or just very young babies. Some consumers have also reported the product leaks.
Price: $10.99
Buy the Dr. Brown’s Wide-Neck Bottle here.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Fully vented bottle design for vacuum-free feeding, which mimics breastfeeding
- Dishwasher safe
- Compatible with Medela breast pump
Cons:
- Lots of parts to keep track of and clean
- Doesn’t come with travel caps
- Might be too large for very young babies and premies
- Some consumers report leaking
Find more Dr. Brown’s Wide-Neck Bottle information and reviews here.
