The best bottles for feeding newborns in 2022

A feeding bottle is the essential item you need whether your baby is breastfeeding or formula fed. In the second case, it is clear – this is the number one thing in your everyday life. And in the case of breastfeeding, a bottle may be needed when the mother needs to go away on business and feed the baby with expressed milk, or there are problems with lactation and the child needs supplementary feeding. 

Your task is to choose a high-quality and safe product for the newborn. Today, a huge number of bottles for newborns and children of the first year of life are presented on the market for children’s goods. There are a lot of manufacturers, among the most famous and well-established ones are Philips Avent, Dr. Brown’s, Medela, Pigeon, Сhicco, Munchkin, Nuk and some others.

There are a lot of nuances when choosing a bottle, but one of the most important criteria to consider when choosing a bottle is the presence of a physiological nipple.

Benefits of a physiological pacifier 

Its use is especially important when the newborn is mixed-fed or the mother sometimes resorts to feeding with expressed milk. In order for the baby not to abandon his mother’s breast in favor of a bottle, according to its characteristics, it should be as close as possible to imitation of breast sucking. 

“At the initial stage, when lactation is just being established, it’s generally better to refuse to use a bottle and give the baby only the breast,” says lactation consultant Anastasia Kulikova. – Sucking a bottle is much easier, the newborn is still quite weak and can simply refuse his mother’s breast. But if for some reason it is necessary to use a bottle, then choose options with a physiological nipple. It is most reminiscent of the shape of the nipple of the breast, in addition, please note that it should have one small hole. This means that the milk or formula from the bottle will flow slowly and the baby will have to make an effort to suckle the bottle, just like when sucking on the mother’s breast. As a rule, such nipples have a fairly wide base, which contributes to the wide grip of the nipple by the baby, as well as when sucking on the mother’s breast. 

Top 10 rating according to KP

1. Medela Calma bottle with smart pacifier, 150 ml

The Swiss company has been producing products for newborns and their mothers for many years, the main feature of which is the support and preservation of breastfeeding. The Medela Calma Feeding Bottle with Smart Soother is designed specifically for mothers who want to establish and maintain breastfeeding, but for one reason or another have to use a bottle as well. The peculiarity of the bottle is in its nipple, a unique development of the company, which reproduces the vacuum sucking of the baby and prevents the swallowing of air. At the same time, the nipple has one size for the entire period of feeding, as well as in natural conditions. This version of the bottle allows the baby to retain the skills learned when sucking on the mother’s breast, and easily move from breast to nipple and back when necessary. The disadvantages of this option include a rather high cost. Also, some mothers note that not all babies like the specific structure of the nipple. 

2. Philips Avent Natural bottle, 125 ml

The products of this company are very popular among mothers, despite its rather high cost. Many give her preference for high quality and safety, ease of use for both mom and baby. One of the best baby bottles of this brand can be considered Philips Avent Natural. The nipple with an innovative petal design that follows the shape of the breast, allows you to combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding, if necessary. Its design and shape are such that when suckling, the baby makes the same movements and makes the same efforts as when breastfeeding. Therefore, the risk of breast failure when using this bottle is minimal. At the same time, the nipple is quite soft and flexible, does not wrinkle, and is comfortable for the child. There is an anti-colic mechanism that prevents the swallowing of air. Judging by the reviews of moms, most of this option is very satisfied. The bottle has a large neck, it is easy to wash, thanks to the ergonomic shape it is convenient to hold in your hand. Of the shortcomings, an erasable measuring scale after prolonged use is noted. 

3. Pigeon bottle with SSS nipple for premature and small babies, 100 ml

The products of this Japanese company have long been loved by mothers. High quality Pigeon bottles, depending on the needs and age of the baby, you can always choose the right option. We would like to draw your attention to the Pigeon bottle with SSS teat for premature and small babies. The nipple is specially designed for breastfeeding newborns, it should not cause nipple confusion in the baby, which reduces the risk of breastfeeding when using a bottle. The silicone from which it is made is very soft and elastic, it is convenient for premature babies, even with a weak sucking reflex, to eat from this bottle. Milk flows evenly and slowly. Among the shortcomings, mothers note that there is no lid in the kit, and there is also no way to buy this nipple separately for a plastic bottle. This option is made of glass, which does not suit everyone.

4. Munchkin Latch feeding bottle, 120 ml

This is a new development of the Munchkin company, which is quite popular in the market. Again, it’s all about the nipple. It repeats the shape of the mother’s breast as much as possible, the base of the nipple is flexible, resembles an accordion, it will be convenient for the child to suck in a rhythm close to natural, also thanks to this it is convenient to hold it at an angle. And the large base of the juice ensures its correct wide grip, just like when breastfeeding. There is an anti-colic valve at the bottom of the bottle that prevents air bubbles from entering the mixture. Many moms also love the sleek, sleek bottle design. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting the rather high cost of the bottle. Also in the reviews, some mothers noted that sometimes the bottle leaks. 

5. Twistshake bottle with container, 180 ml

This option is more focused on children who are bottle-fed, although for a mother who is breastfeeding, but resorting to supplementing her baby with a mixture, it will become an excellent lifesaver. The peculiarity of the bottle is that it comes with a container for storing the mixture and a shaker for whipping it. It is very important that it be homogeneous, without lumps. The bottle itself is made of safe plastic, the silicone nipple has a special valve that prevents excess air from entering the baby, which means it reduces the risk of colic. In addition, the bottle is also very stylish, presented in a large range of colors: from neutral whites, blues and pinks to purple, bright yellow and even black. Among the shortcomings, mothers note that the white scale is not very visible on light bottles. Also the lid is a little tight. Which creates some difficulties when opening. 

6. Dr.Brown’s Options bottle, anti-colic, 120 ml

Many mothers who used a bottle of this American brand noted that the so-called anti-colic system really works in it. The bottle is equipped with a special ventilation system (a technology patented by the company) and when sucking, the baby does not swallow air, as happens during feeding with many other bottles. This means that the period of colic, which is already difficult for the baby, is not complicated. A nice bonus: the kit includes a small brush for cleaning the pacifier and ventilation system. 

Of the shortcomings, mothers note that the bottle is more difficult to wash due to the presence of additional elements. And if something breaks from the ventilation device. It will not be easy to buy separately elements for replacement. 

7. Chicco Natural Feeling silicone bottle, with tilt and flexors, 150 ml

An Italian brand, one of the oldest in the production of goods for children and their mothers. The quality of products has long been trusted by many mothers. Chicco’s line of feeding bottles is pretty well presented, with most positive reviews. In our rating, let’s pay attention to the bottle of Chicco Natural Feeling. According to the manufacturer, the use of bottles of this series brings the feeding process closer to natural. The nipple imitates mother’s breasts: it has a special velvety mum effect texture, reminiscent of a woman’s breasts. A special ultra-soft silicone is used for the pacifier, which means that it is more comfortable for the child, while being durable. The design allows for a proper wide grip, so the bottle should be suitable for breastfeeding. The double anti-colic valve reduces the chance of air getting in while the baby is feeding and the risk of colic. Among the shortcomings: some mothers in their reviews note that the flow for a newborn may be stronger than necessary, and in this case it is better to use the bottle not from birth, but a little later.

8. Nuk First Choice Classic glass bottle, 240 ml 

Another version of a glass bottle for feeding newborns (the manufacturer has many worthy bottles made of plastic, they are also worth paying attention to) of the German company Nuk. The safety and quality of the material is beyond doubt. In addition, the bottle has a special ergonomic shape, it is comfortable to hold it in your hand. The mouth is wide, it is convenient to pour the mixture, it is convenient to wash. The kit comes with a latex nipple (it is softer than silicone, which may be more like a newborn). Orifice M is the middle flow. For babies on artificial feeding, a good option, for those who are breastfeeding, there are still risks of breast rejection, you need to use it more carefully. In addition, the pacifier has special ventilation holes that prevent the child from swallowing excess air. It has an orthodontic shape, which is favorable for the formation of the correct maxillofacial apparatus. The disadvantages of a glass bottle are understood: it is heavier than plastic, it breaks easily. Note that the bottle is quite large, such a volume is not required for a newborn, but it will last for a long time already for a grown baby. 

9. Canpol PP EasyStart anti-colic wide-mouth bottle, 120 ml

This is a Polish relatively inexpensive brand that is highly regarded by many mothers for its value for money. In our rating, we want to pay attention to the anti-colic bottle with a wide neck, which is designed for babies from the first days of life. It has a slow-flow silicone nipple, so it’s suitable for mixed-fed babies. An anti-colic system is also provided: a special valve prevents the child from swallowing excess air. Moms who use the mixture really like the wide neck, as it is convenient to pour it into the bottle. Then it is easy to wash. 

10. Lubby feeding bottle with milk nipple Babies and Babies, 120 ml

Another glass and at the same time budget bottle in our rating. It has a small volume, it is convenient to use in the first months of a baby’s life. The milk nipple that comes with the bottle has a slow flow and an anatomically correct shape. There is a valve that traps air. The bottle closes with a special rather large cap, which can also be used as a glass. The advantage of this option is the low cost. Of the shortcomings, parents note a narrow neck and rather thin glass, so the bottle does not hold heat very well. 

How to choose a bottle for feeding a newborn 

Manufacturers produce a variety of bottle options. There are glass ones, and there are plastic ones, some are suitable for babies from birth, others for children from six months and older. Some have a so-called anti-colic system that prevents air from entering the baby during feeding, which can reduce the risk of colic in newborns.

bottle material 

Most mothers today prefer plastic bottles. Their advantages are that they are light, do not break, many are shaped with recesses to make it more comfortable to hold in your hand. The main thing here is the quality of the plastic from which the bottle is made. It should be polypropylene, which does not contain Bisphenol A, does not emit harmful substances during sterilization, and is safe for the newborn. Pay attention to the corresponding markings on the label. As for bottles made of glass, this is a more environmentally friendly material, glass does not react during sterilization, does not retain odors, which can be seen in some plastic bottles. But they are heavier than plastic ones, they break easily. Although there are a lot of adherents of glass bottles among mothers, and most manufacturers necessarily have such options in their lines. 

Bottle size and shape 

A newborn eats small amounts of food, so at the first stage it is advisable to purchase small bottles – up to 140 ml. They are more compact and easy to use. A bottle with a larger volume will be less convenient, but it will last longer. A wide bottle is usually more comfortable to hold in your hand. A plus will be a wide neck – it is convenient to pour the mixture into this and wash it. 

Teat material 

There are two options: silicone or latex. Latex nipples are brown in color, softer and often more appealing to babies. But they are short-lived and often require replacement. The silicone nipple is harder, which can be difficult for weak premature babies. But it keeps its shape better and lasts longer. Focus on the tasks that you set for yourself when using the bottle. If you want to maintain lactation and use an exclusively physiological nipple, it is better to choose silicone. For premature babies, latex may be better suited. In addition, the baby himself can declare his preferences and refuse one option in favor of another. 

Pacifier shape 

The best option would be a physiological nipple, as close as possible to imitation of the mother’s nipple, with a wide latch, which contributes to the development of the same skills in the baby as when breastfeeding. There are also orthodontic nipples with beveled nipples, it is believed that they favorably affect the proper development of the jaw system. 

Flow rate and teat size 

Depending on the age of the baby, the nipples differ in the size and flow rate of the liquid coming from the bottle. For a newborn, a size 1 or 0 nipple is suitable (may vary depending on the manufacturer). It is also important to use a slow-flow nipple for the first month so that the milk or formula does not flow quickly, and the baby makes an effort when sucking on the bottle, as well as when sucking at the breast. The slowest flow is one small hole in the nipple. The more holes, the faster the liquid will flow to the baby. For example, a pacifier with two holes is best used after a month. All these characteristics are indicated on the instructions for the product, pay attention to this when choosing. 

The presence of an anti-colic system

Today, more and more manufacturers offer so-called anti-colic bottles. They suggest the presence of a nipple with a special valve that does not allow air to enter the baby when feeding. There are also options when the “anti-colic” mechanism is placed in the bottle itself. This is a good option. But it should be borne in mind that these mechanisms do not always work one hundred percent, and it is not possible to completely avoid air ingress during feeding. In addition, colic is a natural physiological process, in some babies they are more pronounced, in others less. And the air that enters the baby’s stomach during feeding is just one of the factors that can increase the manifestation of colic.