Worried Your Breastfed Baby Won't Take a Bottle? Start With the Bottles Our Babies Loved (2024)

Fed is best, whether little tummies are filled with formula or breast milk. But there’s no denying breast milk has health benefits, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for a baby's first six months. Many breastfeeding parents also rely on bottles, whether they’re occasionally or exclusively pumping, or supplementing with formula. And for them, finding the right bottle a breastfed child accepts may take some trial and error.

A bottle’s materials, shape, and nipple flow rate are all factors to consider. It’s not uncommon for caregivers to test numerous bottles before finding a fit. “All babies just want to feed without having to work too hard, which can take a different bottle for each baby,” explains Erin Carroll-Manning of Gentle Giraffes Newborn Care and Family Services. “It’s best to get sample packs of 2–3 bottles of different types to find out what bottle your baby likes or what might be best for your child’s specific situation.”

According to Katie Billingsley, a certified breastfeeding specialist, speech-language pathologist, lactation consultant, and director of operations at Fourth Trimester Retreat, “Breastfed babies use a deep latch and a more coordinated suckling motion that engages muscles differently than bottle-feeding. Bottle nipples that mimic the breast in shape and size can be more readily accepted by breastfed babies.”

To find the best bottles for breastfed babies, we surveyed 29 members of the Parents staff who were breastfeeding and using bottles. We asked what they liked about their bottles, how easily their baby took them, and how simple they were to assemble and clean. We also tapped several experts to provide insights and product recommendations. We assessed bottles based on materials, shape, size, nipple flow, and anti-colic features to give you a range of options.

Our Favorites

• Best Overall: Philips Avent Natural Baby Glass Bottle
• Expert-Recommended: Evenflo Balance Plus Wide Neck Bottle
• Best Anti-Colic: Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle with Airfree Vent
• Best Anti-Colic (Glass): Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options Wide-Neck Glass Baby Bottle
• Easiest to Clean: Comotomo 250ml Green Bottle
• Best Silicone: Nanobebe The Flexy Silicone Baby Bottle
• Best Nipple Shape: Lansinoh Breastfeeding 8oz Bottles
• Best Narrow: Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options Narrow Baby Bottle
• Best Self-Sterilizing: Mam Easy Start Anti-Colic Baby Bottles

When Should You Introduce a Bottle to a Breastfed Baby?

Experts recommend waiting until your baby has successfully breastfed for four to six weeks before introducing a bottle. This will help to minimize nipple confusion and ensure that your baby has mastered their latch and sucking techniques. “If there are feeding difficulties before this point and the baby needs extra milk or the parent is too sore to directly breastfeed, bottles can be used as long as the baby is on a very slow-flow nipple and their feeding is paced,” notes Sheila Janakos, MPH, IBCLC, LE, RLC, CEO and co-founder of Healthy Horizons Corporate Lactation Programs and Breastfeeding Centers.

What If Your Baby Refuses the Bottle?

Bottle refusal isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong. “For initial steps, consider changing positions, minimizing distractions, and having someone else feed the baby,” says Chardá Bell, IBCLC, a lactation consultant, doula, and executive director of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation. “If a breastfeeding parent is bottle feeding, turning the baby away during bottle feeding can prevent them from seeking your nipple.” If problems persist, you may need to seek professional help.

“If the baby literally cannot take a bottle and gags or can’t coordinate the suck, it might be time to meet with a lactation consultant or speech pathologist specializing in infant feeding,” Janakos explains. “These professionals can help rule out any anatomical issues, such as tongue-tie, high palate, or an extreme gag reflex that might impact the baby’s ability to use a bottle.”

But first, you also may just want to experiment with a few of the following baby bottles and nipple types.

Best Overall: Philips Avent Glass Natural Baby Bottle

Why We Like It

Durability and a smart nipple are the biggest perks of Philips Avent’s Glass Natural Baby Bottle. The nipple works similarly to the breast: Milk is only released when the baby is actively sucking, ensuring they don’t get overwhelmed by the flow. Our survey respondents appreciated the durability, ease of upkeep, and natural grip: “They’re easy for us to hold, clean, transport, and warm up,” they noted.

Respondents especially loved how glass doesn’t absorb flavors, harbor bacteria, or leach chemicals like plastic. This pick is BPA-free and heat-resistant. The bottles are available in assorted four-packs, although it’s possible to find them in three-pack sets at some retailers. If you’re not a fan of glass bottles, Philips makes a plastic version.

But Take Note

Glass bottles are heavier and may break if dropped. Even our survey respondent admitted that for all the positives, the heavier weight meant it was harder for a baby to lift, especially when full. The nipple flow may be slow for babies who were bottle-fed early.

The Details:

• Sizes: 4 ounce, 8 ounce
• Nipple types: Level 1 through 5
• Materials: Bottle: glass; nipple: silicone
• Washing instructions: Dishwasher safe; hand wash with soap and water

Expert-Recommended: Evenflo Balance Plus Wide Neck Bottle

Why We Like It

Lactation consultants sing the praises of the Evenflo Balance Plus Wide Neck Bottle, especially for babies who’ve been exclusively nursing. One of the biggest selling points here is the longer nipple that re-creates what a breastfeeding baby is used to. Billingsley says breastfed babies are more likely to accept “a nipple with a gradual tapered slope, such as the Evenflo Balance Plus.” Best of all, you can connect these bottles to your breast pump flanges with an adapter.

The nipple has a built-in vent to help prevent air from getting in, and the slower flow closely matches nursing, allowing babies to drink smoothly and avoid gulping. It comes with a slow-flow nipple, and you can purchase medium or fast flows separately. The simple three-part design and wide neck make cleaning easy. This BPA-free bottle is available in singles, three-packs, or six-packs, and it’s safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave.

But Take Note

The nipple is prone to collapsing, and its unique shape makes the nipple vent hard to clean and dry. It’s vital to get all of the water out of the vent to prevent mold from growing.

The Details:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 9 ounce
• Nipple types: Slow, medium, fast
• Material: Bottle and lid: BPA-free plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing instructions: Dishwasher safe; hand wash with soap and water

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

Why We Like It

Caretakers with colicky or gassy babies will appreciate the unique design of these anti-colic bottles. While it might look like a weird scoop or spoon, that design works to prevent air from entering the nipple, even when held horizontally. Survey respondents appreciated the simple design and that the parts were dishwasher-safe.

The plastic bottle is designed from BPA-free material and a silicone nipple. In total, there are four pieces: the bottle, ring cap, silicone nipple, and the AirFree vent. The bottle also still works without the vent, if you find you don’t need it eventually.

But Take Note

Respondents shared that they had to buy a few different nipple sizes to find the right flow. There are four nipple sizes to choose from. The nipples may be easily damaged, creating holes that increase the flow.

The Details:

• Sizes: 4 ounce, 9 ounce, 11 ounce
• Nipple types: 1 through 4
• Material: Bottle and lid: BPA-free plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing instructions: Dishwasher safe; hand wash with soap and water

Best Anti-Colic Glass: Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Wide Neck

Why We Like It

Sustainability and durability are two main benefits of glass bottles. Dr. Brown’s anti-colic glass bottles are especially beloved for anti-colic internal vent that prevents air from entering the nipple, thus reducing gas, spit-up, and burping. The nipple is designed to mimic the natural breast, helping reduce nipple confusion and making it easier for breastfed babies to take a bottle.

The glass bottle can safely be put in the dishwasher and sterilized either through electric or microwave methods. It’s available as a single-unit purchase or a three-piece set that comes with the level 1 slow-flow nipple, which is a good bet for breastfed babies. You can purchase other flow levels separately, and the bottles are also available in plastic if you prefer.

But Take Note

Glass is heavy and can be broken. Additionally, Dr. Brown’s bottles have many parts, so cleaning them—especially by hand—can be a pain.

The Details:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 9 ounce
• Nipple types: Premie, 1 through 4, Y-shape
• Material: Bottle: BPA-free glass; lid: plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing instructions: Dishwasher safe; hand wash with soap and water
  

Easiest to Clean: Comotomo Green Baby Bottle

Why We Like It

Comotomo is a caregiver favorite thanks to the wide-mouth design that makes it super easy to clean. Its simple three-piece construction—bottle, nipple, and ring cap—makes assembly and disassembly a snap. This means no hard-to-reach nooks or crannies when cleaning. Made of food-grade silicone, it’s BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free, as well as safe to use in both the dishwasher (top rack) and microwave.

This brand is also beloved for its tapered, soft silicone body that’s easy to grip and feels like skin, making it ideal for breastfed babies who are hands-on when they nurse. “I switched to these because of their design similarity to the breast,” one survey respondent noted. “I can use these bottles and breastfeed without confusion.” The nipple features anti-colic vents that won’t leak. The 5-ounce version comes with slow-flow nipples while the 8-ounce features medium-flow nipples. A fast-flow nipple can be purchased separately.

But Take Note

The very flexible material can also increase the chance of spills when filling the bottle or securing the nipple onto it. Additionally, since the bottle design is wider, it doesn’t fit in all bottle warmers.

The Details:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 8 ounce
• Nipple types: Slow, medium, fast flow
• Material: Bottle: silicone; nipple, ring: silicone, plastic
• Washing instructions: Dishwasher safe; hand wash with soap and water

Best Silicone: Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Baby Bottle

Why We Like It

Silicone bottles are a popular choice among nursing parents because they’re often easily accepted by their babies. The material’s skin-like, easy-to-grip texture may be why they take to it. The natural angle on these bottles prevents air from entering the nipple, and the triple vent design helps prevent colic. The nipple won’t collapse, which helps support a perfect latch and minimize stomach upset and gas.

Another real winner among caregivers is the Nanobébé’s flat base that prevents tipping—which was a pain point for some Comotomo users. You can purchase these as single, double, or three-packs with white, gray, pink, or teal ring caps. The silicone is BPA-, PVC-, lead-, and phthalate-free. All bottle components are top rack dishwasher-safe and can be sterilized either by electric or microwave methods.

But Take Note

The measurement lines can be difficult to read, and the completely soft bottle means there’s a real risk of spilling that liquid gold.

The Details:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 9 ounce
• Nipple types: 1 through 4
• Material: Bottle and nipple: silicone; lid: plastic
• Washing instructions: Dishwasher safe; hand wash with soap and water

Best Nipple Shape: Lansinoh Baby Bottles for Breastfeeding Babies

Why We Like It

Keeping air out of a bottle’s nipple is the biggest issue most caregivers face, which is why Lansinoh’s Baby Bottles for Breastfeeding Babies are a big hit. Specifically, the NaturalWave nipple reduces air intake and allows your baby to maintain their natural sucking action so that feeding with this bottle feels similar to actual nursing. The nipple is made from 100% silicone and is intended to be flexible yet sturdy.

The bottle and ring cap are made from BPA-free plastic while the nipple is made from durable silicone. All components are dishwasher-safe (top rack) and microwave-safe. There are three flow levels available for the nipples, slow, medium, and fast. The bottles can be purchased in sets of three or six bottles.

But Take Note

The nipples have a tendency to collapse. Also, the bottles come standard with the medium flow nipple, which is rated for babies 3 months or older.

The Details:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 8 ounce
• Nipple types: Slow, medium, fast
• Material: Bottle and lid: BPA-free plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing instructions: Dishwasher safe; hand wash with soap and water

Best Narrow: Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle

Why We Like It

The bottle has the same features as Dr. Brown’s other Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ bottles in a slimmer, plastic version. Narrow baby bottles are useful for caregivers looking to save storage space in cupboards or diaper bags, or who want a bottle that’s easier for babies to handle independently. The bottle is designed to ensure little tummies get only milk, not air and the nipple mimics the breast to encourage acceptance and reduce nipple confusion. “I have not ever seen a baby not like Dr. Brown’s Narrow Necks,” says Carroll-Manning.

This multi-part bottle comes with a Level 1 slow flow nipple, but that can be swapped for faster flow nipples. The bottles can be purchased individually or in sets. The 2-ounce bottle is designed for preemies and comes with the Preemie nipple, which is slower than the Level 1 flow. All components are dishwasher and microwave-safe and are constructed from BPA-free plastic.

But Take Note

As with other Dr. Brown’s baby bottles, most complaints center around the additional parts—which makes bottle cleaning a chore. However, most parents note that this is a tradeoff they’re willing to make if it means their babies can eat comfortably without gas afterward.

The Details:

• Sizes: 2 ounce, 4 ounce, 8 ounce
• Nipple types: Preemie, 1 through 4, Y-shape
• Material: Bottle and lid: BPA-free plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing instructions: Dishwasher safe; hand wash with soap and water

Best Self-Sterilizing: Mam Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottles

Why We Like It

Mam’s self-sterilizing bottles are a game changer. Rather than setting up a separate sterilizer or boiling water, simply fill this bottle with water, pop it in the microwave fully assembled, and set it for three minutes. The Mam Easy Start Anti-Colic Baby Bottle has another unique design element: The anti-colic component is in the base rather than in or near the nipple. This vented base aids with milk flow and is removable. Mam bottles also feature a longer nipple shape intended to better imitate the real thing.

This is a convenient bottle for pumping. One survey participant shared that they “can directly attach this bottle to my Spectra flanges.” That means you won’t have to transfer the milk and risk spilling it in the process. These BPA-free plastic bottles are dishwasher- and microwave-safe and can be purchased in a variety of colors including a gender-neutral option. It comes with a slow-flow nipple, but you can purchase other flows separately.

But Take Note

If you don’t assemble the bottle and valve base correctly, it can leak.

The Details:

• Sizes: 5 ounce, 9 ounce
• Nipple types: Extra slow, slow, medium, fast, extra fast
• Material: Bottle and lid: BPA-free plastic; nipple: silicone
• Washing instructions: Dishwasher safe; hand wash with soap and water

Our Testing and Review Process

To find the best bottles for breastfed babies, we surveyed 29 members of the Parents staff who were breastfeeding and also used bottles with their children. Beyond determining if their baby liked the bottles, we asked respondents to consider if the bottle helped to control colic or digestive issues, how easily they could assemble and clean the bottles, and if there were any specific issues they experienced when using the bottles.

Our Experts

We also tapped several experts to provide insights into what shoppers should consider when purchasing bottles for breastfeeding babies and if they had any particular products they’d recommend:

• Sheila Janakos, MPH, IBCLC, LE, RLC, CEO and co-founder of Healthy Horizons Corporate Lactation Programs and Breastfeeding Centers
• Ali Alhassani, MD, FAAP, head of clinical services at Summer Health virtual pediatric care and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
• Katie Billingsley, a speech-language pathologist (SLP), certified breastfeeding specialist (CBS), feeding therapist, lactation consultant, and director of operations at Fourth Trimester Retreat
• Chardá Bell, IBCLC, a lactation consultant, doula, executive director of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation, and founder of the birthing resources website Melanin Milk
• Erin Carroll-Manning, a master newborn care specialist (MNCS), postpartum doula, newborn sleep specialist, lactation educator, and founder of Gentle Giraffes

Factors to Consider When Buying Bottles for Breastfed Babies

• Shape and Size: Most baby bottles are available in narrow, wide, or extra wide widths. Narrow is ideal if you need to maximize horizontal storage space. Wider bottles will usually feature a curved design, which makes them easier to hold. Likewise, bottles are typically sold in capacities ranging from 2 to 9 ounces. Two-ounce bottles are for preemies or newborns; most infants will rely on 4-, 5-, 8-, or 9-ounce bottles.
• Nipple Flow: This refers to how fast the milk is released from the bottle. Most brands offer nipple flows ranging from slow to fast that are labeled either by numbers (i.e. 1 to 4) or by speed. Some brands also make an extra-slow flow, which is meant for preemies, or an extra fast, which is intended for much older babies. Milk flow when breastfeeding is naturally slower, so most bottles targeting breastfed babies feature the lowest speed. You can swap to a faster-flow nipple if you prefer—just be prepared to buy those nipples separately.
• Material: “Safe, BPA-free materials are a must,” says Dr. Alhassani. “Whether you choose plastic, glass, or silicone, ensure it’s safe and durable.” There are pros and cons with each material. Glass bottles are less likely to absorb odors, leach chemicals, or get discolored with use. But they’re also heavier, breakable, and more expensive. Plastic is cheap and easy to clean but can become discolored or absorb odors, especially if you’re not washing the bottles right after they’re used. Silicone bottles have the most “skin-like” texture, but their flexibility can lead to spilling or leakage, and there’s still the risk of odor absorption and discoloration over time. Almost all nipples are made from silicone or a silicone blend, but you can also get latex nipples. Bell cautions that “latex is soft but less durable due to faster wear and tear; some individuals, including infants, may be allergic.”
• Venting and Other Special Features: Most baby bottles have some kind of anti-colic vent feature meant to prevent air from getting into the nipple. Usually, this design feature is in the nipple or bottle ring, but sometimes it will be at the base of the bottle. Many nipples are designed to avoid collapsing or to allow babies to maintain their natural sucking habits from breastfeeding. Dr. Alhassani advises avoiding bottles with heavy decorations and colors, noting that “simple, clear bottles are better as they don’t distract the baby and are easier to clean.”
• Nipple Shape: Some manufacturers make specially designed nipples intended to imitate a natural breast to avoid nipple confusion. “There is no such thing as a truly human-like nipple, and this suggestion is more of a marketing tool,” Janakos says. “It’s best for parents to get a few different sizes and shapes and see what the baby is most comfortable with.” Billingsly cautions against using orthodontic bulb-shaped nipples: “Breastfed babies use a deep latch and a more coordinated suckling motion that engages muscles differently than bottle-feeding. Orthodontic shaped nipples may not encourage the same sucking technique, potentially leading to confusion for the baby when transitioning between breast and bottle.”
• Ease of Cleaning: Cleaning bottles is low on anyone’s list of fun activities. But some bottle designs are harder to clean—especially if you let milk sit too long in them. If you don’t want to invest in specialty brushes because of extra nooks and crannies, stick to bottles that don’t feature extra parts. Billingsly reminds caregivers that “proper cleaning can minimize deterioration and extend the usability of a bottle. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and sterilizing your chosen bottle.”
• What Your Baby Wants: Ultimately, your baby has the final say on what bottles you use. Babies have their own preferences, and it’s not uncommon for caregivers to go through a few different types of bottles before finding one that makes their little ones happy. This can include finding bottles they can hold, that have nipples compatible with their latch, and don’t encourage colic or stomach upset.

How to Use Baby Bottles Safely

When bottle feeding with breast milk, proper bottle usage always starts with ensuring safe breast milk handling.

Breast Milk Handling and Storage

• Containers should be properly washed and sterilized.
• Always wash your hands before storing or preparing breast milk for consumption.
• Freshly expressed milk should be frozen for long-term storage after either four hours at room temperature or four days in the refrigerator.
• Milk is safe for consumption for up to 12 months of freezer storage.

Bottle Cleaning

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that baby bottles be cleaned after every feeding. If washing in a dishwasher, first ensure that the bottle is dishwasher safe. Completely disassemble the bottle and place it in the top rack, which is typically what manufacturers recommend. For added safety, consider using a basket to prevent small parts from getting caught in the dishwasher’s filter and damaged. For best results, set the dishwasher to a hot water and heated drying cycle to help kill germs. If you use the heated drying cycle, you don’t need to perform a separate sanitizing step.

For hand-washed items, the CDC advises:

• Wash hands with soap and water before handling the bottles.
• Disassemble the bottle and rinse parts under running water.
• Set them in a clean basin.
• Fill the basin with hot water and add soap.
• Use a dedicated bottle brush to clean items.
• Squeeze water through nipple holes to thoroughly clean them.
• Rinse cleansed parts under fresh water to remove soap.
• Set cleansed parts on a clean towel and let air dry.

Hand-washed bottles need to be sanitized after every use if your baby is less than 2 months old or has a weakened immune system. This can be done either by using an electric or microwavable sanitizer or by submerging the disassembled parts in boiling water for at least five minutes. Bottles for older babies do not need to be sanitized daily as long as they are washed thoroughly after every use.

Tips for Proper Bottle Usage

Inspect bottles for damage before every use. Torn nipples can become dangerous. Never use the microwave to heat a bottle. Instead, opt for a bottle warmer or place a bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Always test the milk before giving it to your baby.

The AAP reminds caregivers to pay attention to the nipple flow. If your child is gagging or gulping, the flow is too fast. If they’re sucking hard or getting frustrated, the flow is too slow. Ensure the bottle is angled properly to prevent air in the milk flow.

Avoid propping bottles up, as this can also pose a choking risk and may even cause ear infections. This includes devices that hold the bottle to your baby’s mouth. Never put your baby to bed with a bottle as this can encourage cavities as they get older. Opt for a pacifier instead if your baby needs to suck themselves to sleep. “Pacifiers are often recommended for soothing without the risk of overfeeding, though they should be used sparingly and with caution to avoid masking hunger cues, and should be phased out by age 3 at the very latest to avoid dentition, palate, and jaw development issues,” says Billingsley.

Who We Are

Dorian Smith-Garcia is a commerce, health, and parenting writer at Parents, and a mom of one daughter who is out of the baby stage. She breastfed her daughter for the first 8 months. Even though she primarily nursed until her daughter was 6 months old, she and her daughter were big fans of the Comotomo bottles.