Many mothers who breastfeed their baby choose to use bottles too, so someone else can feed the baby whilst they are away or at work. It can sometimes be difficult for a baby who has been breastfed exclusively to get used to taking a bottle, and they very often refuse at first. There are so many different shapes and sizes of bottle nipple, it can be difficult to know what your baby will enjoy using. Here, we attempt to answer some questions about choosing the right style of nipple for a breastfed baby, and review some of the best bottles for babies who are also breastfeeding.
The Reviews: Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies
In this section, you will find reviews of several different styles of bottles. There is sure to be something here to suit your family’s needs.
Philips Avent Natural Bottle
The Philips Avent BPA free natural bottle is a great way to bottle-feed a baby who is also breastfed. The bottle comes with a wide-based bottle nipple shaped like a breast, making it easy for babies to latch on. The nipple is made from silicone, and is flexible and soft yet won’t collapse during use. The nipples come in a variety of flow rates, so they are suitable for babies of all ages.
The Avent 9 oz bottles are ideal for babies who suffer from colic, too. They have a unique valve integrated into the nipple, which helps reduce the amount of air taken in therefore preventing the discomfort associated with colic. The Avent BPA free bottle is safe for babies to use, and the material is also easy to clean and very durable. The bottles are comfortable for babies to hold by themselves as they get older, too.
Dr Brown Wide Neck
Dr Brown’s natural flow wide neck bottles are ideal for babies who suffer from colic, gas and spitting up. They have a unique, vented design which prevents a vacuum from forming during feeding, similar to breastfeeding. This design also helps preserve vitamins A, C and E in the milk, meaning your baby will get more benefits from each feed.
The wide neck baby bottles are easy to fill and clean. The no-vacuum design helps prevent fluid in the ears, therefore reducing the risk of an ear infection. The bottles come in a range of different sizes, including small 2 oz bottles for premature babies. The nipples also come in a range of sizes and flow levels, so you can easily find what’s right for your baby.
The First Years Breastflow Bottle
The Breastflow bottle has a unique feeding system which requires the same actions as breastfeeding – both suction and compression. The outer layer of the nipple is soft, mimicking the feel of the breast, which helps the baby’s mouth and tongue to stay in the correct position. Therefore, this is the perfect bottle for switching back ad forth between breast and bottle.
Breastflow bottle nipples allow baby to control the level of flow for themselves, making them ideal for all ages. The bottle also comes in two sizes, either 5 oz or 9 oz, so there are options for both younger and older babies. The cap fits on to the bottom of the bottle, meaning it won’t get misplaced when out and about. Breastflow teats are also ideal for reducing gas and spit up, as well as helping babies fuss less during a feed.
Adiri Baby Bottles With Nipple
The Adiri baby bottles are ideal for babies who switch between breast and bottle feeding. The Adiri nipples are very wide and round at the base, and the nipple itself is short. This means they are great for mimicking the feel of breastfeeding, so are less likely to be refused by breastfed babies.
The Adiri NxGen stage 1 nurser slow flow baby bottle is ideal for young babies who haven’t used a bottle before. Adiri bottle nipples are made from soft, medical-grade silicone, so they feel comfortable in baby’s mouth. The bottle comes apart in just three pieces, making it very easy to clean and sterilize. They also come in a choice of two colors, either pink or white.
Yoomi Bottle Feeding System
The Yoomi feeding system is perfect for parents who often have to feed their baby when out and about. There is a warmer built-in to the bottle, so as the milk passes over it, it is heated to the natural temperate of breast milk. The milk can be heated in as little as 60 seconds, making it perfect for when baby wants fed now! The bottle is also ideal for night-time feeds, as you won’t have to worry about using a bottle warmer or some hot water during the night.
The Yoomi feeding bottle also comes with anti-colic vents, making it perfect for windy babies. The shape of the nipple is ideal for breastfed babies, as it is naturally-shaped and soft. They come in three different flow rates, with the slowest being suitable from birth. The bottle and nipple are extra wide, meaning it’s easy to keep everything clean and sterilized.
Playtex Bottle Nipples with 8 Oz – 1 Pack
These Playtex 8 oz bottles are ideal for working moms who pump their milk. They come with pre-sterilized liners, meaning there is less cleaning up after a feed. You can also use them directly with breastmilk storage bags, making it easy when someone else will be feeding the baby. The bags or liners contract during a feed, for a more natural feel. This also helps reduce gas and colic, as there is less air building up in the bottle.
The Playtex drop in bottle nipples are ideal for traveling and taking on vacation. You’ll only need one bottle, as they don’t need to be sterilized between uses. The bottles are also ideal for feeding on-the-go, as you won’t have to carry a dirty one on the way home. The nipples are made from latex, and closely mimic breastfeeding, making switching between breast and bottle easy.
Playtex Baby Ventaire
Playtex vent air nipples are ideal for transitioning between breast and bottle, as they have a raised texture area to help babies latch on. The Playtex 6 oz bottles have a unique shape which is designed to allow baby to feed in a more upright position. This can help reduce the risk of ear infections. The bottles also feature an anti-colic vent to help prevent gas, spit up and fussiness during a feed.
The Playtex Ventaire standard bottles 9 oz come with a medium flow teat, which is ideal for babies over the age of 3 months. The 6 oz bottles come with slow flow nipples which can be used from birth onwards. The bottles come with a leak-proof and break-proof guarantee. The bottles are easy to clean, and even feature a removable bottom to make the process easier.
Playtex ventaire standard bottles are similar but have a narrower shape. This makes it easier for babies to hold them by themselves, and still offer all the benefits of the complete tummy comfort bottles. For moms who pump their milk to be fed another time, the Playtex nurser 4 oz bottles are ideal. These come with disposable liners which are pre-sterilized, making switching between breast and bottle easy.
FAQs When Choosing the Best Bottle for Breastfeeding
There are so many different types of baby bottle out there, parents are often left confused as to which one they should choose. Here, we attempt to answer some of the questions parents commonly have when it comes to choose the right bottle.
What are the different types of baby bottle?
Baby bottles come in many shapes, sizes and materials. Glass and plastic are the most common materials for the bottle, whereas nipples are usually made from either rubber or latex.
Glass baby bottles are very long-lasting, so they are a good choice if you plan to use them for future babies. However, they can be heavy and are more prone to shattering when dropped. On the other hand, plastic feeding bottles are lightweight and virtually indestructible! There were concerns over their safety a few years ago, so be sure to purchase those which are labelled as BPA-free.
Bottles also come in different sizes. Smaller ones are usually preferred for newborns, but as your baby grows they will likely need a bigger bottle unless you plan to use two during one feed. You might also find you prefer to hold a certain shape of bottle, so try out a few before committing to one type.
When should I introduce my baby to a bottle?
If breastfeeding, it is best not to introduce a bottle during the early weeks. Introducing a bottle too early can interfere with your milk supply, and can also lead to baby becoming confused. However, it can be difficult to get a breastfed baby to take a bottle, so you shouldn’t leave it too late either. Around a month is a good length of time to wait before introducing your baby to a bottle. By this time, you should be in a good feeding routine and the chances of them refusing the breast after being introduced to a bottle are minimized.
How many baby bottles do I need?
This really depends how often you will be using them, as well as how often you plan to clean and sterilize them. If your baby will only take one bottle a day when you are at work, it might be enough to just have two bottles. If they will take a few a day, you might prefer to have around 6. For moms who will be almost exclusively using expressed milk, you might wish to buy up to 10 or 12 bottles, which can reduce the need to be continuously washing and sterilizing them.
Considerations When Choosing Breastfeeding Bottle Nipples
The most important thing to keep in mind when searching for the ideal bottle is the shape and size of the nipple. Make sure it is designed for babies who are also breastfed, to increase the likelihood that your baby will accept it. Also check the flow level to make sure it is suited to your baby’s requirements. When looking for a bottle that mimics breastfeeding, a slower flow is ideal. A slow flow is also best for when first introducing a bottle, especially for young babies. Once your baby has got the hang of things, you could introduce a medium flow if they seem to be getting frustrated.
The best bottle nipples that mimic breastfeeding are generally short and wide, rather than the long, thin nipples on standard bottles. This can help to prevent ‘nipple confusion’ when swapping back and forth between breast and bottle, as latching on to a wide nipple is similar to the action used during breastfeeding. The material used for the teat is also important. Ideally, breastfed babies should use a soft nipple baby bottle. However, overly soft teats will collapse in the mouth and can lead to problems latching later on. It shouldn’t be too firm either, in order to feel more natural. Also take care if using a latex nipple, as this material is allergenic so some babies could have a reaction towards it.
When buying any bottle, you should make sure it is easy to dismantle to allow for thorough cleaning. Remember you will have to sterilize all the parts of the bottle until your baby is at least 6 months old, so you’ll want the process to be as simple as possible.
Our Favorite Bottle to Use While Breastfeeding
The Philips Avent natural bottle is one of the most popular baby bottles in the USA and for a good reason. The bottle nipple closely mimics breastfeeding, making switching between the two easy for parents and babies. The nipple is wide-based and is made from soft and flexible silicone. Babies will be able to latch on easily and shouldn’t suffer from ‘nipple confusion’.
The Avent natural bottles are the best bottles to use whilst breastfeeding, and have nipples in a variety of flow rates to make them suitable for babies of all ages. The bottles also have an anti-colic valve, which can help reduce wind and fussing, making your baby more comfortable during a feed.