When deciding to start bottle feeding your baby while also breastfeeding, there are certain things you need to know beforehand.
Firstly, you need to know that there is nothing healthier than breast milk - no other formulas even come close to the nutritious value breastfeeding can provide to your baby. So, you need to be prepared to be able to pump breast milk and feed it through a bottle. This scenario is perfect for mothers who have to get back to work while the child needs to be breastfed.
However, the transition to being bottle fed might not always be easy, as there are many factors to consider.
When starting to bottle feed a baby, there is no hard and fast rule as to what your baby will accept or reject, it’s simply a matter of trial and error. With the various sizes and options of bottles available, it’s best to get the largest models as babies tend to develop a larger appetite sooner than you think. It’s also better to go for models which are designed to minimize air bubbles, for less gassy babies.
The ideal time to introduce your baby to the bottle will be roughly around 4 to 6 weeks, whenever the baby has gotten the hang of being breastfed properly. You will have to take great care of hygiene by properly sterilizing the bottle before each use; there are many sterilizing options available on the market. You might also look into getting a bottle warmer. You'll also need to make sure you throw away any leftover milk left outside, as bacteria will start to invade it. This is crucial because babies are even more sensitive and susceptible to diseases.
To help you ease your bottle buying process, we have gathered a ton of valuable information about the best bottles for breastfed babies. Here is a quick look at our top picks, and why we love them.
Quick comparison: Best bottles for breastfed babies
Bottle | Materials | Anti-colic features | Features we love | Buy it now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Infant Palace 
| BPA free | - Has anti-colic air system | - Natural-flow nipple mimics breastfeeding | |
First Years Breastflow 
| BPA free | - Designed to | - Requires suction and compression, just like breastfeeding | |
Muchkin Latch Baby Bottle 
| BPA free | - Anti-colic valve keeps - Accordion base reduces air ingestion | - Nipple moves and stretches | |
Minbie Newborn Feeding Kit 
| BPA free | - Special vents allow air to flow back into the bottle and not into baby's stomach | - Designed for babies to feed just as they | |
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottle 
| BPA and phthalate free | - Special Easi-Vent valve and slow-flow nipple reduce air intake | - Natural nipple mimics the flex, stretch and movement | |
ComoTomo Baby Bottle 
| BPA, PVC, Phthalate free | - Has dual anti-colic vents to reduce air intake | - Innovative, sensible design mimics breastfeeding |
If you're looking for the full scoop on each bottle, keep reading! We're sure you'll find the baby bottle that best suits your needs.
Infant Palace Baby Bottle
This bottle features an Anti-Colic Air System that prevents the ingestion of air, which in turn allows for a gas- and burp-free baby. It has a nipple designed to mimic the natural texture and makes the baby feel like he's being breastfed, while allowing him to control the flow of milk, which is very important to reduce the risk of choking.
Pros
This bottle is easy to grab by babies, as it has handles, which are also detachable for easy washing and sterilization. The handles are heat resistant, so your baby or even you can hold them without feeling the heat.
The materials used are top quality, and this bottle is approved by the FDA and is BPA free.
The detachable handles and wide design allow for quick and easy cleaning, which in turn lets you protect your baby from bacteria.
Cons
This may not be the best bottle for curious toddlers, as they may be quick to realize that when you squeeze it, milk squirts everywhere.
Some previous buyers have had a problem with air getting into the bottle.
Our favorite feature
The bright color will attract your baby and keep him interested while he's are being fed, making feeding time a little easier for mommies!
Final thoughts
This bottle comes in a pack of two, so you have an extra on hand. It also comes with a cap so that you can protect the nipple and keep it clean when stored. This is a good and safe option for any parent.
The First Years Breastflow Starter Kit
Breastflow is especially designed to encourage two very important natural movements: suction and compression. This bottle lets your baby control the flow of milk and mimics the natural feel of breastfeeding. This bottle is great for use with both formula and breast milk.
Pros
The nipple is designed with a vent to prevent messy throw up and a gassy baby.
It’s made of high-quality silicone and can be sterilized easily with the rest of the bottle.
This bottle features a wide neck design that allows for easy and convenient cleaning and makes the base easy to reach. It also allows for the bottle to be filled easily.
The pack includes a full-sized bottle and a nipple brush to ensure the nipple is nicely cleaned. This way, it also remains safe from bacteria.
This bottle can be washed safely in the dishwasher and is free of BPA. It comes with a cap which can be placed on top of the nipple to cover it and protect it from bacteria when not in use.
Cons
Some previous buyers say the nipple is too wide and made of a silicone that is too hard for their babies.
Some mothers felt that too much air got into the bottle, making their babies gassy.
Our favorite feature
This is an ideal starter pack as it includes two 5-ounce bottles and stage 1 nipples along with covers, two 9-ounce bottles, and stage 2 nipples along with covers, a bottle brush, and also a unique container that can be easily snapped onto the bottle and can carry baby formula or even snacks.
Final thoughts
This is the complete set and is ideal for new moms who are just starting to bottle feed.
Munchkin Latch Bottle
It’s developed with experts’ opinions in mind: they say that the transition from breas feeding to bottle becomes a little easier when a better latch is involved. This bottle is fitted with uniquely designed accordion nipples that act natural, just like the real deal.
Pros
Its nipple pumps and moves while mimicking the natural breast and provides the perfect latch while reaching out to the back of the baby’s soft palate.
The nipple also features the anti-colic valve that prevents air flow and bubbles and eases your baby from the discomfort of burps and gas.
The pack contains three 8-ounce bottles made of high-quality material that is free of BPA and other harmful materials such as lead and latex.
Cons
Some buyers say the nipple collapses when baby is sucking on it, and it has to be "re-inflated".
One previous customer had a problem with the bottles leaking.
The vent may make it more difficult to scrub the bottle clean.
Our favorite feature
This model has won the award in 2015 for the best bottle for babies as chosen by mothers.
Final thoughts
This is a great tried-and-tested choice for new moms, as it’s already proven to work well and has an award to its name.
Minbie Newborn Feeding Kit
This bottle is designed especially for moms who plan on breastfeeding and bottle feeding. This kit comes with 0+ Extra Slow and 1+ Slow Nipples, so it’s easy for you to find out what flow rate your baby prefers.
Pros
This bottle is great as a back-up and can be used anywhere between newborn to 3 months of age.
The nipples are made using high-quality German silicone and are free from BPA. The polypropylene nipples feature a unique design that promotes a more natural and realistic feeding action, and that in turn reduces the chances of your baby rejecting bottle feeding while also creating a smooth and easy transitioning of your baby from breastfeeding to bottle feeding.
The nipples also feature an anti-colic valve, which keeps air bubbles out and promotes a healthier baby who is free from burping and gas problems.
Cons
Some people have had problems with the bottle leaking.
Some say the milk can flow too quickly for a baby, causing them to choke.
Our favorite feature
The kit includes two nipples with different flow rates, a 7- ounce bottle, a German silicone nipple with an anti-colic system in place, and a seal and a cap which can be used to cover the bottle when taking breaks from feeding. The cap will protect the nipple from bacteria and make sure your baby remains healthy and happy.
Final thoughts
This kit is a safe choice for babies who have rejected other bottles, as it has a unique nipple design that is different from the others.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottle
This is a set of 6 colorful 9-ounce bottles that are sure to catch your baby's attention. They're safe and 100% BPA-free. The nipples are designed with great care, using feedback from mothers and experts, to feel just like real nipples so as to make the transitioning from breastfeeding to bottled milk easier for the baby.
Pros
Its nipples are made of soft silicone that mimics the natural stretch and flex while feeling like natural skin, and can elongate while feeding. The nipples allow for a relatively slow flow that gets rid of excess air flow by preventing bubbles from forming and hence allowing babies to ingest more milk and be less gassy.
The bottles feature a unique compact shape that lets your baby be fed in a position that is natural and gets a chance to stay closer to the parent. This has been known to promote and strengthen the bonding between parent and child.
This bottle can be held in 3 different positions: from the wide base, cradled in the hands, or gripped by the neck.
Cons
Some people have had problems with the nipples collapsing.
Some previous buyers felt these were not "slow-flowing" bottles.
Our favorite feature
These bottles are very convenient to clean and fill with a wide neck. They are safe for use in a dishwasher and also the microwave. They are also very lightweight and convenient to grip, with a hygienic seal cap that protects the nipple from bacteria. The markings on the side are in millimeters and in ounces.
Final thoughts
This pack of 6 is perfect for busy parents as they wouldn’t need to wash them frequently and will always have a bottle to feed their child with. It’s also suitable for parents feeding two or three babies at a time due to their number and easy to grip design.
ComoTomo Baby Bottle
The ComoTomo Baby Bottle comes in a pack of two 5-ounce bottles with a funky round shape. These are also fitted with nipples that mimic the feel and movements of a natural nipple, which in turn helps reduce the chances of the baby rejecting bottle feeding.
Pros
These bottles have an ultra wide neck with an equally wide base, which allow for easy filling and an even easier cleaning by using just your hands.
These bottles can be easily sterilized and are also safe for use in dishwashers and microwaves with a nipple that is made from 100% medical grade silicone that is safe and hygienic for babies.
The nipples feature double anti-colic vents, unlike other models that feature just a single vent. This in turn almost eliminates extra air flow and bubbles and keeps your baby healthy and free of gass.
Cons
Some people have had trouble screwing the lids on straight.
Some people complain that the milk flow is too fast for their baby.
Bottles may be too squishy for some babies.
Our favorite feature
The squeezable design of these bottles gives them an edge in being more natural and feeling more breast-like to the baby. The nipple allows for a slow flow of milk through one hole and is ideal for kids up to 3 months of age.
Final thoughts
The design of this bottle is different and has more natural likeness than others, and hence, its safe to say that this might be the one for your child if your baby has rejected a few bottles in the past. This is definitely among the best bottles for breastfed babies.
All babies are different and have their own unique needs. It’s very important to try different kinds of bottles with different features and shapes in order to figure out which suits your baby best.
The correct bottle will be easy to use and allow for a comfortable feeding time, which will result in a healthier, happier baby. You'll need to decide your strategy first. Do you want to continue breast feeding while bottle feeding? Or do you prefer switching over to the bottle for good? The choice is yours.
The transitioning can be hard but with the right choice of bottle and nipple, things will get easier. Hopefully this list of the best bottles for breastfed babies has helped you pick the right bottle for your little one.
