The Best Baby Bottles For Breastfed Babies

Moms who breastfeed know that the process can be magical or frustrating, and sometimes both within the space of the same feeding. And sooner or later, many moms decide that it’s time to transition to the bottle, or they want to introduce bottle-feeding to their baby so that other caretakers besides Mom can feed the baby using a bottle of milk. Choosing the right bottle is a key part of making this transition from breast to bottle.

Shopping for the right baby bottle can be confusing and intimidating, and what works for one child might not be right for another. There are some bottles that are specifically designed to mimic the human breast, though, and there are a few qualities you can look for.

First and foremost, there’s the nipple. Most everybody is familiar with the hourglass shape of the traditional baby bottle nipple, but subtle tweaks to that design can make all the difference for a breastfeeding baby. Look for nipples that have a flatter tip and a wider base that not only look but feel more like the real thing.

If your baby is prone to hiccups, you might want to pay a little extra for a vented top to the bottle. This will ensure that fewer air bubbles sneak in through the milk, though these bottles will require a little more care. (Those tiny vents can get moldy easily if they are left uncleaned after feedings.)

You’ll also want to keep an eye on the flow of liquid through the bottle’s nipple. This will dictate how much milk will come out each time the baby suckles. Not enough, and your little one will get frustrated fast. Too much, and your baby will become gassy and fussy — and will most likely spit up. Different manufacturers have different ratings for the flow control on their nipples, but in general, stage 1 is meant for newborns. Faster-flowing stage 2 nipples can be used after 3 months or so, when babies are ready for a little more volume. Stage 3 nipples are faster still and are best for children aged 6 to 12 months.

Of course, the nipple isn’t the only relevant part of the bottle. Babies in their first year do best with smaller bottles, something that they can grasp with tiny hands. Plus, most newborns will only drink about 4 ounces at a time, so anything much larger than that is a waste.

• You don’t want to test your baby’s immune system too early, so be sure to wash your baby bottles thoroughly. If you can, always hand-wash, making sure to take apart all the different pieces. If the nipple portion can be removed, do that, too — you don’t want any mold settling into the cracks where it snaps into place.
• As far as the material of the bottle goes, you’ll find a wide variety. Plastic or latex bottles are usually the most affordable, and they’ll work just fine for most infants unless they have a latex allergy. Stainless steel bottles are somewhat more durable, and hold heat well. Silicone will usually be the priciest option, but the fact that it can be heated and run through a regular dishwasher is worth it for many moms.