Baby Bottles & Nipples: Best Sizes and Shapes for Feeding (2024)

FAQs

What is the best baby bottle size? ›

What size bottle will my baby need? Bottles come in two sizes, small ones which hold 150mls (5 fl oz) and large ones which hold 250ml (9 fl oz). For the first few weeks, newborns feed little and often because their stomachs are so small . The smaller bottles are more suitable for this period.

The number of bottles and nipples you'll need depends on whether you'll be mostly bottle-feeding or mostly breastfeeding. If you're mostly bottle-feeding, you'll probably want eight to ten bottles, and if you're mostly breastfeeding, three or four should be enough. Start with 4- or 5-ounce bottles.

Most babies can breastfeed no matter what mom's nipple is like. Some women have nipples that turn inward instead of pointing outward or that are flat and do not stick out. Generally, a woman who has flat or inverted nipples is able to breastfeed if her nipples can point outward.

However, newborns can feed anywhere between 8-12 times over a 24-hour period. So, if you're bottle feeding a newborn, then it's a good bet to opt for four to six bottles and nipples to get started with, then see how you go from there.

There is no wrong choice for bottles; it just comes down to baby's latch.

Small, 120 mL (4 fl oz) bottles are a good size for newborns. As your baby starts to take more formula during a feeding, you will likely want to have bigger 240 mL (8 fl oz) bottles on hand.

The size of the hole determines how quickly or slowly the milk flows. If the hole is the wrong size, your baby may feed too quickly, too slowly, or swallow too much air. The ideal bottle nipple allows a few drops of milk to drip out as soon as you turn the bottle upside down, then the dripping should stop.

Which bottle is closest to breastfeeding? ›

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.

Some babies drink very fast, and their stomachs expand too quickly. This makes it easier for them to regurgitate, especially if they are very active and start moving around right after feeding. If milk is coming out of the bottle too quickly, your baby will drink too much just to satisfy her need to suck.

Plastic bottles are prone to scratches. These scratches can become spaces for bacteria to live and prosper. Glass bottles are more durable and do not pick up scratches as easily as plastic bottles. This also means that you do not have to replace a glass bottle as often as you have to with plastic bottles.

Let the baby begin sucking on the nipple without milk, then tip the bottle just enough to fill the nipple about halfway with milk. 7. Let baby suck for about 3-5 continuous swallows—20-30 seconds.

Switching Bottle Nipple Sizes

While there are general guidelines, every baby is unique and may have their own preferences and needs. Nipple sizes usually come in three different flows: slow flow for newborns up to 3 months, medium flow for babies between 3 and 6 months, and fast flow for those aged 6 to 12 months.

Within the first month, newborns need six to eight feedings per day of around two to four ounces of milk. As your baby grows into their second month, how often you are feeding them may decrease because they are eating more at one time.

The 32 oz capacity strikes a balance between being large enough to keep you hydrated for extended periods and still being manageable to carry around. 32 oz is the perfect size reusable bottle for the gym, beach or outdoor activities where you might drink more water or not have easy access to a water refill station.