The Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies, as Tested by Nursing Moms

reviewed mark Medically Reviewed by Suzanne Chan, D.N.P., C.L.C., C.P.S.T.  | September 14, 2024
best bottles for breastfed babies

Quick Summary

The best bottle for breastfed babies is the Nuk Simply Natural Baby Bottles, as it mimics the flow of breasts, has a flat nipple edge for easier latching, and a SafeTemp indicator. When choosing a bottle for a breastfed baby, experts and parents say it's important to look for bottles with slow flow nipples.

I’ll never forget how nervous I was to introduce my sons to a bottle for the first time. With each of them, I exclusively breastfed for about nine months, so I wasn’t sure how well they would take to a bottle — even one designed specifically for breastfed babies. Although it took some trial and error, I eventually found a bottle they accepted as easily as the breast. (Of course, it ended up being a different bottle for each child — proof that every baby is different!)

As nerve-wracking as it can be, introducing your baby to the bottle is also an exciting milestone. It’s a chance for them to learn a new skill and for you to get a bit of a breather. Once I found a bottle that my baby felt comfortable drinking from, others were able to help with feedings, giving me some much-needed time to myself. Plus, if you have a partner, bottle feeding allows them to be more involved in your baby’s daily care.

While it might not be smooth sailing right off the bat, with the right bottle and a bit of know-how, your little one will pick it up in no time.

How I Chose the Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies

To narrow down the many bottles that are marketed for breastfed babies, I started by polling experts: I spoke to Suzanne Chan, D.N.P., C.L.C., a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner working in the Infant Cardiac NICU at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital in New York City; Yines Garcia-Taylor, B.S.N., R.N., I.B.C.L.C., a registered nurse and a certified lactation consultant in Jersey City, New Jersey; Kyle W. Monk, M.D., a pediatrician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California; Leslie Owens, R.N.-I.B.C.L.C., a certified lactation consultant based in Douglasville, Georgia; Micah Resnick, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician in Cincinnati, Ohio, with TriHealth; and Chrisie Rosenthal, I.B.C.L.C. a lactation consultant based in Los Angeles, California. 

My conversations with these experts helped me understand the different features to consider when choosing the best bottles for breastfed babies, including nipple flow (slow flow is ideal for a breastfed baby, experts say), nipple type and size (there are a range, but flat-topped nipples often more closely resemble a mother’s breast), and bottle neck width (some babies do very well with a wider bottle, while others may benefit from a gradual slope nipple on a narrower bottle). I also referenced guidelines from leading expert groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Next, I spoke to three mothers on the What to Expect editorial team; all breast- and bottle-fed their little ones and have tested more than 20 bottles between them, so they have a lot of opinions about which brands are best. I also considered the bottles I personally tested and used.

Finally, I turned to our community. I scoured our online message boards to compile feedback from What to Expect Community members who combo-fed their babies to ensure that each of the bottles recommended have been tested and vetted by parents to make transitioning between breast and bottle easier.

Based on feedback from parents and our experts, I narrowed down the list of 20-plus products to the seven best bottles for breastfed babies that are featured below, ensuring that all of our picks have:

  • A slow-flow nipple option
  • A design that helps mimic the breast
  • Positive reviews from parents whose babies both breast- and bottle-fed
  • Phthalate- and BPA-free nipples

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Bottle for Breastfed Babies

Nuk Simply Natural Baby Bottles

Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies - Nuk Simply Natural
Buying Options
Pros
  • Nipple design is very breastfeeding-friendly
Cons
  • Some parents don’t like the packaging

Material: Plastic

Available bottle sizes: 5 oz. and 9 oz.

Available nipple sizes: Slow, Medium, Fast

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

If you’re trying to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby, Nuk Simply Natural bottles are one of the first brands you should try. These bottles have a number of features that seem to help babies to switch back and forth between bottle-feeding and breastfeeding, and countless parents in the What to Expect community say they’ve been successful with this brand.

The biggest feature that seems to work well for breastfed babies is the nipple, which has multiple holes to help the flow of milk feel more like breastfeeding, as well as a flat edge. (Start with the brand’s Slow Flow nipples at first.) This is a wide-neck bottle, so the nipple is plenty big enough to feel comfortable to a breastfed baby, too.

“My daughter took to the Nuk bottle easily,” says Leah Rocketto, What to Expect’s Associate Commerce Director, who tried several other bottles before settling on Nuk. “If anything, I had a bigger learning curve, remembering to give her the bottle with the flat edge of the nipple facing down.” 

Leah particularly liked that the bottles were wide enough for easy cleaning, but not so wide that storing was a pain. The shape also made it easy for her to pack them in a diaper bag or breast milk cooler. 

Also good: These bottles have a SafeTemp indicator, which changes color when milk is too hot, and they are relatively easy to store and incredibly easy to clean, parents say. They also are a good choice for little ones who may be suffering from gas or colic, thanks to an anti-colic air vent and gently curved bottle design.

Some parents do say that the packaging on Nuk bottles doesn’t feel as high-end as other brands, but for about $6 per bottle, you can’t beat the value.

Community Reviews
  • “We use the Nuk Simply Natural; it’s the only type my little one likes.”

  • “Only tried Nuk Simply Natural. … My baby 100 percent accepted Nuk and I would tell any breastfeeding mom to try it.”

  • “I went through [bottle refusal] with my son, even having to go to the pediatrician for possible dehydration. Then I bought these bottles and he instantly took the bottle! It’s the Nuk Simply Natural bottle. Best bottle ever!”

  • “We use the Nuk Simply Natural; it’s the only type my LO likes.”

  • “My baby 100% accepted Nuk and I would tell any breastfeeding mom to try it.”

Most Affordable Bottle for Breastfed Babies

Mam Easy Start Anti-Colic Baby Bottle

Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies - MAM
Buying Options
Pros
  • Incredibly popular bottle at an excellent price point
Cons
  • Nipple not as wide as some others on our list

Material: Silicone and plastic

Available bottle sizes: 5 oz., 9 oz. and 11 oz.

Available nipple sizes: Extra Slow Flow, Slow Flow, Medium Flow, Fast Flow, Extra Fast Flow

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Mam Easy Start Anti-Colic bottles claim to have a 94 percent success rate in helping babies make the transition from breast to bottle. And if the countless rave reviews in our What to Expect community are any indication, those numbers may be right. 

These bottles, which are vented and made of a mix of plastic and silicone, are incredibly popular among little ones who breastfeed. Although the nipple isn’t as wide as some others on our list, many parents say their babies had no issues and latched very easily. The slightly textured base and silky soft nipple seem to really appeal to babies, who love holding Mam bottles.

Also good: There’s an anti-colic venting system to reduce the amount of air baby swallows, and the wide-neck design and removable base makes it very easy to get a bottle brush in to clean. At just $9 per bottle, they’re also one of the most affordable brands on this list.

If you’re planning on pumping, one thing to keep in mind with Mam bottles is that they’re generally not compatible with the most popular electric pumps. So you may need to invest in another set of bottles to use with your pump.

Community Reviews
  • “My baby would only take Mam bottles. The nipple is flat and easier for her to latch.”

  • “The Mam bottles are the only ones my son took as a baby and now my daughter only takes them as well. Tried every brand with my son and he rejected them ALL until the Mam bottles.”

  • “Mam bottles. Tried literally everything under the sun, spent way too much money and she only took to Mam.”

  • “My baby did great with Mam bottles from the start! Make sure you have a slow enough nipple too, and that you’re feeding relatively upright and paced. It can be a big adjustment to the bottle!”

Best Bottle for Picky Babies

Lansinoh Feeding Bottles with Natural Wave Nipple

Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies - Three Lansinoh Feeding Baby Bottles
Buying Options
Pros
  • Designed to reduce nipple confusion
  • reduces the amount of air that goes into bottle
Cons
  • The nipples are finicky for some moms

Material: Plastic

Available bottle sizes: 5 oz. and 8 oz.

Available nipple sizes: Slow, Medium, Fast

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

The Lansinoh Feeding bottles have a lot of features to help baby transition from breast to bottle. To start, it is designed so babies can use the same sucking motion that they would during breastfeeding. Also good: These bottles have an air ventilation system that reduces the amount of air your baby swallows, which may make them a good choice for little ones suffering from gas or colic.Parents also appreciate that Lansinoh bottles are so easy to clean, thanks to their wide neck and gently curved base.

A number of parents in the What to Expect community say Lansinoh bottles were one of just a few (if not the only brand) their breastfed babies would take. That includes Christine Mattheis, What’s to Expect’s VP, Content, whose pediatrician and lactation consultant both recommended the brand. 

“We tried every bottle known to man, and eventually our daughter took the Lansinoh bottle the day before I went back to work,” Christine says of her 10-week journey to find a bottle. “Ultimately I really liked the Lansinoh bottles not only because Rose would take them, but because they were cheap and very easy to clean.”

Community Reviews
  • “We introduced bottles to my LO around 5 weeks old and used the Lansinoh Momma after receiving it as a sample from the pediatrician. We love them and we had no nipple confusion at all. He can go back and forth between breast and bottle without any issues.”

  • “We tried seven bottles and this was our winner. She is not 100 percent with it but this is the only one she'd ever take.”

  • “I tried nine bottles and these are the only ones my LO will take. I'm so glad we have them and they are super easy to use and clean!”

  • “I did a lot of research and use Lansinoh. My son had been bottle fed since 3 weeks during the days and breast fed at night. He has no problem transitioning even if I breastfeed him during the day.”

  • “My baby only takes Lansinoh. You can try giving your LO the bottle when she is sleepy and tired. That is what worked for us.”

  • “Currently using Lansinoh and baby likes that one the best. The nipple is slow flow so he doesn’t eat too fast (hoping it helps when my baby is nursing on the breast) and my LC thinks the Lansinoh is a good choice too.”

Best Baby Bottle to Prevent Gas and Colic in Breastfed Babies

Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic Newborn Baby Bottle Feeding Gift Set

Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies - Tommee Tippee Advanced
Buying Options
Amazon
Amazon
$40 for 5, plus accessories
See Now Opens a new window
Pros
  • Special venting system
  • temperature monitor
Cons
  • Some parents experienced leaking issues

Material: Plastic

Available bottle sizes: 5 oz. and 9 oz.

Available nipple sizes: Slow Flow, Medium Flow, Fast Flow 

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

With a wide, breast-like silicone nipple and base that’s very easy for little fingers to grip, Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic bottles are consistently referenced as a good choice for breastfed babies. But they also boast a number of excellent features for little ones who may be suffering from gas or colic.

These bottles have a dramatic curved design, which Dr. Resnick recommends to reduce the amount of air that’s swallowed during feedings. The brand’s three-piece anti-colic venting system also helps remove air from milk, while a distinctive star valve keeps milk from traveling up the tube. Many parents say this venting system seems to have helped their babies’ gas and discomfort. Also cool: The anti-colic venting tube also has a built-in heat sensing feature to alert you if your baby’s milk is too hot.

Of course, the downside of any venting system is that there are more pieces to clean. Some parents also find it a little frustrating that the nipples on these bottles can’t be used with the Tommee Tippee’s standard Closer to Nature bottle nipples — so keep in mind while shopping that you can’t mix-and-match the pieces on the brand’s bottles.

This newborn feeding set comes with everything you’d need to get started with your bottle-feeding journey: two 5-oz. and three 9-oz. bottles with slow flow nipples, a travel bottle warmer, a bottle brush, two medium-flow nipples, two formula dispensers, a set of removable handles, two pacifiers and two valve cleaning brushes. If you know your little one likes the Tommee Tippee nipple, you’ll be all set with this kit. (If you’re not sure, start out with just the bottle set.)

Community Reviews
  • “My LO prefers me at night as well but has done alright with bottle-feeding. We tried about five kinds before he settled on the Tommee Tippee.”

  • “There are so many different options out there, some babies just prefer one over another. My breastfed baby likes the Tommy Tippee and we offer the bottle once a day right now.”

  • “As an infant teacher, I’ve always preferred Tommee Tippee. My LO took to Tommee Tippee right away with no issues!”

  • “Tommee Tippee were the ones that worked best for our little one. I found it replicated the same pace of nursing which is helpful.”

  • “We only reach for the Tommee Tippee now and probably will stick with those for a long time.”

Best Bottle for Latching

Pigeon Nursing Bottle

Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies - Pigeon Glass Nursing Bottles
Buying Options
Pros
  • Cleverly designed nipple encourages a perfect latch
Cons
  • On the pricey side
  • measurements in U.K. ounces

Material: Glass

Available bottle sizes: 5.8 oz., 8.1 oz. and 11.2 oz.

Available nipple sizes: Newborn, 1+/3+ Months, 6+/9+ Months, 15+ months

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

If your little one is having trouble latching on a bottle nipple, Pigeon Nursing bottles may be worth a try. This brand — which is made in Japan but now readily available from U.S. retailers like Amazon — has an innovative nipple that’s designed to make it easier for breastfed babies to feed comfortably. Made from supersoft and flexible silicone, it has a latch-on line to help you guide your baby into a good latching position. In fact, a number of What to Expect parents report that they originally heard about these bottles from their lactation consultants.

The bottle is made from borosilicate glass, which is highly durable and heat-resistant. Reviewers say that it holds up well over time and feels very substantial. It has a wide neck and gently curved body, which makes it easy for babies to hold and even easier for caregivers to clean. The nipple also has an anti-colic venting system.

Pigeon bottles are a little on the pricey side, although the brand’s plastic bottles are more affordable. Something else to keep in mind is that the measurement scale on the side of the bottle reflects U.K. ounces — which doesn’t matter too much if you’re offering baby pumped breast milk, but if you use these bottles to formula-feed, too, you’ll need to convert the ounces to make sure you’re measuring out the correct amount of formula.

Community Reviews
  • “We are using the Pigeon bottles. These were highly recommended by the lactation consultant as they have a similar flow and shape to the breast. My bub is primarily breastfed and has no issues with the Pigeon bottles.”

  • “I had the exact same issues [baby not taking a bottle], I was over buying different bottles with no success. But I tried the Pigeon bottles and they worked a treat!”

  • “I use the Pigeon bottles and haven’t had any issues with them. I used them with my first as well. The LCs where I live recommend them.”

  • “The Pigeon glass bottles clean very well and last much longer than plastic.”

Best Bottle for Breast Milk

Comotomo Baby Bottles

Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies - Comotomo
Buying Options
Pros
  • Babies love to touch the soft silicone base
Cons
  • The round design makes them trickier to store

Material: Silicone

Available bottle sizes: 5 oz. and 8 oz.

Available nipple sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6+ months

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

There’s just something about Comotomo bottles that’s comforting to babies. Made of soft, squishy silicone, older babies in particular love touching these bottles during feedings.

The nipple on Comotomo bottles is also very well-designed for breastfed babies. It’s soft and wide, and countless What to Expect parents say their breastfed baby has done very well on it. "I think my son liked the shape of the nipple — it's more similar to a breast than on most other bottles," says Robin Hillmantel, Senior Director of Editorial Strategy & Growth at What to Expect. The dual anti-colic vents at the top of the nipples also help release air outside instead of going into your little one’s belly.

I used these bottles with my second baby, and my favorite thing about them was how easy they were to clean. They have a wide mouth and collapsible sides, there are only three parts to disassemble and clean, and all parts are microwave-, dishwasher- and sterilizer-safe. The bottles themselves are also easy to put together and take apart, so you're spending less time making baby's bottle.

At $14 each, Comotomo bottles are definitely on the pricier side. But many parents report that since they’re so easy to clean, you actually need fewer of them. That’s especially true if you’re planning on bottle-feeding occasionally while also continuing to breastfeed.

Comotomo bottles don’t have many downsides, but they’re not the easiest to store, thanks to their very wide neck and round design. 

Community Reviews
  • "We use Comotomo and my baby uses both the bottle and boob interchangeably. The bottle itself is even squishy like a boob. They’re a bit pricey but worth every penny.”

  • “We have tried EVERYTHING and she finally likes Comotomo bottles!”

  • “I 95 percent breastfeed and sometimes give a bottle here also. My little guy does great with Comotomo bottles! I have had zero issue with it at all.”

  • “My lactation consultant recommended Comotomo bottles. I got them from Target and I LOVE THEM.”

  • “It’s the only bottle our girl took. I used them because she hated the skinny nipple/small bottle and seemed to want a more breast-like latch. She likes them and doesn’t have any issues with spit up or reflux in fact she barely spits up. We just have 3, I wash them constantly and they seem to work really well. The price is a bit high, but as long as baby girl is eating and happy.”

  • “Love these!! We made the switch and my LO loves them! Just be mindful when putting the nipple in that it’s sealed all the way around. I also think they are so much easier to clean!”

Best Glass Baby Bottle for Breastfed Babies

Lifefactory Glass Bottles

Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies - Lifefactory
Buying Options
Lifefactory
Lifefactory
$20 for 1
See Now Opens a new window
Pros
  • Durable glass bottles compatible with many pumps
Cons
  • Heavy
  • nipple not as wide as some others on this list

Material: Glass

Available bottle sizes: 4 oz. and 9 oz.

Available nipple sizes: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Lifefactory simply makes excellent bottles. They are incredibly well-made, highly durable despite being glass (many What to Expect parents said these bottles have managed to withstand lots of wear and tear) and the silicone cover helps protect the glass while also making the bottle easier for little ones to grip. Parents also love how long-lasting Lifefactory bottles are, especially since you can change the top and continue to use the bottle as a sippy or straw cup when your baby is older.

And if you plan on pumping during your breastfeeding journey, you'll be happy to know that Lifefactory Glass bottles are one of the best breast pump-compatible bottles on the market. Although the brand doesn’t have their own pump, Lifefactory bottles can be used with Medela, Ameda and Evenflo pumps as well as with Spectra pumps with an affordable adapter. What’s more, the glass bottle can go right in the freezer with the flat storage cap— so if you wanted to, you could pump and store your breast milk without having to transfer it to another vessel.

Unlike most nipples on this list, the Lifefactory nipple isn’t vented or flat-topped, and there’s no anti-colic vents. But plenty of What to Expect parents say their breastfed babies took to these nipples without any issues, so if your little one isn’t fussy about nipple design, it could still be a good fit.

Community Reviews
  • “I used a Lifefactory bottle on occasion when I wasn't breastfeeding. I loved that the Medela pump parts fit the top of the bottle! My son had no problems drinking from it, it's very sturdy, and it's easy to clean! One con may be that the glass bottles are heavy and may be hard for a baby to independently hold, but we moved on to sippy cups before that was an issue.”

  • “I’m going to freeze some [breast milk[ in my Lifefactory bottles (in case I need to run out on an errand and my husband needs to feed) and some as cubes (for longer stays away). I know the Lifefactory bottles are pricey, but they are more versatile than other bottles since they can be uses as sippy cups and water bottles later... So I didn't feel bad making the investment.”

  • “Check out Lifefactory glass bottles. You can freeze them safely and transfer them to boiling water. We love them. The glass is tempered and withstood a lot of abuse — we have a full set to use for future kids.”

  • “I personally prefer glass, I always have. I’ve found that LifeFactory bottles are super durable; my 16 month old throws them pretty hard from roughly three feet up and I haven’t had any breaks.”

  • “We’ve used Lifefactory bottles with both my babies and they take them well!”

What bottles are best for breastfed babies?

The best bottle for your breastfed baby is ultimately whichever one he’ll take. But if you’re introducing a bottle for the first time, there are a few features that might increase your odds of success, experts say. “To avoid breast rejection, we want a system that best mimics feeding at the breast,” explains Dr. Resnick. To find that perfect system, consider the following:

Bottle neck width: Even among experts, there’s some disagreement about the best bottle width for a breastfed baby. In the past, many experts believed that a wider bottle base was best to encourage a wide latch. Now, however, many lactation consultants and pediatricians recommend a bottle with a gradual slope and longer nipple. “This encourages a deeper latch and proper tongue placement,” explains Owens. While some babies may do very well with a wider bottle, others may benefit from a gradual slope nipple on a narrower bottle. 

Nipple type and size: “Another factor is finding a nipple that best mimics the baby's mother's breast shape and size,” says Chan. Bottle nipples can come in a few different shapes, including: 

  • Traditional nipples: These are the bell-shaped nipples that you’ll find in most baby bottles.
  • Orthodontic nipples: With a bulbous top and flatter base, these nipples are designed to protect baby’s palate.
  • Flat-topped nipples: These have a bigger base bulb and flatter top, and are meant to feel more like a mother’s breast.

Nipple flow: The experts I spoke to all agree that a slow flow nipple is best for a breastfed baby. “Using a slow-flow nipple will mimic the slow flow of milk from the breast and help prevent nipple confusion,” Chan says. As with bottle width, you may have to experiment with a few different brands to find one that works best for your baby.

Anti-gas attributes: Dr. Resnick recommends looking for a curved bottle: This type is known to reduce how much air your little one swallows, which may in turn cut down on gas and fussiness. In addition to shape, bottles can have other features that may help prevent gas, such as an anti-vacuum nipple. Some even have special anti-gas and -colic tubing or venting systems that help draw air away from the milk.

FAQs

Experts say that the sweet spot for introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby is about three weeks. By waiting a few weeks, you give your milk supply time to get established and let your baby get comfortable with breastfeeding. When in doubt, though, check with your pediatrician or lactation consultant to see what they recommend. Dr. Resnick suggests offering a bottle when your baby has just woken up and is not overly hungry or fussy, and having someone other than the breastfeeding mom do the feeding. 

When buying bottles specifically for breastfed babies, you may want to consider the following features:

Material: Plastic baby bottles are popular because they’re lightweight, affordable and generally very sturdy. But they can be more difficult to clean, since the AAP says the safest way to use plastic baby bottles is to avoid heating them up, which includes not putting them in the microwave or dishwasher. Glass baby bottles have risen in popularity for being microwave- and dishwasher-safe. But they can be very heavy, and it is possible for them to break (though you can purchase silicone sleeves to protect them). Another popular option is silicone bottles, which are soft and flexible but often more expensive. 

Nipple size: "A wider nipple may allow for a larger surface area of the breast to be in contact with the baby's mouth, which can be helpful for babies with a larger latch," Chan explains. "On the other hand, a narrower nipple may allow for a more precise latch and better control over the flow of milk." In other words, you may have to try a few different types before landing on the right fit.

Similarly, you may need to try a few different types of bottles before you find the right one. Some babies simply prefer certain bottles, and many parents end up buying a few before settling on the perfect fit. 

For a breastfed baby, Dr. Resnick says its best to look for nipples that are a wider design. Because of that, flat-topped nipples may be worth trying first; they have a bigger base bulb and smoother top, and are meant to feel more like a mother’s breast. Your little one, however, may also do well on one of the other types: 

Traditional nipples: These are the bell-shaped nipples that you’ll find in most baby bottles.

Orthodontic nipples: With a bulbous top and flatter base, these nipples are designed to protect baby’s palate.

Anti-vacuum nipples: These help limit the amount of air your baby takes in and may help ease gas and colic.

Multi-flow nipples: Generally, bottle nipples are sold in stage-specific flows, but multi-flow nipples can provide multiple stage flows (Stage 1 and 2, for example) in the same nipple. To control the flow, you adjust the position of the bottle.

Disposable nipples: These are sterile and individually wrapped nipples — you might be given them at the hospital, for example. They come in handy for easy clean up, but must be tossed after a single use.

When you first introduce a bottle to your breastfed baby, opt for a slow-flow (sometimes called a Stage 1) nipple. A nipple with a slower flow more closely resembles the experience of breastfeeding, Dr. Resnick says.

Baby bottle brands usually sell bottles in a smaller and larger size, typically a 4- or 5-ounce and an 8- or 9-ounce. The smaller size is better for bottle-feeding a newborn, since at that age your little one will drink up to 4 ounces in a single feeding. As your baby grows, he’ll start drinking 8-ounce or larger bottles. However, parents who would prefer to buy fewer bottles can simply fill a bigger bottle with less milk in the beginning.

The decision about how many baby bottles to get comes down to how frequently you want to clean your baby bottles as well as how often you expect you’ll bottle-feed. When your baby is a newborn, he’ll eat about every three to four hours, six to eight times a day — so parents who are exclusively bottle-feeding may want at least that many bottles in the house. But if you’re only planning on bottle-feeding occasionally, such as a few times a day while also breastfeeding, you may not need quite so many.

  1. WhatToExpect.com, How to Bottle-Feed Your Baby, May 2021.
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Bottle-Feeding Basics, May 2012.
  3. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Baby Bottles and Bisphenol A (BPA), February 2012.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), How to Clean, Sanitize, and Store Infant Feeding Items, February 2023.
  5. Suzanne Chan, D.N.P., C.L.C., C.P.S.T., a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner working in the Infant Cardiac NICU at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital in New York City who is also a certified lactation consultant and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board.
  6. Micah Resnick, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician in Cincinnati, Ohio, with TriHealth and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board.
  7. Yines Garcia Taylor, R.N., I.B.C.L.C., Founder, Prenatal Yini, Jersey City, New Jersey.
  8. Andrea Tran, R.N., I.B.C.L.C., Founder, Breastfeeding Confidential, Denver, Colorado.
  9. Kyle W. Monk, M.D., Pediatrician, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Beverly HIlls, California.