The Best Bottle for Breastfed Babies
If you are a new mom, you are probably breastfeeding your baby. Breastfeeding is the healthiest option for both mom and baby, but it can be difficult to hang. We offer a few suggestions if you’re looking for a bottle to help transition from breast to bottle! The finest bottles for breastfeeding babies will be discussed in this blog post. Let’s get started!
Top 7 BEST BOTTLES FOR BREASTFED BABIES
Dr. Brown’s bottles are the best bottle nipples for breastfed babies. They were easy to warm, clean, and easy to hold. The flow was gentle, and my babies RARELY spit up.
The Philips Avent Natural Care Bottles, are highly respected by breastfeeding mothers. They are known for reducing colic and gas in breastfed babies. These bottles come with various nipple flows and different bottle volumes to suit your baby’s needs as they grow. The bottles are also easy to clean and dishwasher safe, making them a great choice for mothers who breastfeed their babies.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottles is good for breastfed babies. The bottles are designed to look like breasts. They have few parts, making them easy to clean. That makes them a good choice for any baby, whether they are breastfed.
Some people say that the milk flow from tommee tippee baby bottles is too fast for babies learning to take a bottle. But many people love these bottles.
The NUK Simply Natural Baby Bottles are a few bottles that don’t have around the nipple. As you can see in the photo, they’re inclined to model the nipple during a breastfeeding session.
These breastfeeding bottles are simple to use and clean. They have few parts, so it is easy to put them together. You will also see the measurement lines for a long time.
The Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottles are some of the best baby bottles for babies trying a bottle for the first time. The bottle’s nipple is in the shape of a breast and nipple. It includes a built-in ventilation system that ensures milk flows out as it does during breastfeeding.
The bottles are dishwasher safe and easy to clean. Some people object to the wideness of the bottles. Still, I think that if you’re looking for a wide-mouth bottle, it doesn’t matter which brand you choose because they are all wider than traditional baby bottles.
This breastfed baby bottle is simple to clean and assemble. It’s designed like a breast to give your infant the impression that they’re still breastfeeding. The volume sizes accommodate greater feeding needs as your breastfeeding baby grows.
The Nanobebe Breastfeeding Bottles are different from other baby bottles because of their shape. Their shape is designed to be like a breast, which helps breastfeed babies.
Many people think that breastmilk is liquid gold. Anyone who says you shouldn’t cry over spilled milk has never pumped and spilled breastmilk. One of the most prevalent complaints about this container is challenging to seal correctly.
FEATURES OF BOTTLES FOR BREASTFED BABIES
NIPPLE FLOW
There are different bottle nipples, and each one has a different flow rate. The flow rate is important because it decides how quickly the baby will get milk from the bottle. If you have a baby who drinks milk quickly, you’ll need a nipple with a high flow rate.
When a newborn is hungry, he or she quickly requests milk. They may refuse to breastfeed if a baby bottle of breastmilk delivers the milk faster. If you find yourself in this circumstance, reduce the bottle’s flow rate.
BOTTLE BASE WIDTH
When looking for a baby bottle that is good for breastfeeding, you will find that they come in different widths. Go for one with a larger base to pick a breast bottle that looks the most like the breast. Making the switch from breast to bottle will be a lot less stressful.
NIPPLE WIDTH
A breastfed baby will benefit from a bottle with a larger nipple. Sucking from a breastfed baby flattens your nipple to some extent. You want to monitor your baby’s latch. Still, you will notice that your nipple likely isn’t perfectly circular after a baby eats. Finding a wide bottle nipple will feel more like the breast.
NIPPLE SHAPE
When choosing a nipple for your baby, you want to look for a shape similar to a breast. Nipples narrow and wider at the bottom are better for breastfeeding babies.
BABY BOTTLES THAT RESEMBLE NATURAL FEEDING
There are baby bottles that are designed to look like breastfeeding. These types of bottles help the baby to suck less air. This is significant since it aids in the prevention of the infant being ill. You will want to look at these bottles if you breastfeed your child.
HOW TO GET A BREASTFED BABY TO TAKE A BOTTLE
BE PATIENT
After nursing your child for a long time, it will take some time for them to learn how to use a bottle. Be patient and try different bottles until you find the right one. Remember that just because a bottle works one week doesn’t mean it will work the next week. This is normal, so be patient with the process.
START EARLY
It is very important to breastfeed your baby and ensure strong breastfeeding relationship. Once you are confident that your baby can breastfeed and latch properly, you can start to give your baby bottles. Consult your physician or a lactation consultant in your neighborhood if you’re unsure.
ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
Even small babies can be distracted by things that make noise. Make sure to remove anything that could distract your breastfeeding baby.
HAVE SOMEONE ELSE GIVE THE BOTTLE
If you’re ready to start giving your breastfed baby a bottle, hand it over to someone else for the first few times. Sometimes it’s even helpful if you’re not at home when they’re trying to drink from the bottle. Relax and do something kind for yourself during this time.
MILK TEMPERATURE
If you want to give your baby a bottle for the first time, it is best to use freshly expressed milk. If you can’t do that, you should test the milk on your wrist to ensure it is not too hot or cold. The same goes for making sure the milk is not too hot or cold. A breastfed baby will usually take milk from a bottle that looks most like breastmilk from the breast.
MOM’S SCENT
Some people sleep with a blanket for a couple of nights before introducing their baby to a bottle. They will then wrap the baby or the bottle in the blanket while introducing the breastmilk. The more senses used to resemble breastfeeding, the more likely your baby will have a successful transition from breastfeeding to using a bottle.
FEEDING POSITION
You want to introduce the baby bottle as close to an experience of breastfeeding as possible. There are various breastfeeding positions, and your baby will have a preference. When introducing the breastmilk bottle, maintain the same feeding posture.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BREASTFED BABY REFUSES THE BOTTLE?
If your breastfed baby doesn’t take a bottle, there are some things you can try. Make sure you created the ideal situation for introducing a bottle of breastmilk. If you have done all of those things, and your baby still won’t take a bottle of breastmilk, try a different bottle. If your baby is taking a pacifier well, find a bottle with a nipple that most closely resembles that pacifier. According to most lactation consultants, the ideal window to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby is between 3 and 6 weeks old.
Introduce the bottle when your baby is calm and not crying because they are hungry. Try to time it so that they are getting hungry but are still happy. Make sure you feed them where they are used to eating.
If your baby has trouble taking the bottle, don’t force the situation. Take a break and try again later. You don’t want your baby to start hating the bottle because it becomes associated with a negative experience.
Another thing to think about is your baby’s latch. If you think your baby might have a lip tie or tongue tie, make an appointment with your pediatrician.
BREASTFED BABIES WHO REFUSE THE BOTTLE MAY NEED TIME
Some breastfed babies just need more time to start taking bottles. Remember, only a few weeks ago, your sweet baby was in a warm place with everything provided for them. Now they have to manage their temperature, tell their body to get rid of waste, and figure out how to sleep and eat. Even learning how to take a bottle of breastmilk can be difficult for them.
When to Introduce a Bottle to a Breastfed Baby
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Allyson Murphy of Laid Back Lactation recommends introducing a bottle between 3 and 6 weeks. “That’s because babies have an instinct at that time to suck on anything you put in their mouth,” she says.
The oral motor function required to suck from a breast versus a bottle is very different. (Murphy compares it to being bilingual.) Introducing the bottle in the 3- to 6-week timeframe offers the best shot at the baby being able to master both “languages.” “If breastfeeding is going well, it’s a great time to introduce the bottle.”
How to Introduce a Bottle to a Breastfed Baby
There are a few things Murphy recommends when introducing the bottle:
Upright hold. The position that a baby feeds in from a breast is different than how most people tend to hold babies while bottle feeding. Babies at the breast need to suck hard to remove milk. You’ll want to try to mimic that as closely as possible when bottle-feeding. Hold your little one upright with the bottle parallel to the floor, so the milk comes at them, not down into them. This makes them work to get the milk rather than gravity doing it for them.
Paced feeding. Breastfed babies tend to pause often while feeding. Make sure you’re pacing bottle feedings, too, so the faster flow of the bottle nipple doesn’t get overwhelming. Pause every few minutes and let the baby take their time on the bottle. This also prevents them from preferring a fast, easy bottle, and deciding the work of nursing at the breast is too hard.
Some babies will transition from breast to bottle with hardly any issue. For others, though…it’s not that easy. Murphy outlines some tips for an easier transition.
Switch it up. Babies will often refuse a bottle from the nursing parent. If you find that’s the case, switch things up. Ask your partner, a grandparent, a caregiver, or a friend to give the bottle a whirl. Try feeding while walking or in an upright bouncy seat to see the baby’s bottle nipple latch.
Consistency is key. According to Murphy, one of the biggest missteps she sees new parents make is a lack of consistency regarding bottle-feeding. Once you introduce the bottle, keep it up! Make sure you’re bottle-feeding at least once daily, so the baby doesn’t get out of practice.
What’s the Best Bottle for Breastfed Babies?
“The perfect bottle for your baby is the bottle that your baby will take,” says Murphy. And she’s right!
Instead of committing to a full set of a single bottle brand, buy one of a few different brands to see what your little one (and you) prefer. She also reminds parents to focus on the nipple rather than the bottle, always choosing a slow flow option. What’s a slow flow to one brand may not be slow for another, so you may have to make a bit of trial and error to find what works.
Other Top Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies of 2023
It doesn’t get any simpler than these. So simple to assemble, you’ll be able to stick your whole hand in this ultra wide-neck bottle to clean it when you don’t have access to a dishwasher.
These are as close as you can get to the breastfeeding experience.
The nipples are big and soft. In a dramatic twist from most other bottles, even the base of the bottle is flexible, so your baby can grab and squish the bottle when she’s feeding, just like she does with your breast.
You can microwave them or stick them in boiling water or the dishwasher. If you have a baby bottle sterilizer, you can toss it in there too. It won’t warp or melt no matter which sterilization method you choose.
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Best Budget Breastfeeding Bottle
If you buy these, you won’t have to upsize from any newborn bottles you might have considered purchasing.
It features multiple nipple holes that give a more realistic feel like your baby is sucking on your breast. Depending on what flow the nipple is, it can have up to nine tiny holes. The wide silicone nipple stretches with your baby’s movement so that she won’t break her latch as often.
These use a one-piece anti-colic system to help cut down on spit-up and gas. Because the colic system is built into the bottle, you won’t have to mess with trying to clean out lots of complicated pieces.
The bottles are stain-resistant, which will keep them looking newer for longer. An ergonomic design makes this bottle comfortable for you and your baby to hold during feeding time.
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Most Innovative Breastfeeding Bottle
Nanobebe is trying to break the mold with these “bottles.” The shape is the most breast-like on this list and consists of a hollowed dome, a little like an upturned bowl. The nipple is angled on one side, and either you or your baby hold around the lower rim as they feed.
The designers of this bottle claim the design optimizes heating and cooling, so vitamins and minerals aren’t destroyed on their trip from your breast to your baby.
You can pump directly into these bottles; because they’re concave, they stack rather nicely. They’re anti-colic, too, and will inhibit bacterial growth for extra peace of mind.
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Best Plastic Breastfeeding Bottle
Your baby should love the appearance of this bottle set. The large, flesh-colored nipple is surprisingly boob-like and looks and feels like the real deal. It’s so realistic-looking that your baby might do a double-take when they see it.
The set comes with four bottles — two in the Very Hungry bigger size and two in the Not So Hungry smaller size. There are hardly any parts to fuss with, making them extremely easy to assemble. You don’t even need to put a ring around the nipple to hold it onto the base because the nipple screws directly onto the bottle.
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Best Anti-Colic Breastfeeding Bottle
This set offers a lot for a reasonable price. You’ll get three 4-ounce bottles with two slow flow nipples, one stage, two medium flow nipples, and three sealing discs. The pump adapters will allow you to connect these to many breast pumps sold separately.
These bottles are a good choice for preventing colic because the stretchiness of the nipple helps encourage the right latch. A proper latch can ensure your baby is taking in less air intake with every sip because the nipple will move with your baby’s mouth. The anti-colic valve at the base also reduces any gas your baby might suffer from feeding.
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Best Glass Bottle for Breastfed Babies
Philips Avent has a lot of products aimed at making the breastfeeding experience a successful one for moms. These are just one more tool in the shed to help with that battle.
These bottles come in a three-pack, and they can each hold up to 4 ounces. What makes them shine when it comes to bottle-feeding breastfed babies is the realistic nipple. The nipples are soft silicone and wider than many other nipples, hopefully reminding your baby of a breast.
They have an incorporated anti-colic system that doesn’t require hassle to assemble and is straightforward to operate.
Philips uses strong borosilicate glass to manufacture these, so your baby won’t be ingesting any harmful chemicals as he might with a plastic bottle.
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Short Nipple Choice
These bottles from Lansinoh consistently receive good reviews, even from parents who have struggled to coax their babies onto other brands. The shape is a little different from the usual, and sometimes that’s all it takes to get a baby to accept it. The surface of this one is matte and thick, and the nipple tapers off less sharply, so it doesn’t feel as long in the mouth.
This natural wave design promotes the same sucking motions your baby would practice at your breast. These motions are necessary for proper oral development and a good latch.
Besides the nipple, the rest of the bottle is constructed of sturdy plastic and a wide, easy-to-clean neck. Many moms have also discovered that this bottle fits a range of other brand nipples.
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Helps for Natural Latch
Tommee Tippee bottles have a distinctive shape that fits well into little hands. Breastfeeding experts have carefully designed the nipple to closely resemble a breast, with a wide base, flattish profile, and long, natural-looking nipple. This company claims that more than 90 percent of babies will accept this nipple within three attempts.
Different flow rates and an anti-colic valve so your baby won’t swallow too much air after latch.
The bottle’s body can be held in a few different ways, which means you’ll find a comfortable hold whatever your position. Choose 5, 9, or 11-ounce bottle sizes to match your baby’s appetite.
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Best Wide-Neck Breastfeeding Bottle
Dr. Brown’s bottles are always solid all-rounders, and this wide-necked model is no different. Made of shaped BPA-free plastic that’s easy for both you and your baby to hold, the bottle offers a feeding experience that’s as close to being at mom’s breast as possible.
The venting system has a straw valve that reduces colic, gas, and spit-up. It can be removed to clean, or you can place everything in the dishwasher and bottle sterilizer. The bottles can be bought in packs of 2 to 8 to suit your needs, and the price is reasonable; both 4-ounce and 8-ounce bottles are available.
If you have a baby who is showing signs of nipple confusion or else one who gets a little colicky now and then, this bottle will help you kill two birds with one stone.
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Tips for Buying Bottles
When you know what type of bottle you want, go through another checklist to make sure you don’t neglect anything important.
To ensure you aren’t making a big mistake, here are some tips you should follow when buying that first bottle for your baby.
Don’t buy in bulk: If you run out and buy 20 bottles only to find your baby hates them, you will be sorry. Instead, find three potential candidates, buy one or two of each, and see which works best for your baby before making a bigger investment.
Consider getting the largest size: Those cute little 4-ounce bottles are perfectly sized for a newborn. But that newborn will grow quickly; before long, they’ll be guzzling 6 ounces of milk, not 4 (3). Buy the biggest bottle when you’ve found a brand you like; you can always buy a pack of slow-flow nipples until your baby is ready for faster-flow nipples.
Consider your breast pump brand: Compatibility is a great thing. Buy bottles that are compatible with your breast pump. You’ll be able to pump directly into the bottles, saving you some extra dishwashing. What new doesn’t mom like saving her time and energy?
Learn more: Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Bottle For Breastfed Baby
The Phillips Avent Natural Bottles are a popular choice for parents because they are affordable and easy to clean. The nipple is fashioned like a breast and is incredibly flexible, making switching from the bottle to breastfeeding easier for your baby.
Once you and your baby have established breastfeeding, you can provide your baby with bottles of expressed milk or formula. This is referred to as “mixed” or “combination” feeding.
Most lactation specialists advise waiting until your baby is at least a month old and breastfeeding is well established before starting bottle feeding. Start bottle-feeding at least two weeks before your intended return date if you’re going back to work. This will give you and your baby enough time to acclimate.
Comotomo bottles are made from silicone which feels similar to the breast. They are designed specifically for babies that switch between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. The bottles have a wide base and nipple, making them easier for babies to hold and latch on.
Many breastfed babies refuse a bottle when their mother first returns to work or school. The baby is adjusting to new changes, like a new daycare environment and different caregivers. Adults often feel less hungry when they start a new job, too!
Suppose you are thinking about supplementing with formula. In that case, it is important to talk to your midwife, child and family health nurse, lactation consultant, or GP. This is because regular mixed feeding can make it more difficult to keep breastfeeding.
Even just once a day, breastfeeding benefits both the mother and baby. Breastfeeding provides the baby with important nutrients and helps to keep them healthy. It also provides the baby a sense of safety and intimacy with their parent.
If you consume a minimum of one ounce of breast milk each day, it will be good for you. The formula is expected to consume up to 800 ml (26 mg) of fluid daily while exclusively breastfeeding.
You have a few options for increasing your milk supply. Breastfeeding more frequently and taking care of yourself are also good ideas. Try breastfeeding more often and taking care of yourself. If the baby only wants to breastfeed and refuses bottles, don’t worry. Practice offering bottles in a calm and relaxed way. Stop if the baby becomes stressed or fussy.
It will vary for every baby and every feeding situation. Some infants will stick with a slow flow nipple the entire time they are bottle-fed. Others may need to switch to a different size nipple at least once.
Anti-colic bottles are designed to help reduce the number of air babies swallow during feeds and to help reduce gas bubbles in their stomachs. This can help to stop any colicky crying caused by gas and overfeeding. Some anti-colic bottles have different flow rates so that milk can flow at the right speed for your baby.
Glass bottles are made without harsh chemicals that could get into the baby’s milk. This means that you can stay tension-free about what your baby is drinking.
