The 4 Best Baby Bottles | Tested & Rated - BabyGearLab

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Best Overall Baby Bottle

Comotomo

84

OVERALL
SCORE

• Leakage

  9.0

• Nipple

  9.0

• Ease of Cleaning

  8.0

• Eco-Health

  7.0

• Ease of Use

  8.0

REASONS TO BUY

Healthier materials

Breast-like nipple

Easy to clean

REASONS TO AVOID

Tips easily

Slow warm time

SPECIFICATIONS

Available Sizes 5, 8 oz Material Silicone Weight 3.7 oz Bottle Mouth Wide Anti-Colic Feature Vented nipple The

The Comotomo bottle impresses with its eco-friendly silicone, breast-like nipple, and overall simplicity. It offers uncomplicated assembly with only three parts, and the silicone body and nipple ensure that the formula/milk has minimal contact with plastic. The silicone also provides a soft, breast-like surface for babies to grasp when feeding. The nipple is softer than average and has a vent on either side to help your baby ingest less air with each swallow. This silicone is durable, and thanks to its wide-neck design, cleaning this bottle is simple, even without the best baby bottle brush . However, you'll likely want a small brush to ensure that the nipple valves are clear of residue to keep the milk flowing freely and prevent the growth of bacteria.

We like the advantages of silicone over plastic, but there are some downsides. The pliable structure doesn't create a stiff bottle body, and because the bottle's base is much narrower than the top, it can tip over. The Boon Nursh is a similar silicone, but it is less prone to tipping in our tests. Also, silicone's soft and squeezable nature (something babies will likely love) may spray a small stream of milk from the nipple when slight pressure is applied (frankly, just like mom). Despite these relatively minor drawbacks, the Comotomo is one of our favorites, and we would use or recommend it to a friend.

Read more: Comotomo review

Babies love the pliability of the silicone bottle body on the Comotomo.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Glass Baby Bottle

NUK Simply Natural Glass

79

OVERALL
SCORE

• Leakage

  9.0

• Nipple

  7.0

• Ease of Cleaning

  7.0

• Eco-Health

  8.0

• Ease of Use

  8.0

REASONS TO BUY

Glass body

Breast-similar nipple design

Easy-to-read volume markings

REASONS TO AVOID

Asymmetrical nipple

No sleeve

SPECIFICATIONS

Available Sizes 4, 8 oz Material Borosilicate Glass (BPA-free) Weight 5.8 oz Bottle Mouth Wide Anti-Colic Feature Vented nipple The

The NUK Simply Natural Glass is a glass bottle that meets our criteria as a top-notch bottle. The borosilicate glass is relatively durable, and the simple design of the bottle makes it easy to use, fill, and clean. One of the best parts about this bottle is the nipple. It's soft, has a unique flattened tip, and a wide nipple mound, which we believe is more breast-like. This nipple might be good for babies who regularly switch back and forth between bottle and breast.

Glass is more likely to break if it falls or is dropped, and NUK does not offer a protective sleeve like some of the competition (even as an accessory). While we love the nipple, it requires a bit more attentiveness from the caregiver because you must correctly position the asymmetrical shape in the mouth, or it may feel awkward for the infant. Plus, the nipple vent should be placed directly under the baby's nose; otherwise, it can't correctly release pressure. The Evenflo Vented + Glass is also one to consider for gassy or colicky babies, as it is designed to vent excess air. However, the Nuk is easy to work around these peculiarities with extra care, and our testers loved using the NUK Simply Natural. We think this contender is worth considering if you're searching for an outstanding glass baby bottle.

Read more: NUK Simply Natural Glass review

The NUK Simply Glass's nipple is flexible with multiple holes and an extra soft component to adapt to the baby's mouth.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Bang for Your Buck

Evenflo Vented + Glass

60

OVERALL
SCORE

• Leakage

  7.0

• Nipple

  5.0

• Ease of Cleaning

  5.0

• Eco-Health

  7.0

• Ease of Use

  6.0

REASONS TO BUY

Healthier material

Affordable

No leaks

REASONS TO AVOID

Difficult to read volume markings

Breakable

SPECIFICATIONS

Available Sizes 4, 8 oz Material Tempered Glass Weight 4.9 oz Bottle Mouth Narrow Anti-Colic Feature Vented nipple The

The Evenflo Vented + Glass bottles use tempered glass that is not as strong as borosilicate but still somewhat resistant to bumps and temperature changes thanks to special chemical treatment. We love that Evenflo offers a bottle priced on par with budget plastic bottles while still being made with eco-friendly materials. We did not have any problems with this bottle leaking during testing, and the nipple is soft enough that most babies can latch right on. This bottle is easy to assemble and clean with only three parts, although the small vent on the bottom of the nipple may require a tiny brush to clean appropriately.

While we love plastic alternatives, you must take extra care with glass bottles. Evenflo does not offer a protective sleeve, and tempered glass is one of the least durable materials we encountered during testing. The narrow nipple base is less breast-like, and breastfed babies may have more difficulty with this style. If a wider nipple mound works better for your little one, the NUK Simply Natural Glass has a wider mound and an adaptable nipple that might be easier for some babies to latch onto. The narrow neck opening in the Evenflo also makes it a bit more challenging to clean and fill, and you will need to purchase a special bottle brush. However, compared to similarly priced bottles, it is hard to find one with this many perks. If you are on a tight budget but want a glass bottle for health or eco reasons, Evenflo is your best bet.

Read more: Evenflo Vented + Glass review

Our tiny testers got a good latch on the Evenflo even though the nipple mound is narrow.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Collapsible Liner Design

Boon Nursh

73

OVERALL
SCORE

• Leakage

  8.0

• Nipple

  7.0

• Ease of Cleaning

  7.0

• Eco-Health

  7.0

• Ease of Use

  7.0

REASONS TO BUY

Easy to clean

Healthy materials

Solid base

REASONS TO AVOID

Hard to read volume markings

Stiff nipple

SPECIFICATIONS

Available Sizes 4, 8 oz Material Silicone, Plastic Weight 3.2 oz Bottle Mouth Wide Anti-Colic Feature Collapsible silicone pouch The

The Boon Nursh has a unique design, and we are impressed with its performance. It's a ventless system that uses a silicone drop-in pouch that collapses as the baby drinks to reduce gas-producing bubbles that can upset babies' bellies. The wide neck opening makes filling during bottle-making easier, and we consider the wide nipple mound more breast-like. The silicone liner is flexible enough to be turned inside out and cleaned with a regular sponge, although we still recommend using a small brush to reach the inside of the nipple. One of the perks of having a solid plastic shell is that it creates an excellent level of stability that isn't typical of silicone bottles.

We appreciate a bottle that provides a boob-like experience for babies, and the hard plastic shell keeps babies from feeling the breast-like, squishy silicone body. Also, the nipple is a bit stiff for our liking. However, we think this stiffness prevents nipple collapse, as the anti-colic method relies on a vacuum that prevents any air from entering the bottle. The Comotomo has a better nipple, in our opinion, though every baby is different. The volume markings on the Boon are on the plastic shell and correspond with stripes on the silicone liner. Even in a brightly lit room, the markings are difficult to distinguish and even more difficult in a dim nursery. However, we loved using the Boon Nursh and think the collapsible liner may work for super burpy babies.

Read more: Boon Nursh review

The Boon Nursh was a baby favorite for gripping.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare Score Product Price

84

Comotomo

Best Overall Baby Bottle

$13

79

NUK Simply Natural Glass

Best Glass Baby Bottle

$9

73

Boon Nursh

Best Collapsible Liner Design

$10

63

Philips Avent Natural Glass

$30

61

Joovy Boob Diamond

$40

60

Evenflo Vented + Glass

Best Bang for Your Buck

$18

60

Chicco Duo

$20

59

mimijumi

$29

58

Lifefactory Glass Bottle

$15

58

Additional reading:
EP3109218A1 - Setting retarder for gypsum

For more information, please visit HEORSHE.

Nanobebe Flexy

$20

57

Lansinoh

$20

57

PopYum

$36

How Does Brake Pad Material Work?

48

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature

$8

46

MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic

$22

41

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original

$50

Our baby tester could almost hold onto the Boon Nursh independently.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

How We Test Baby Bottles

We purchased each product in this review for hands-on testing. Our extensive testing took place in-house at BabyGearLab, which includes side-by-side comparisons to evaluate critical metrics like leakage, ease of cleaning, eco-health, and more to determine the best. Also influencing our final analysis and rank of products is feedback from infant testers and their caregivers who participated in the testing process.

Baby bottles are tested across 5 performance metrics in our review.

• Leakage (30% weighting of overall score)
• Nipple (25% weighting)
• Ease of Cleaning (20% weighting)
• Eco-health (15% weighting)
• Ease of Use (10% weighting)

The bottles each undergo real-world testing with tiny testers, and we combine that feedback with more than 9 in-house tests to influence scoring and awards. Tests include leak testing, including upside down in a diaper bag, nipple feel, pliability, flow, and latch-ability, as well as eco-health research, ease of cleaning, and ease of use.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Why Trust GearLab

The BabyGearLab Team is exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about baby bottles. Overseeing this review is BabyGearLab founder Dr. Juliet Spurrier, a board-certified pediatrician and mother of two. Relying on her experience as a mother, medical training, and practice as a physician, Dr. Spurrier selects top products to put through extensive testing. Also contributing to our review with hands-on, real-world testing is MaryAnn Wofford, a mother to 6 children and has over ten years of professional nanny experience.

How to Pick the Best Baby Bottle

Babies can be particular and fussy when it comes to baby bottles. The first thing you should know is it can take some trial and error to find the bottle your baby uses without frustration or refusal. So, give yourself and your baby some grace by first realizing that no matter how much you research or consider, the best option is often up to your little one and can require buying more than one type. We think some specific qualities can make your baby bottle days easy or complex, depending on your choice.

Materials

Perhaps one of the most important considerations, and the quickest way to narrow the options, is to choose what kind of materials you'd like to use. We aren't huge fans of plastic and are drawn to the silicone and glass bottles, However, plastic is less expensive than glass or silicone and glass can be heavy. Only you can determine what is best for your baby and situation based on your budget and goals.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Because your bottles will be used frequently, it is best if they are easy to assemble, use, and clean. Fewer parts is better, simplicity is key in our opinion. However, if your little one is colicky, you might need a more convoluted bottle. No one wants to waste time with a complicated bottle, so finding a system you can stick with is key.

Buy a Single First

We recommend buying a single version of one or two different models to see what your baby likes best before you buy a multi-pack or specific system. While the bottle you end up not using might be a waste of money, it will save you money, time, and frustration in the long run if your little one hates and refuses to feed (and they do this).

The four parts of the PopYum are all relatively easy to clean, but a bottle brush is necessary for the oddly shaped nipple.The formula gets scooped and stored in the nipple section of the bottle.

Analysis and Test Results

With so many baby bottles to choose from, it may be dizzying to tell the difference between manufacturers' features and claims. We tested things like ease of use, cleaning, leakage, and more to help provide the details to help you determine how you plan to feed your baby and what features are important to you before investing in a bottle for your little one.

Investing in a high-quality bottle may be a good choice depending on your lifestyle.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Value

When purchasing a baby bottle, consider how much you plan to use it. Are you planning to bottle-feed exclusively? If so, you will want a durable bottle that stands the test of time. If you plan to mainly breastfeed and occasionally supplement your baby's diet with formula, then a bottle's functionality may be less critical. Another consideration is the cost of healthier materials. A plastic bottle, like the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature or Lansinoh, is lightweight and sometimes more affordable, making it one to consider for daycare or while traveling with your baby. However, for some families, the lower price of plastic may not be as high of a priority if you value using eco-healthier materials, like glass or silicone. The Evenflo could be a great everyday bottle that uses glass and is budget-friendly. We also think the Comotomo is a well-rounded option that offers excellent value. It's easy to use and should last the duration of your baby's bottle-feeding years, making it a good value for longevity.

A leaky bottle is the last thing you want to worry about when feeding a baby.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Leakage

The last thing you want to worry about is leaking. Plus, once your baby's hunger strikes, you will want to whip up a bottle, screw on the top, and soothe your hungry baby ASAP. None of the bottles leaked when correctly assembled during testing, so the key to our testing was which bottles could easily be incorrectly assembled. In our opinion, bottles with fewer parts, such as the Evenflo Vented + Glass or the Comotomo, are less likely to trip you up, resulting in fewer leaks.

Top performers in this metric are the Comotomo and Nuk Simply Natural. You are more likely to experience leaks from a poor latch than from the cap of these bottles.

Baby bottle nipples come in all shapes and sizes.

Credit: BabyGearLab Staff

Nipple Type

One nipple type doesn't necessarily work for all babies, and it can be challenging to know which one your baby will prefer. We recommend narrowing the options to a few brands and purchasing one bottle from each to test for a few weeks.

Almost all nipples are silicone and vary in shape. Some are stiffer, whereas others are softer. There are a few common characteristics that babies typically like. In general, the more breast-like the nipple is, the more likely a baby will get a good latch. A nipple with a broad base is usually best. Most manufacturers offer various flow rates, ranging from slow to fast. Selecting the right level for your child can depend on a few factors, such as the child's age and if they're transitioning between breast and bottle, because you will want to select a nipple flow rate with the same effort as breastfeeding to avoid preference. You can locate the nipple's flow rate on the packaging or the nipple itself. The NUK Simply Natural Glass has a flattened nipple tip and soft silicone, which closely imitates the breast.

Check Bottle Nipples
Frequently check the nipple for discoloration, thinning, cracks, or breaks, and replace them if you notice signs of wear and tear.

This photo shows the difference in neck openings, from Comotomo's wide neck to Lifefactory's narrow neck.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Anti-Colic Features

Swallowing air during feeds is one of the most common ways for babies to trap gas bubbles in their digestive tract, which can cause discomfort and fussiness. Every baby bottle in our lineup has an anti-colic system or claims to limit the amount of ingested air. The Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original has a more complex anti-colic vent system using multiple parts, and some parents of colicky babies often swear by this bottle. Other contenders use a vented nipple, which allows a small amount of air to pass through a hole in the nipple base to prevent a vacuum. The Lifefactory Glass Bottle has ridges on the nipple's base that serve the same purpose.

The single nipple vent is located on the bottom edge of the nipple and fits just inside the upper rim of the bottle.The nipple on the Comotomo has dual anti-colic vents.The nipple on the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature has a single anti-colic vent.

Others have an additional component that allows air in and out of the bottle. The Joovy Boob Diamond has a collar that fits the bottle's rim and leaves a bit of space without milk release.

The squishy silicone drop in collapses as baby drinks from the Boon Nursh.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Last, as seen in the Boon Nursh, having no vent can also be an effective anti-colic system. This bottle features a silicone liner that seals tightly with the nipple and creates a vacuum. As your baby drinks, the liner collapses to relieve the pressure without the need for added air.

We suggest handwashing all plastic bottles and parts, despite being dishwasher-safe.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Cleaning

All the bottles in our test group claim to be &#;dishwasher safe&#; by the manufacturer. However, we strongly recommend handwashing, especially for plastic parts, to reduce the potential for chemicals to leach and to prolong the product's life.

The Comotomo and mimijumi are the simplest bottles in the group. These bottles are a cinch to clean with fewer parts and a wide neck opening. Our least favorite bottle to wash is the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original. Its anti-colic system has several parts with nooks and crannies, requiring a special brush to thoroughly clean smaller crevices. However, if this bubble-reducing bottle works for your little one, it may be worth the extra effort to avoid baby discomfort and spit-up.

We highly recommend using a top-ranking baby bottle brush for handwashing, and even a special brush, which can help clean smaller be more challenging to clean than others. A baby bottle with a narrow mouth opening can spray as you pull the brush out, but wide-neck options are less likely to create a messy spray. The Boon Nursh has only two parts that need actual scrubbing. Both can be turned inside out and cleaned with a regular sponge.

The baby bottle competition uses various materials, such as glass, silicone, plastic, or a blend.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Eco-Health

Eco-health is very important to us. Keeping this in mind, most bottles we tested are glass or silicone, which are generally considered safer for babies and the environment than plastic.

Nanoplatics
A recent

&#;the Nebraska team further found that three-quarters of cultured embryonic kidney cells had died after two days of being introduced to those same particles. A report from the World Health Organization recommended limiting exposure to such particles.

For these reasons, we prefer glass over plastic and recommend not microwaving plastic containers.

A recent University of Nebraska study on microwaving plastics showed that when some plastics heated in the microwave can release enormous numbers of plastic particles. In some cases, the levels can reach more than 2 billion nanoplastics and 4 million microplastics for every square centimeter of the container. While the health impact of these kinds of particles is still foggy, a recent article stated For these reasons, we prefer glass over plastic and recommend not microwaving plastic containers.

Plastic baby bottles are widely available, and we understand why they remain popular. Plastic is more affordable, more durable, lightweight, and can be more convenient to use. However, given the potential risk of chemicals leaching and exposure to microplastics, it's not our preferred material for feeding. Therefore, plastic contenders tend to rank low in this metric, especially the PopYum. Not only is the entire bottle made of plastic, but it also has pieces and more plastic mass overall than other bottles.

The PopYum, Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature, and Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Original are some of the plastic bottles we looked at.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Advice on Plastics

Some evidence suggests that high temperatures and shaking from the bottle preparation process can potentially increase and release microplastics into a baby's bottle. Here are some tips when using plastic bottles:

• Warm formula or breast milk in a glass or stainless steel container in a bowl of hot water (not in a microwave) and allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a plastic bottle.
• Let a plastic bottle cool after sterilization, then rinse a few times before adding liquid
• Throw away plastic products that are scratched, cloudy, or damaged. While they might still work, they are potentially putting plastic into your baby's food.
• For extra caution, consider replacing plastics every six months.

For more information, read

For more information, read Are Plastics Safe for Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups?

Some glass options include the Lifefactory, Joovy Boob Diamond, Evenflo Vented + Glass, and NUK Simply Natural Glass.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Baby bottles that use borosilicate glass rank higher than the competition. Borosilicate glass has an entirely different chemical makeup that is highly durable and helps bottles endure significant and sudden temperature changes without breaking. These bottles generally last a long time and can typically handle daily usage. The Joovy Boob Diamond and Lifefactory Glass Bottle score highly, as they use this type of glass, create an environment where liquid has little to no contact with plastic, and come with a silicone sleeve for added protection and grip for little hands. We also appreciate that the packaging of the Joovy Boob Diamond mentions that the glass is thermal shock resistant, allowing it to go from freezer to one of the best bottle warmers. The NUK Simply Natural Glass is a close runner-up. While it doesn't offer a silicone sleeve, it uses borosilicate glass.

Comparatively, tempered glass, which is what the Evenflo Vented + Glass uses, is created by treating regular glass with a chemical or thermal process to increase durability and lessen the likelihood of breakage from drops and bumps. It is more resistant to heat, but it is still not a good idea to go straight from the freezer to the bottle warmer with tempered glass.

The Comotomo and the Boon Nursh both have bodies made primarily from silicone.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Silicone is an excellent compromise among the material options. It is much healthier than plastic and more durable and lighter than glass. Silicone bottles used to be a rarity, but today, the market is bursting with silicone. Silicone products in our lineup include the Comotomo, Boon Nursh, and Nanobebe Flexy.

Interestingly, the Chicco Duo is a hybrid bottle, unlike any other contender in the lineup. The interior uses a very thin layer of glass called INVINCI-GLASS, which adheres to a plastic exterior. Essentially, it seems to combine the best of both worlds; your baby's milk touches the glass, and the plastic makes it durable and lightweight. Being a newer concept, we began researching this material but ended up sort of empty-handed. Therefore, we had a few questions for Chicco, such as: How do you know if the glass interior experiences breakage or damage? Here's what Chicco shared with us:

"Technology for the Duo bottles is proprietary. They are developed using an advanced patented technology that has been in use in medical and pharmaceutical products&#; The bottles are made in the USA and meet all state and federal regulatory requirements." &#; Chicco

In our opinion, Chicco did not share as much information as we would have hoped or what we think parents deserve. Their answer to our inquiries lacked the kind of details that would have increased our confidence in recommending this new technology. While we aren't saying anything is wrong with it or the hybrid bottle, we are hesitant, given the vagueness. In addition, we discovered evidence from other users of bottle rims melting during the sterilization process and concerns about potentially broken glass going undetected inside the bottle (reported by users online). Other products in the review use materials that we feel are more familiar and bring peace of mind regarding eco-health without the remaining questions we had with the Chicco.

The buttons on either side of the PopYum bottle can be squeezed with one hand so you can still keep track of baby with the other.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use

Newborns can eat as frequently as every 2 hours, and if you're bottle-feeding, chances are you'll be handling (and cleaning) baby bottles upwards of 8 times a day for the first few months. We suggest selecting a product that is effortless to use. You should ask yourself, how many pieces will I have to assemble and clean? How tricky is a liquid transfer? Is it comfortable to hold? Our favorite bottles have very few parts and are fool-proof to assemble.

The Comotomo ties with the mimijumi and the NUK Simply Natural Glass for the easiest bottles to use. All three earned matching high scores. Bottles with a wide neck opening are much easier to mix formula or pour breastmilk into, reducing waste and eliminating the mess. However, those with narrow neck openings, like the Evenflo Vented + Glass and Lifefactory, can result in liquid loss or mess. The most complicated bottle in our testing is the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow as it has many parts and pieces to assemble, disassemble, wash, and dry, taking more time than any other bottle we have used.

The volume markings are a bit difficult to read when the bottle is empty.The volume markings are on the silicone sleeve, rather than directly on the glass, as is the case in most bottles.There is not much contrast between the volume markings and the rest of the bottle, so you must catch the light in order to read them.

If you want to monitor how much liquid your baby is consuming, we suggest selecting a bottle with distinct volume markings. Also, ask yourself, is it comfortable to hold? How about for your baby? Glass bottles like the Lifefactory or the NUK Simply Natural Glass are heavier and more challenging for a baby to hold. Alternatively, plastic and silicone options are generally lighter and more comfortable for small hands to manage, and the Comotomo is lightweight and pliable for easy gripping.

The nanobebe bottle allows you to pump and feed your child using the same product.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Pumping?
If you're planning to pump to store milk or build a supply for your bottle-fed baby, we tested the

If you're planning to pump to store milk or build a supply for your bottle-fed baby, we tested the best breast pumps to find the best options for every need and budget.

All the bottles brought something different to the table, but only a few came out on top.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Conclusion

Many babies use bottles multiple times a day for more than a year. Even breastfed babies often use bottles when their mom is away or sleeping. This reality means selecting a baby bottle that you and your baby are happy with is

Many babies use bottles multiple times a day for more than a year. Even breastfed babies often use bottles when their mom is away or sleeping. This reality means selecting a baby bottle that you and your baby are happy with is essential for successful feedings . It helps to consider parent-driven factors, such as leaks, level of effort to clean parts, and convenience, in your decision-making process. However, on the baby's end, nipple type is equally important because not every nipple will work for every baby. Luckily, we've completed extensive testing to bring you the details you'll require to make an informed decision. While we can't say what features your specific baby may prefer, we feel confident there is something for every baby in our lineup, and we hope that our findings help you make a good choice for your family.

Having a baby is one of the most amazing experiences that you&#;ll have in your life.

The best way to bond with your baby is through breastfeeding, and the benefits thereof have been well documented.

However, whether you&#;re returning to work or have decided to introduce a bottle in combination with breastfeeding, you&#;ll at some point need to buy baby bottles. But the trick lies in how to know what bottle to buy when you consider the amount of brands and bottles out there. It&#;s overwhelming.

With this in mind, we&#;ve created the ultimate guide to buying baby bottles which will give you good, practical advice to make an informed decision about the type of bottle you decide to buy.

What will you Find in this Guide?

This guide is extremely comprehensive, and to make it easier for you to navigate your way through the guide to buying baby bottles, we&#;ve broken it up into easy to read sections. Get ready to be an expert baby bottle buyer! 

1. What parts is a baby bottle made up of?

2. What different types of baby bottles are there?

• - Standard
• - Angled
• - Wide Neck
• - Vented
• - Disposable

3. Ultimate Buying Guide for Baby Bottles

• - The Bottle
• - The Teat

4. One a Final Note

 

What Parts is a Baby Bottle Made up of?

There are generally four parts to every baby bottle, but there can be a lot more on some bottles:

• - Bottle &#; this is what stores the milk or formula.
• - Teat &#; your baby will suck milk or formula through the teat.
• - Collar &#; this is like a lid but in a ring shape. You will push the teat through the collar and then screw the collar into lace on the baby bottle.
• - Travel Cover &#; this is found in most baby bottles and is there specifically to prevent dirt and bacteria getting stuck on the teat when it&#;s not being used.

 

What Different Types of Baby Bottles are there?

Bottle buying has certainly become a lot more complicated when you consider the choices our parents had when they bought bottles.

Bottles come in a plethora of different shapes and sizes, so let&#;s delve a little deeper and see what&#;s on offer. 

The Standard Baby Bottle

As the name suggests this bottle is the most standard bottle that you can find out there. There are no special features or gimmicks &#; it has a lid and a teat that attaches to the bottle and some of them will come with a travel cover or lid.  

These bottles are extremely cost effective and they are easy to find.  

Pros:

• - Cost-effective.
• - Available just about anywhere.
• - Simple design and easy to clean.
• - Fits into most accessories like sterilizers and bottle warmers due to their shape.

Cons:

• - As they&#;re cheaper then might not be great quality.
• - There are no features that could make feeding baby easier.
• - It&#;s highly likely that your baby could get gassy from these bottles as they don&#;t come with features to stop bubbles entering the teat.

The Angled Baby Bottle

Again as the name suggests, this bottle is angled at the top of the bottle. The reason for this being is so that it makes it easier to feed your baby in the upright position. But why is this important? Pediatricians suggest feeding babies in this position to prevent ear infections. So this is a great option.

But the bend is also there to make sure that your little one doesn&#;t get too much air so that they become gassy or even develop colic. The unique shape keeps the teat filled with milk therefore reducing the amount of air that baby swallows.

The slightly odd design can make filling it a bit difficult as you&#;ll have to hold it at an angle which can become a bit messy or you might need to use a funnel which can just be downright frustrating.

Pros:

• - Helps prevent your baby from swallowing too much air.
• - It is quite comfortable to hold.
• - Can help to prevent ear infections.

Cons:

• - These are way more expensive than standard bottles.
• - They are quite difficult to find so you would have to hunt around a bit.
• - They can be difficult to clean, which means that there can be a build-up of bacteria in the bottle.

 

The Wide Neck Baby Bottle

If you want to switch between breastfeeding and bottle feeding then this is a great option for you as the teat of this bottle is much wider than other teats and resemble your own breasts.

With a wider neck than other baby bottles it makes this one a dream to clean.  

Pros:

• - Similar to breast feeding.
• - Prevents nipple confusion.
• - Cleans easily.

Cons:

• - Nipples from other standard bottles won&#;t fit.
• - They are a more expensive option.

 

The Vented Baby Bottle

A vented bottle is ingenious when it comes to preventing gas or colic. When you buy a vented baby bottle then it ensures that air bubbles aren&#;t trapped in the teat and they head towards the bottom of the bottle as opposed to baby sucking in that air when she&#;s feeding.

They are also known as natural flow or anti-colic bottles. They are normally vented from the teat or through the use of a straw or even through a little valve that sits at the bottom of the bottle.  If you battle with your little one in terms of her being gassy or even if your baby has colic then you should definitely consider a vented baby bottle.

Pros:

• - Decreases the amount of air baby swallows.
• May help with the symptoms of colic and gas.

Cons:

• They are quite a hassle to clean as there are so many parts to them.
• They are the most expensive baby bottle on the market.

 

Disposable baby bottles

Disposable baby bottles are a gift when you&#;re out and about or if you&#;re traveling as you can feed and then literally just throw them away without having to worry about cleaning and sterilizing.

There are two types of disposable baby bottles, so let&#;s take a look at both of them.

1. Disposable baby bottles

This is a pre-sterilized baby bottle that has a teat and a lid too. You buy them in multi-packs and it&#;s as simple as filling up with formula or milk, feeding baby and then throwing them away. How easy is that?

2. Disposable liner baby bottles

This is another genius idea for times when you simply can&#;t wash bottles. You buy small plastic pouches that fit inside the bottle. All you need to do is add milk or formula into the pouch and place it inside the bottle. The milk or formula doesn&#;t ever come into contact with the bottle. You buy a pack of liners and each one is used for one meal. As your little one drinks you can literally see the liner collapsing which means less air goes into baby&#;s mouth.

This is actually a more cost-effective option in the long run as you don&#;t have to keep buying disposable bottles. All you need to do here is buy the bottle initially and then you can buy extra pouches when you need them.

Pros:

• No cleaning.
• Extremely convenient.
• Ideal for traveling.

Cons:

• Not eco-friendly.
• The initial price of the bottle is a bit more expensive than standard bottles, but as we said in the long-run it works out cheaper.
• You need to continually buy liners.

 

The Ultimate Baby Bottle Buying Guide

Here we get into the real nuts and bolts of how to choose the right baby bottle for you. We&#;ll talk about all the features that you need to be aware of so that you can make the right choice for you and your baby.
We&#;ve broken this section down into two parts, &#;The Bottle&#; and &#;The Teat&#; as each is equally important to consider.   

1. Baby Bottles
2. Baby Teats

Baby Bottles

When buying baby bottles there are so many things to take into consideration and here we take a look at different aspects of baby bottles helping you to make the right decision. The first area we&#;ll explore is the bottle material. 

The bottle material

There are three types of materials that baby bottles are made of, namely plastic, glass and stainless steel. So what are the pros and cons of each type of bottle?

Plastic baby bottles

Plastic is generally the go to bottle for most parents as it&#;s cost effective and light with the added benefit of not breaking when they drop.  
However, over the last couple of years there have been major concerns about BPA levels in baby bottles.

To combat this, the Australian Government announced a voluntary phase out of BPA use in polycarbonate baby bottles in . Even though this has been largely eradicated, you still need to check to make sure that the plastic bottle you buy has no BPA in it to be safe.

Plastic unfortunately scratches very easily and this means that bacteria can build up inside the bottle. There are small indentations in plastic, which makes them extremely difficult to clean and be clear of nasties, which you don&#;t want for your baby.  

 

Pros:

• Lightweight.
• Inexpensive.
• Unbreakable when dropped.

Cons:

• Absorbs odours making the bottle smell.
• With continual use the plastic will eventually wear and scratch quite quickly which means spending more money in the long term.
• Plastic can harbour bacteria as it&#;s difficult to keep clean due to the indentations and scratches in the plastic.
• Plastic bottles slowly break down from using extreme heat through sterilizing.

Glass baby bottles

Due to the BPA warnings that were issues a couple of years ago, glass bottles have become an extremely popular choice for parents, and for good reasons.

The great thing about glass is that the surface is completely smooth making for easy cleaning and no build-up of bacteria in the bottle. They are also extremely easy to clean and to top it off they&#;re also eco-friendly! What more could you want?

Glass bottles can handle boiling water & extreme heat through sterilizing with ease, as glass will not break down.

They are a more expensive option than plastic; however they can really stand the test of time and last for ages. Of course there is the possibility of them breaking, however, a lot of glass bottles come with protective silicone sleeves that protect the bottle. The silicone sleeve makes it easier for baby to hold when she becomes a little more independent.

Pros:

• Super easy to clean.
• Chemical and toxin free.
• Can be recycled.
• They last for ages.
• Protective silicone sleeves make the bottle ease to hang onto.

Cons:

• They are slightly heavier than plastic baby bottles.
• Glass is breakable, so its recommended to choose a bottle with a protective silicone sleeve.
• They are slightly more expensive than plastic bottles, but last much longer.

Stainless Steel Baby Bottles

If you haven&#;t heard about stainless steel baby bottles then don&#;t be surprised as they are the least used material for baby bottles. It&#;s actually much like a thermos with a teat.

Just like a thermos, stainless steel bottles are great to keep baby&#;s milk warm, or keep it cold for longer periods of time.
This is the most robust material out of the three options and they are virtually impossible to break! Another great feature is that they are scratch resistant and cleaning them is a breeze.

But there are some serious cons too. They are the most expensive bottles out of all the materials. Another drawback is that you can&#;t see through them which make measuring the amount of milk or formula a bit difficult. It can be painstaking to measure it out first in a measuring cup and then pour it in, just giving you one extra thing to do when you have so much on your plate already! 

Pros:

• Virtually impossible to break, but will dent.
• Scratch resistant.
• Easy to clean.

Cons:

• The most expensive bottle available.
• If cold liquids are poured into the stainless bottle it sweats.
• You can&#;t see through them which make measuring difficult.

Little Hands

Little ones grow up quickly, going from being happy for you to hold their bottle to wanting to hold it themselves marking their first steps to independence. One of the great things about glass bottles with silicone sleeves is that it makes it easy for baby to hold the bottle.

Trainer cups are also an option for when they get older and they have handles on them for those little hands to hold on to. 

Measuring Lines

We spoke a bit about stainless steel bottles being difficult to measure as you can&#;t see through them, so ideally you should go for plastic or glass bottles which will allow you to measure out your milk or formula without any hassles. 

 

The Teat

Just like bottles, teats come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and it&#;s an important thing to consider for when you&#;re feeding your baby. We would highly recommend that you don&#;t interchange brands of teats and bottles as they might not fit the bottle properly, could leak and even fall into the bottle which could cause baby to choke.

Teat materials

Teats come in either silicone or latex materials and there are pros and cons to each. Let&#;s take a look and you can decide which you feel is right for your baby.

1. Latex Teats

Latex teats are extremely soft and flexible too and mirror the feeling of your nipple, making them a popular choice for many mums. However, they are prone to wearing out very quickly when compared to silicone. So how do you know when they&#;ve worn out? You&#;ll see little cracks appear in the teat, but they are inexpensive so replacing them is cost-effective and won&#;t cost the earth.

However, a lot of babies are allergic to latex, so you&#;ll need to watch for signs that they are allergic like watery or itchy eyes, wheezing, hives, flushing of the skin or a skin rash, itching of the skin or swelling of the skin. 

2. Silicone Teats

Silicone is clear and flexible and is by far the most favoured choice of teats for mums across the world. Nowadays most bottles come standard with silicone teats as they last up to 3 to 4 times longer than latex teats. We recommend that silicone should be your go to choice for teats.  
There is however one drawback &#; if you&#;ve been breastfeeding your little one might reject the teat as it&#;s not as pliable as latex. 

Teat Size and Flow

Yes, there&#;s even more to consider when choosing teats! You need to make sure that you have the right size for your baby&#;s developmental stage as otherwise they could get too much milk or too little milk. Sizes are generally classified by flow, age or stage. See the guidelines below to make the right choice.  

0-3months

• Slow Flow
• Stage 1
• Newborn

3+ Months

• Medium Flow
• Stage 2

6+ Months

• Fast Flow
• Stage 3 or 4

Once you&#;ve chosen your teat type, make sure you stock up on them as they do tend to do a disappearing act, and once your baby starts teething, they don't last forever.

Travel Cap

The travel cap is the lid that sits on top of the bottle that covers the teat. It&#;s there to stop any bacteria build up on the teat itself when it&#;s not in use so is ideal for when you&#;re on the go.

Not all baby bottles come with teat covers, but we would suggest that you do go for a bottle that has one.

Travel Seal

The travel seal is the silicone seal that fits inside the screw cap, that will seal the contents inside the bottle during travel so the milk will no spill inside you baby bag. We recommend you choose a bottle that has a travel seal included as it will save lots of spillage while your out and about.

One a Final Note

Make sure that you choose a bottle wisely to suit your lifestyle needs, and the needs of your baby. We would highly recommend wide-neck glass bottles with silicone sleeves,and silicone teats. Travel caps are also important to keep those bugs at bay too. All of these smart choices will make bottle feeding easier and more enjoyable for both you and baby. Avoid expensive bottles that have got lots of different gimmicks, as they are literally gimmicks that can cost the earth and you don&#;t need to spend a fortune on glass baby bottles.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle.