What’s one of the things that you will need when you have a baby? Baby bottles. Even if you plan on exclusively breastfeeding your little one, there might come a time when you want to step away for a bit and have your partner help with a feeding. Baby bottles are a necessity when planning your baby registry. But with so many bottles on the market and with babies having different preferences, how do you know that you’re choosing the right bottles? There are several things that you need to consider. So, before you scour the internet or the baby bottle aisle at your local store, plan ahead, and know what to look for before making your purchase. This list will help you pick at least one or two good baby bottles before your baby’s arrival. Then, once your baby arrives, he can choose which one(s) he likes best.
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Here are eight things to consider before purchasing baby bottles for your baby.
Baby bottles are made of different materials: plastic, silicone, glass, and stainless steel. While looking at the different options, ensure that the brand and bottles you choose are safe and free from potentially harmful materials and toxic chemicals. For example, free from BPA (bisphenol A), phthalates, lead, and PVC.
You’ll find that many baby bottles are made of plastic. Plastic bottles are good options. They are inexpensive and convenient for parents because they’re lightweight and won’t break. However, they will need to be replaced over time, especially if you plan on using the bottles regularly for feedings. When should they be replaced? Look for leaks, cracks, scratches, discoloration, a cloudy look, and check for bad odors.
A great option is the Breastmilk bottle from Nanobébé. It’s baby-safe, non-toxic, and has a great number of benefits for parents and baby! We love that this bottle resembles the shape of mom. (Read our full review of the Breastmilk bottle from Nanobébé.)
Glass bottles give parents peace of mind because glass is naturally free of toxic chemicals, made of natural materials, and dishwasher safe. They pick up fewer scratches than plastic bottles and can withstand high temperatures when washing or boiling to sanitize. Glass can also handle quick temperature changes, like being heated straight from the fridge. Another plus is that glass won’t seep contaminants into the breastmilk or formula inside. And parents like that glass bottles rarely ever need to be replaced — unless they break — and will last for years to come.
Even though glass baby bottles are durable and sturdy, they are heavy and breakable. They can also get slippery when cleaning. To fix this, you can purchase protective silicone sleeves for a better grip and protection from breaking.
These bottles have become popular because of how lightweight they are, that they are not breakable, and because they are flexible and feel more “natural.” They are made from food-grade silicone and are BPA-free. Silicone bottles are a happy medium between glass bottles and plastic bottles. They’re not as sterile, heavy, or breakable as glass; however, they are not as porous and prone to stains as plastic. If you are looking for a more affordable price tag than glass baby bottles but still want the safety features, like being naturally non-toxic, silicone bottles are a great option for you!
When choosing a silicone bottle, something to look out for is choosing one with a wide base. The last thing you want is your breastmilk or formula to tip over and spill after being prepared. This is one of the many reasons why I recommend the Flexy bottle from Nanobebe if you are looking for a good silicone baby bottle. The stable, non-tipping base prevents spills from happening.
These bottles are non-toxic, lightweight, durable, they don’t break like glass bottles, they last for a really long time, and they don’t leach chemicals into your baby’s food. However, they are more expensive. They’re even more expensive than glass baby bottles. Another thing that turns parents off is that you can’t see how much milk or formula is in the stainless steel baby bottle from the outside. This makes measuring and preparing the bottle more of a hassle. These are just some things to consider before purchasing stainless steel baby bottles.
Some baby bottles use disposable plastic liners. Parents do like that they warm up faster, that there is less time cleaning, and they collapse and create an air-free feeding, which reduces air consumption. While these liners are super convenient, they become more costly and are not eco-friendly since they can only be used once. Some of the other dislikes: it can be difficult to read when measuring the liquid amount, the liners are prone to punctures and can create a big mess, and if you run out of liners, you will need to go out and purchase more or use a different type of bottle.
When looking at baby bottles, you’ll notice that they come in several shapes.
Standard – The tall, narrow, and straight baby bottles.
Wide – The shorter and wide baby bottles. These are also designed with short and wide nipples to mimic the breast. Wide bottles are easier to clean and can be easier for your baby to hold earlier.
Angled – These bottles are bent at the neck, so milk collects at the bottom of the bottle. This may prevent your baby from swallowing air. The downside to this shape is that it may be more difficult to clean.
Breast – The innovative Nanobébé Breastmilk baby bottle is designed in the shape of a breast, which encourages smooth transitions between breast and bottle. This unique design allows the bottles and their contents to cool quickly, reducing bacterial growth and warm quickly and evenly, which prevents nutrient-damaging temperatures and hot spots. This means baby is fed safely and promptly. It also warms two times faster than other bottles, is stackable (with included storage caps) to save space, and is easy to clean and assemble.
When it comes to size, baby bottles come in small (around 4-5 ounces) and large (around 8-9 ounces) sizes. The small sizes are convenient during the first few months with baby when they are drinking between 2-4 ounces per feed. But as babies grow, they will eat more per feeding, requiring you to purchase larger bottles.
Before you buy, ask yourself if you want a baby bottle to grow with your baby. If so, to save some money, you can skip the small bottles and go straight to the large bottles. It’s unnecessary to fill the bottles completely at the beginning. However, keep in mind that some larger bottles come with a faster flowing nipple. Thus, check on the nipple level that comes with your bottles before you purchase, especially if you plan on using the larger bottles with your newborn.
I really like that the Flexy silicone baby bottles can truly grow with your baby. Their small, compact design holds up to 9 oz., and you can use their quick snap Flexy Bottle Handles for when your little one has developed their fine motor skills.
In general, bottle nipples are made of latex, silicone, or you can find some that are made of natural rubber.
Latex – Latex nipples are softer, inexpensive, and more flexible than silicone nipples. However, they’re not as durable and do wear out faster. They also may leach carcinogens called nitrosamines, which is scary. Another thing to be mindful of is some babies are allergic to latex.
Silicone – Silicone nipples are made from food-grade or medical-grade silicone. They are firmer than latex nipples but are more durable, which means they last a lot longer. They are also toxin-free!
Natural Rubber – Natural rubber nipples are also non-toxic, soft, and flexible.
No matter which nipples you purchase, they will need to be replaced over time. What should you be on the lookout for? Look for cracks, tears, thinning, discoloration, if they become sticky, and if the flow is flowing faster than it was originally when you purchased it.
Most nipples shapes fall into one of three categories:
Traditional – Long and skinny nipples.
Wide – Short and wide nipples that are made to resemble the shape of a breast. Breastfed babies may more easily accept these nipples.
Orthodontic – These are designed to fit the shape of your baby’s palate and gums, promoting healthy oral development and digestion. The nipples look to be flat on one side, which is said to mimic sucking on a human breast.
A question that you need to ask yourself is, do you plan on breastfeeding your baby or not? This can play a big factor when choosing the shape of your baby’s bottles and nipples. Ideally, if you plan on breastfeeding, you want to choose a bottle and nipple shape that resembles the breast. This includes the flow not being too fast, which brings me to my next point.
Baby bottle nipples come in three different levels: Level 1 (slow), Level 2 (medium), and Level 3 (fast). Some bottles even offer a preemie nipple. The level corresponds with the different flow speeds, meaning how quickly your baby can get the milk out of the bottle. Typically, healthy newborn babies start with a slow flow, which is a Level 1 nipple, and they work their way up as they grow and can handle a faster flow.
It’s vital to have the correct level nipple for your baby, especially if you plan on breastfeeding and bottle-feeding your baby. If you plan to do both, it’s recommended to go with the slower flow. A slower flow mimics the “work” they have to do when feeding at the breast. You don’t want it to be too easy to get the milk out of the bottle because it helps your baby not overeat or vomit. It also helps them maintain their sucking strength for breastfeeding. And if it’s too easy to get the milk out, your baby may ultimately prefer the bottle and refuse the breast since it’s less work for them to eat.
A good indication that your nipple level is too big and fast-flowing is if your baby chokes or sputters during the feeding session. If you notice this, go back down a size. And, of course, replace the nipples when your baby is ready for the size up or if the nipples are cracked or showing signs of aging.
A great feature that some bottles and/or nipples have is special venting, which can help reduce colic, gassiness, and fussiness in babies. Sometimes vented bottles require additional parts, which means additional things to wash, sanitize, and assemble, and sometimes you can find the venting on the bottle or nipple. These vents help limit the amount of air that babies swallow, reducing gas and spit-up.
I love that the Nanobébé bottles have advanced anti-colic systems with no extra parts necessary, that help with no post-feeding fussiness, gassiness, or discomfort.
There are also a few conveniences that some bottles offer that might help you with your baby bottle purchasing decision.
If you plan on exclusively bottle-feeding your baby breastmilk or formula, you will be washing a lot of bottles. This is one of the least favorite parenting chores, so think about how many parts the bottle has. Also, think about whether you need a bottle brush to clean the bottles and how easy each piece is to clean.
You’ll need several baby bottles on hand, so you aren’t constantly washing only a few over and over all the time. Because you need a good amount of bottles, they can take up a decent amount of storage space. Think about the size and shape of the bottles when it comes to storing them. The Nanobébé Breastmilk bottles are one of the most convenient when it comes to storage. They can be stacked one on top of another, leaving you much more room for other items.
If pumping is a part of your routine, you may find it appealing to pump directly into your baby’s bottles. Some bottles can attach directly to your pump, and some come with adapters so that you can catch your milk straight into the bottle. It makes it extremely convenient to store in the fridge and put a nipple on it when your baby is ready to eat, especially if you are pumping regularly.
By considering these eight points before you start buying baby bottles for your baby, we know this will limit your trial and error time testing baby bottles and will ultimately save you time, money, and your sanity. Cheers to finding the baby bottle of your and your baby’s dreams!
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OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Healthier materials
Breast-like nipple
Easy to clean
REASONS TO AVOID
Tips easily
Slow warm time
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Sizes 5, 8 oz Material Silicone Weight 3.7 oz Bottle Mouth Wide Anti-Colic Feature Vented nipple TheThe Comotomo bottle impresses with its eco-friendly silicone, breast-like nipple, and overall simplicity. It offers uncomplicated assembly with only three parts, and the silicone body and nipple ensure that the formula/milk has minimal contact with plastic. The silicone also provides a soft, breast-like surface for babies to grasp when feeding. The nipple is softer than average and has a vent on either side to help your baby ingest less air with each swallow. This silicone is durable, and thanks to its wide-neck design, cleaning this bottle is simple, even without the best baby bottle brush . However, you'll likely want a small brush to ensure that the nipple valves are clear of residue to keep the milk flowing freely and prevent the growth of bacteria.
We like the advantages of silicone over plastic, but there are some downsides. The pliable structure doesn't create a stiff bottle body, and because the bottle's base is much narrower than the top, it can tip over. The Boon Nursh is a similar silicone but it is less prone to tipping in our test. Also, silicone's soft and squeezable nature (something babies will likely love) may spray a small stream of milk from the nipple when slight pressure is applied (frankly, just like mom). Despite these relatively minor drawbacks, the Comotomo is one of our favorites, and we would use or recommend it to a friend.
Read more: Comotomo review
Missing photo ID#521083~best overall baby bottle
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OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Glass body
Breast-similar nipple design
Easy-to-read volume markings
REASONS TO AVOID
Asymmetrical nipple
No sleeve
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Sizes 4, 8 oz Material Borosilicate Glass (BPA-free) Weight 5.8 oz Bottle Mouth Wide Anti-Colic Feature Vented nipple TheThe NUK Simply Natural Glass is a glass bottle that meets our criteria as a top-notch bottle. The borosilicate glass is relatively durable, and the simple design of the bottle makes it easy to use, fill, and clean. One of the best parts about this bottle is the nipple. It's soft, has a unique flattened tip, and a wide nipple mound, which we believe is more breast-like. This nipple might be good for babies who regularly switch back and forth between bottle and breast.
Glass is more likely to break if it falls or is dropped, and NUK does not offer a protective sleeve like some of the competition (even as an accessory). While we love the nipple, it requires a bit more attentiveness from the caregiver because you must correctly position the asymmetrical shape in the mouth, or it may feel awkward for the infant. Plus, the nipple vent should be placed directly under the baby's nose; otherwise, it can't correctly release pressure. The Evenflo Vented + Glass is also one to consider for gassy or colicky babies, as it is designed to vent excess air. However, the Nuk is easy to work around these peculiarities with extra care, and our testers loved using the NUK Simply Natural. We think this contender is worth considering if you're searching for an outstanding glass baby bottle.
Read more: NUK Simply Natural Glass review
Missing photo ID#531921~best glass baby bottle
$20 at Amazon
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Healthier material
Affordable
No leaks
REASONS TO AVOID
Difficult to read volume markings
Breakable
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Sizes 4, 8 oz Material Tempered Glass Weight 4.9 oz Bottle Mouth Narrow Anti-Colic Feature Vented nipple TheThe Evenflo Vented + Glass bottles use tempered glass that is not as strong as borosilicate but still somewhat resistant to bumps and temperature changes thanks to special chemical treatment. We love that Evenflo offers a bottle priced on par with budget plastic bottles while still being made with eco-friendly materials. We did not have any problems with this bottle leaking during testing, and the nipple is soft enough that most babies can latch right on. This bottle is easy to assemble and clean with only three parts, although the small vent on the bottom of the nipple may require a tiny brush to clean appropriately.
While we love plastic alternatives, you must take extra care with glass bottles. Evenflo does not offer a protective sleeve, and tempered glass is one of the least durable materials we encountered during testing. The narrow nipple base is less breast-like, and breastfed babies may have more difficulty with this style. If a wider nipple mound works better for your little one, the NUK Simply Natural Glass has a wider mound and an adaptable nipple that might be easier for some babies to latch onto. The narrow neck opening in the Evenflo also makes it a bit more challenging to clean and fill, and you will need to purchase a special bottle brush. However, compared to similarly priced bottles, it is hard to find one with this many perks. If you are on a tight budget but want a glass bottle for health or eco reasons, Evenflo is your best bet.
Read more: Evenflo Vented + Glass review
Missing photo ID#531922~baby bottle - best bang for your buck
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to clean
Healthy materials
Solid base
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to read volume markings
Stiff nipple
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Sizes 4, 8 oz Material Silicone, Plastic Weight 3.2 oz Bottle Mouth Wide Anti-Colic Feature Collapsible silicone pouch TheThe Boon Nursh has a unique design, and we are impressed with its performance. It's a ventless system that uses a silicone drop-in pouch that collapses as the baby drinks to reduce gas-producing bubbles that can upset babies' bellies. The wide neck opening makes filling during bottle-making easier, and we consider the wide nipple mound more breast-like. The silicone liner is flexible enough to be turned inside out and cleaned with a regular sponge, although we still recommend using a small brush to reach the inside of the nipple. One of the perks of having a solid plastic shell is that it creates an excellent level of stability that isn't typical of silicone bottles.
We appreciate a bottle that provides a boob-like experience for babies, and the hard plastic shell keeps babies from feeling the breast-like, squishy silicone body. Also, the nipple is a bit stiff for our liking. However, we think this stiffness prevents nipple collapse, as the anti-colic method relies on a vacuum that prevents any air from entering the bottle. The Comotomo has a better nipple, in our opinion, though every baby is different. The volume markings on the Boon are on the plastic shell and correspond with stripes on the silicone liner. Even in a brightly lit room, the markings are difficult to distinguish and even more difficult in a dim nursery. However, we loved using the Boon Nursh and think the collapsible liner may work for super burpy babies.
Read more: Boon Nursh review
The Boon Nursh was a baby favorite for gripping.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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$50Our baby tester could almost hold onto the Boon Nursh independently.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
We purchased each product in this review for hands-on testing. Our extensive testing took place in-house at BabyGearLab, which includes side-by-side comparisons to evaluate critical metrics like leakage, ease of cleaning, eco-health, and more to determine the best. Also influencing our final analysis and rank of products is feedback from infant testers and their caregivers who participated in the testing process.
Baby bottles are tested across 5 performance metrics in our review.
The bottles each undergo real-world testing with tiny testers, and we combine that feedback with more than 9 in-house tests to influence scoring and awards. Tests include leak testing, including upside down in a diaper bag, nipple feel, pliability, flow, and latch-ability, as well as eco-health research, ease of cleaning, and ease of use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The BabyGearLab Team is exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about baby bottles. Overseeing this review is BabyGearLab founder Dr. Juliet Spurrier, a board-certified pediatrician and mother of two. Relying on her experience as a mother, medical training, and practice as a physician, Dr. Spurrier selects top products to put through extensive testing. Also contributing to our review with hands-on, real-world testing is MaryAnn Wofford, a mother to 6 children and has over ten years of professional nanny experience.
Babies can be particular and fussy when it comes to baby bottles. The first thing you should know is it can take some trial and error to find the bottle your baby uses without frustration or refusal. So, give yourself and your baby some grace by first realizing that no matter how much you research or consider, the best option is often up to your little one and can require buying more than one type. We think some specific qualities can make your baby bottle days easy or complex, depending on your choice.
Perhaps one of the most important considerations, and the quickest way to narrow the options, is to choose what kind of materials you'd like to use. We aren't huge fans of plastic and are drawn to the silicone and glass bottles, However, plastic is less expensive than glass or silicone and glass can be heavy. Only you can determine what is best for your baby and situation based on your budget and goals.
Because your bottles will be used frequently, it is best if they are easy to assemble, use, and clean. Fewer parts is better, simplicity is key in our opinion. However, if your little one is colicky, you might need a more convoluted bottle. No one wants to waste time with a complicated bottle, so finding a system you can stick with is key.
We recommend buying a single version of one or two different models to see what your baby likes best before you buy a multi-pack or specific system. While the bottle you end up not using might be a waste of money, it will save you money, time, and frustration in the long run if your little one hates and refuses to feed (and they do this).
The four parts of the PopYum are all relatively easy to clean, but a bottle brush is necessary for the oddly shaped nipple.The formula gets scooped and stored in the nipple section of the bottle.With so many baby bottles to choose from, it may be dizzying to tell the difference between manufacturers' features and claims. We tested things like ease of use, cleaning, leakage, and more to help provide the details to help you determine how you plan to feed your baby and what features are important to you before investing in a bottle for your little one.
Investing in a high-quality bottle may be a good choice depending on your lifestyle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
When purchasing a baby bottle, consider how much you plan to use it. Are you planning to bottle-feed exclusively? If so, you will want a durable bottle that stands the test of time. If you plan to mainly breastfeed and occasionally supplement your baby's diet with formula, then a bottle's functionality may be less critical. Another consideration is the cost of healthier materials. A plastic bottle, like the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature or Lansinoh, is lightweight and sometimes more affordable, making it one to consider for daycare or while traveling with your baby. However, for some families, the lower price of plastic may not be as high of a priority if you value using eco-healthier materials, like glass or silicone. The Evenflo could be a great everyday bottle that uses glass and is budget-friendly. We also think the Comotomo is a well-rounded option that offers excellent value. It's easy to use and should last the duration of your baby's bottle-feeding years, making it a good value for longevity.
A leaky bottle is the last thing you want to worry about when feeding a baby.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The last thing you want to worry about is leaking. Plus, once your baby's hunger strikes, you will want to whip up a bottle, screw on the top, and soothe your hungry baby ASAP. None of the bottles leaked when correctly assembled during testing, so the key to our testing was which bottles could easily be incorrectly assembled. In our opinion, bottles with fewer parts, such as the Evenflo Vented + Glass or the Comotomo, are less likely to trip you up, resulting in fewer leaks.
Top performers in this metric are the Comotomo and Nuk Simply Natural. You are more likely to experience leaks from a poor latch than from the cap of these bottles.
Baby bottle nipples come in all shapes and sizes.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
One nipple type doesn't necessarily work for all babies, and it can be challenging to know which one your baby will prefer. We recommend narrowing the options to a few brands and purchasing one bottle from each to test for a few weeks.
Almost all nipples are silicone and vary in shape. Some are stiffer, whereas others are softer. There are a few common characteristics that babies typically like. In general, the more breast-like the nipple is, the more likely a baby will get a good latch. A nipple with a broad base is usually best. Most manufacturers offer various flow rates, ranging from slow to fast. Selecting the right level for your child can depend on a few factors, such as the child's age and if they're transitioning between breast and bottle, because you will want to select a nipple flow rate with the same effort as breastfeeding to avoid preference. You can locate the nipple's flow rate on the packaging or the nipple itself. The NUK Simply Natural Glass has a flattened nipple tip and soft silicone, which closely imitates the breast.
Check Bottle Nipples
Frequently check the nipple for discoloration, thinning, cracks, or breaks, and replace them if you notice signs of wear and tear.
This photo shows the difference in neck openings, from Comotomo's wide neck to Lifefactory's narrow neck.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Swallowing air during feeds is one of the most common ways for babies to trap gas bubbles in their digestive tract, which can cause discomfort and fussiness. Every baby bottle in our lineup has an anti-colic system or claims to limit the amount of ingested air. The Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original has a more complex anti-colic vent system using multiple parts, and some parents of colicky babies often swear by this bottle. Other contenders use a vented nipple, which allows a small amount of air to pass through a hole in the nipple base to prevent a vacuum. The Lifefactory Glass Bottle has ridges on the nipple's base that serve the same purpose.
The single nipple vent is located on the bottom edge of the nipple and fits just inside the upper rim of the bottle.The nipple on the Comotomo has dual anti-colic vents.The nipple on the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature has a single anti-colic vent.Others have an additional component that allows air in and out of the bottle. The Joovy Boob Diamond has a collar that fits the bottle's rim and leaves a bit of space without milk release.
The squishy silicone drop in collapses as baby drinks from the Boon Nursh.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Last, as seen in the Boon Nursh, having no vent can also be an effective anti-colic system. This bottle features a silicone liner that seals tightly with the nipple and creates a vacuum. As your baby drinks, the liner collapses to relieve the pressure without the need for added air.
We suggest handwashing all plastic bottles and parts, despite being dishwasher-safe.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
All the bottles in our test group claim to be "dishwasher safe" by the manufacturer. However, we strongly recommend handwashing, especially for plastic parts, to reduce the potential for chemicals to leach and to prolong the product's life.
The Comotomo and mimijumi are the simplest bottles in the group. These bottles are a cinch to clean with fewer parts and a wide neck opening. Our least favorite bottle to wash is the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original. Its anti-colic system has several parts with nooks and crannies, requiring a special brush to thoroughly clean smaller crevices. However, if this bubble-reducing bottle works for your little one, it may be worth the extra effort to avoid baby discomfort and spit-up.
We highly recommend using a top-ranking baby bottle brush for handwashing, and even a special brush, which can help clean smaller be more challenging to clean than others. A baby bottle with a narrow mouth opening can spray as you pull the brush out, but wide-neck options are less likely to create a messy spray. The Boon Nursh has only two parts that need actual scrubbing. Both can be turned inside out and cleaned with a regular sponge.
The baby bottle competition uses various materials, such as glass, silicone, plastic, or a blend.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Eco-health is very important to us. Keeping this in mind, most bottles we tested are glass or silicone, which are generally considered safer for babies and the environment than plastic.
Nanoplatics…the Nebraska team further found that three-quarters of cultured embryonic kidney cells had died after two days of being introduced to those same particles. A 2022 report from the World Health Organization recommended limiting exposure to such particles.
A recent University of Nebraska study on microwaving plastics showed that when some plastics heated in the microwave can release enormous numbers of plastic particles. In some cases, the levels can reach more than 2 billion nanoplastics and 4 million microplastics for every square centimeter of the container. While the health impact of these kinds of particles is still foggy, a recent article stated For these reasons, we prefer glass over plastic and recommend not microwaving plastic containers.
Plastic baby bottles are widely available, and we understand why they remain popular. Plastic is more affordable, more durable, lightweight, and can be more convenient to use. However, given the potential risk of chemicals leaching and exposure to microplastics, it's not our preferred material for feeding. Therefore, plastic contenders tend to rank low in this metric, especially the PopYum. Not only is the entire bottle made of plastic, but it also has pieces and more plastic mass overall than other bottles.
The PopYum, Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature, and Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original are some of the plastic bottles we looked at.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Some evidence suggests that high temperatures and shaking from the bottle preparation process can potentially increase and release microplastics into a baby's bottle. Here are some tips when using plastic bottles:
For more information, read Are Plastics Safe for Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups?
Some glass options include the Lifefactory, Joovy Boob Diamond, Evenflo Vented + Glass, and NUK Simply Natural Glass.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Baby bottles that use borosilicate glass rank higher than the competition. Borosilicate glass has an entirely different chemical makeup that is highly durable and helps bottles endure significant and sudden temperature changes without breaking. These bottles generally last a long time and can typically handle daily usage. The Joovy Boob Diamond and Lifefactory Glass Bottle score highly, as they use this type of glass, create an environment where liquid has little to no contact with plastic, and come with a silicone sleeve for added protection and grip for little hands. We also appreciate that the packaging of the Joovy Boob Diamond mentions that the glass is thermal shock resistant, allowing it to go from freezer to bottle warmer. The NUK Simply Natural Glass is a close runner-up. While it doesn't offer a silicone sleeve, it uses borosilicate glass.
Comparatively, tempered glass, which is what the Evenflo Vented + Glass uses, is created by treating regular glass with a chemical or thermal process to increase durability and lessen the likelihood of breakage from drops and bumps. It is more resistant to heat, but it is still not a good idea to go straight from the freezer to the bottle warmer with tempered glass.
The Comotomo and the Boon Nursh both have bodies made primarily from silicone.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Silicone is an excellent compromise among the material options. It is much healthier than plastic and more durable and lighter than glass. Silicone bottles used to be a rarity, but today, the market is bursting with silicone. Silicone products in our lineup include the Comotomo, Boon Nursh, and Nanobebe Flexy.
Interestingly, the Chicco Duo is a hybrid bottle, unlike any other contender in the lineup. The interior uses a very thin layer of glass called INVINCI-GLASS, which adheres to a plastic exterior. Essentially, it seems to combine the best of both worlds; your baby's milk touches the glass, and the plastic makes it durable and lightweight. Being a newer concept, we began researching this material but ended up sort of empty-handed. Therefore, we had a few questions for Chicco, such as: How do you know if the glass interior experiences breakage or damage? Here's what Chicco shared with us:
"Technology for the Duo bottles is proprietary. They are developed using an advanced patented technology that has been in use in medical and pharmaceutical products… The bottles are made in the USA and meet all state and federal regulatory requirements." — Chicco
In our opinion, Chicco did not share as much information as we would have hoped or what we think parents deserve. Their answer to our inquiries lacked the kind of details that would have increased our confidence in recommending this new technology. While we aren't saying anything is wrong with it or the hybrid bottle, we are hesitant, given the vagueness. In addition, we discovered evidence from other users of bottle rims melting during the sterilization process and concerns about potentially broken glass going undetected inside the bottle (reported by users online). Other products in the review use materials that we feel are more familiar and bring peace of mind regarding eco-health without the remaining questions we had with the Chicco.
The buttons on either side of the PopYum bottle can be squeezed with one hand so you can still keep track of baby with the other.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Newborns can eat as frequently as every 2 hours, and if you're bottle-feeding, chances are you'll be handling (and cleaning) baby bottles upwards of 8 times a day for the first few months. We suggest selecting a product that is effortless to use. You should ask yourself, how many pieces will I have to assemble and clean? How tricky is a liquid transfer? Is it comfortable to hold? Our favorite bottles have very few parts and are fool-proof to assemble.
The Comotomo ties with the mimijumi and the NUK Simply Natural Glass for the easiest bottles to use. All three earned matching high scores. Bottles with a wide neck opening are much easier to mix formula or pour breastmilk into, reducing waste and eliminating the mess. However, those with narrow neck openings, like the Evenflo Vented + Glass and Lifefactory, can result in liquid loss or mess. The most complicated bottle in our testing is the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow as it has many parts and pieces to assemble, disassemble, wash, and dry, taking more time than any other bottle we have used.
The volume markings are a bit difficult to read when the bottle is empty.The volume markings are on the silicone sleeve, rather than directly on the glass, as is the case in most bottles.There is not much contrast between the volume markings and the rest of the bottle, so you must catch the light in order to read them.If you want to monitor how much liquid your baby is consuming, we suggest selecting a bottle with distinct volume markings. Also, ask yourself, is it comfortable to hold? How about for your baby? Glass bottles like the Lifefactory or the NUK Simply Natural Glass are heavier and more challenging for a baby to hold. Alternatively, plastic and silicone options are generally lighter and more comfortable for small hands to manage, and the Comotomo is lightweight and pliable for easy gripping.
The nanobebe bottle allows you to pump and feed your child using the same product.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
If you're planning to pump to store milk or build a supply for your bottle-fed baby, we tested the best breast pumps to find the best options for every need and budget.
All the bottles brought something different to the table, but only a few came out on top.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Many babies use bottles multiple times a day for more than a year. Even breastfed babies often use bottles when their mom is away or sleeping. This reality means selecting a baby bottle that you and your baby are happy with is essential for successful feedings . It helps to consider parent-driven factors, such as leaks, level of effort to clean parts, and convenience, in your decision-making process. However, on the baby's end, nipple type is equally important because not every nipple will work for every baby. Luckily, we've completed extensive testing to bring you the details you'll require to make an informed decision. While we can't say what features your specific baby may prefer, we feel confident there is something for every baby in our lineup, and we hope that our findings help you make a good choice for your family.
For more information, please visit Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle.