When a mom makes the transition from the breasts to a bottle for the baby, it could get a little tricky. Nevertheless, the products that you use to make the switch can make a big difference in this transition. Therefore, choosing the right products like baby bottles is crucial. Mostly, people purchase a few single bottles and nipples as options and then find the ones that work for them and their baby.
According to experts, most bottles categorized as ‘breastfeeding friendly’ are the least recommenced for breastfed babies because they have wide bases. They also add that you should choose a nipple that has a natural flow rate. Almost all babies do better with the slow-flow nipple and they don’t need advanced, fast-flow nipples. To make your routine simpler, you can directly connect the bottle to the breast pump to lower milk transfer.
If you are a new mother and want to know about the best bottles for breastfed babies, we have listed some of the best bottles that are going to be helpful for your newborn.
Table of Contents
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Bottles
Dr. Brown’s bottles take the top spot on our list because they help prevent gas build-up in your newborn’s tummy. These bottles have a vent on the inside that allows air to escape, which reduces gas or any kind of discomfort. When your baby gets used to bottle feeding, the vent can be removed. It is so effective that a majority of lactation experts recommend this brand.
The nipple of this bottle is designed for a steady, consistent milk flow, which is as same as breastfeeding. Another fact that makes these bottles some of the best in the game is they are built from borosilicate glass. This means they can endure boiling water and the freezer, is also free from BPA and are super easy to clean.
Pros:
- Available at an affordable price
- Dishwasher and sterilizer safe
- Can be used with or without the vent system
- Sturdy glass bottle
Cons:
- Heavier than a plastic bottle
- Multiple parts in the vent system
- Might be too big for a few insulated pockets in diaper bags
Comotomo Baby Bottles
The Comotomo baby bottles are great for both newborns and slightly older babies. What makes Comotomo some of the best bottles for breastfed babies is that they have a wide base with a nipple that is naturally shaped to stop any confusion for the baby.
It is made from silicone (providing a super soft grip for the baby), is BPA-free, and safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher. The nipples on the Comotomo baby bottles have a dual vent that prevents any discomfort and burps and its extended makes it easy to clean. They are also a bit pricey, so, try a few before buying a whole lot.
Pros:
- Ultra-wide neck design
- Easy to clean
- Safe in, boiling water, microwave, dishwashers, and sterilizers
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Its wider size makes it hard to fit in traditional diaper bags
- A bit pricey
- Limited color options
- Nipples for newborns are not included with each size
Phillips Avent Natural Baby Bottle
These bottles are preferred by the parents as they are inexpensive, very easy to wash, and babies don’t find it troublesome when switching from breast to bottle. It is available in several capacities 2,4,9, and 11 ounces, and comes in two separate glass models.
The shape of the nipple on these bottles is natural and flexible, helping the baby to transition easily between the breast and the bottle. The wide base of the bottle promotes a proper latch and the anti-colic valve removes any redundant gas, which can cause distress and make the baby fussy.
Pros:
- Various sizes and materials
- Polypropylene and glass options are available
Cons:
- A wide base may make it difficult to fit in bottle warmers or holders
- Markings for measurement may come off after some time
Evenflo Feeding Balance Bottles
This bottle has a sloped nipple that fits perfectly into babies’ mouths and mimics breastfeeding. And this is why many lactation experts recommend this bottle since it is the best for latching. The flow of the milk from this nipple is slow and steady and it is similar to that of a breast.
Evenflo has a patented venting system that removes gas from the bottle, which can make the baby fussy and uncomfortable. These bottles come in the capacity of 6 ounces, making them ideal for breastfed newborns who consume around 3 to 5 ounces of milk per feeding. These are very easy to wash and since they are made of glass, you can put them in the freezer and defrost them without then breaking them.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Patented venting system
Cons:
- Putting the nipples back on might be difficult
- It can break when dropped
Munchkin Anti-Colic Baby Bottle
A latch is crucial for a good feeding session and if you are thinking that using a bottle might result in your baby losing the latch, this is the bottle for your baby. The nipple is designed to feel and stretch like an actual nipple so that the baby can latch properly.
When the baby puts the nipple in its mouth and squeezes it, milk comes out. This mimics breastfeeding. Other than that, the bottle is designed to help newborns with reflux or colic. You can also buy a pumping adaptor, which helps pump the milk into the bottle and save cleaning time.
Pros:
- The pump adapter is sold separately
- Dishwasher safe
- Designed to mimic breast
Cons:
- Multiple parts to assemble and clean
- Sometimes bottles may leak while feeding
Final Thoughts
Babies need to be fed multiple times a day so that they can get all the nutrition required for their growing bodies. However, the products used for feeding should be compatible with the baby and should not cause them any distress. For this very reason, we have mentioned the best bottles for breastfed babies in this brief guide.
FAQs
1. Which bottles are best for breastfed babies?
Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Bottles and Comotomo Baby Bottles are some of the best for breastfed babies. These bottles have a vent on the inside that allows air to escape, which reduces gas or any kind of discomfort. The nipples on the Comotomo baby bottles have a dual vent that prevents any discomfort and burps.
2. Which baby bottle is closest to the breast?
The Comotomo Baby Bottles are the closest to the breast. They have a wide mound with a naturally shaped nipple to prevent any confusion for the baby.
3. When should you start giving a breastfed baby a bottle?
There is no perfect time to start bottle-feeding. However, lactation experts recommend waiting until the breast milk supply is ample and breastfeeding is going well. If parents want to start with a bottle, they can begin somewhere between 2-4 weeks.
