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Whether you're breastfeeding or switching to formula, at some point you'll need a baby bottle. There are hundreds of models on the market: anti-colic, glass, plastic, wide neck, narrow neck... Which one is right for your baby? In this guide, we compare all the details of bottle selection and the best brands.
Important Note
Every baby is different! A bottle one baby loves may not work for another. That's why we recommend buying 1-2 bottles from different brands at first to try.
Recommended Age Group
This guide is prepared for newborns and babies 0-12 months old. Nipple sizes vary by age.
Quick Comparison: Best Baby Bottles
| Feature | Philips Avent NaturalRecommended | MAM Easy Start | Dr. Brown's Options+ | Tommee Tippee CTN | Comotomo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Single) | $12 | $10 | $13 | $9 | $15 |
| Material | PP Plastic | PP Plastic | PP Plastic | PP Plastic | Silicone |
| Anti-Colic | |||||
| Wide Neck | |||||
| Nipple Type | Natural | Flat (SkinSoft) | Silicone | Breast-like | Silicone |
| Number of Parts | 3 | 3 (self-sterilizing) | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Dishwasher Safe | |||||
| BPA Free |
Types of Baby Bottles
By Material
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PP Plastic | Lightweight, unbreakable, economical | Scratches, needs replacing | Daily use |
| Glass | Hygienic, long-lasting, scratch-resistant | Heavy, breakable | Home use |
| Silicone | Soft, breast-like | Expensive, limited options | Breastfeeding transition |
| Stainless Steel | Durable, thermal | Very expensive, heavy | Premium choice |
What is PP Plastic?
PP (Polypropylene) is a BPA-free safe plastic type. All major brands use PP plastic. It's as safe as glass bottles but should be replaced every 6 months.
By Nipple Type
| Nipple Type | Feature | Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Wide base | Breast-like, wide latch | Avent, Tommee Tippee |
| Narrow base | Classic, traditional | NUK, Chicco |
| Flat/orthodontic | Palate-friendly | MAM, NUK |
| Natural silicone | Softest, skin-like | Comotomo |
1. Philips Avent Natural Response - Editor's Choice
Philips Avent
Philips Avent Natural Response Bottle
Philips Avent Natural Response stands out with its smart nipple technology that adjusts milk flow according to the baby's sucking pace. Milk flows when baby sucks, stops when baby pauses - just like the breast!
Key Features
- Natural Response nipple: Adapts to baby's tempo
- AirFree vent system: Anti-colic and gas prevention
- Wide breast-like nipple: Ideal for breastfeeding transition
- Easy grip: Ergonomic design
- Few parts: Easy to clean
Pros
- Natural flow - baby is in control
- Low risk of nipple confusion
- AirFree vent effective for anti-colic
- Very wide accessory range
- Easy cleaning (3 parts)
- Easily available
Cons
- Premium price
- Nipples sold separately
- Some babies may not accept
I needed to supplement while breastfeeding, Natural Response made the transition so easy. Baby accepted both breast and bottle the same way. No nipple confusion!
2. MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic - Self-Sterilizing
MAM
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle
MAM Easy Start is a mom favorite with its practical design that self-sterilizes in the microwave. The SkinSoft nipple is accepted by 94% of babies!
Key Features
- Self-sterilizing: Sterilize in microwave in 3 minutes
- SkinSoft silicone nipple: Silky softness
- Vented base: 80% less colic
- Flat nipple: Orthodontically approved
- 94% acceptance rate: Clinically tested
How Does Self-Sterilization Work?
Remove the base of the MAM bottle, add 20ml water, microwave for 3 minutes. No sterilizer needed! A lifesaver when traveling.
Pros
- Self-sterilizing - super practical
- SkinSoft nipple very soft
- Anti-colic system effective
- High acceptance by babies
- Affordable price
- Stylish designs and colors
Cons
- Flat nipple may not suit everyone
- Easy to lose parts
- ml markings hard to read in dark
Instead of sterilizing bottles at 3 AM, I threw the MAM in the microwave and done in 3 minutes. This level of convenience is priceless with mom fatigue!
3. Dr. Brown's Options+ - Anti-Colic Champion
Dr. Brown's
Dr. Brown's Options+ Anti-Colic Bottle
Dr. Brown's has been the pioneer of anti-colic technology for 20 years. The internal vent system completely eliminates air bubbles - the #1 choice for babies with colic!
Key Features
- Internal vent system: Patented internal ventilation
- Options+: Can be used without vent
- No vacuum formation: Reduces ear infection risk
- Preserves vitamins: Doesn't oxidize vitamins A, C, E
- Narrow or wide neck: Two options
Pros
- Most effective anti-colic system
- Proven solution for colicky babies
- Preserves vitamins
- #1 recommendation by pediatricians
- Options+ - vent can be removed
Cons
- Most parts (5 pieces)
- Difficult to clean
- Premium price
- Vent parts can be lost
My baby was very gassy, no bottle worked. When we switched to Dr. Brown's, it was like a different baby! Hard to clean but worth it to get rid of colic.
4. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature - Breast-Like
Tommee Tippee
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottle
Tommee Tippee CTN facilitates the transition between breastfeeding and bottle with nipple design closest to breast shape.
Key Features
- Breast-like nipple: Real breast form
- Easi-vent valve: Anti-colic valve
- Natural latch: Baby feels like they're on the breast
- Compact design: Easy to hold
Pros
- Most breast-like form
- Successful for breastfeeding transition
- Affordable price
- Easy cleaning
- Wide accessory family
Cons
- Average anti-colic system
- Nipple may wear quickly
- Some babies may reject
5. Comotomo - Premium Silicone
Comotomo
Comotomo Natural Feel Bottle
Comotomo is a premium bottle that offers the most natural feel with its fully silicone body. When squeezed, it feels like a breast!
Key Features
- 100% silicone body: Breast softness
- Squeezable: Like mom's breast
- Wide neck: Very easy to clean
- Dual anti-colic vents: Double ventilation
- Only 2 parts: Easiest cleaning
Pros
- Most natural feel - like real breast
- Ideal for babies who refuse breastfeeding
- Only 2 parts - easiest to clean
- Hygienic silicone material
- Squeezable body
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Silicone may become cloudy over time
- Hard to find
My son refused every bottle after breastfeeding. We tried Comotomo, he took it the first time! The silicone body really feels like breast. Expensive but worth it.
Nipple Flow Rates
Nipple Selection by Age
5/5 checks completed
- Newborn (0): 0-1 month, very slow flow(Critical)
- Size 1: 1-3 months, slow flow
- Size 2: 3-6 months, medium flow
- Size 3: 6+ months, fast flow
- Variable/Y-cut: 6+ months, for formula and water
Correct Flow Rate is Very Important!
Too fast nipple = baby may choke, too slow = gets tired and won't feed. If your baby keeps coughing, the nipple is too fast; if they pull away every 2-3 sucks, it's too slow.
Bottle Cleaning and Sterilization
Cleaning Steps
How to Clean Baby Bottles?
Rinse with lukewarm water immediately after use (before milk dries)
Separate all parts (nipple, cap, ring, body)
Wash in soapy water with a bottle brush
Clean nipple holes with a special brush
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water - no soap residue
Air dry on a clean towel or sterilize
Sterilization Methods
| Method | Time | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric sterilizer | 6-10 min | Most practical | Device cost |
| Microwave sterilizer | 2-5 min | Fast, economical | Doesn't fit everything |
| Boiling | 5 min | Free | Shortens nipple life |
| Cold water tablets | 30 min | No electricity needed | Tablet cost |
Philips Avent
Philips Avent 3-in-1 Electric Sterilizer
How Many Bottles Should I Buy?
Recommended Number of Bottles
4/4 checks completed
- Formula only: 6-8 bottles (6-8 daily feeds)(Critical)
- Combination feeding: 4-6 bottles
- Breastfeeding only + occasional: 2-3 bottles
- Spares are always good: +2 bottles
Bottle Sizes
For newborns: Start with 4-5oz (125-150ml) bottles. For 3+ months: Switch to 9oz (260ml) bottles. Large bottles aren't suitable for newborns - hard to hold, hard to measure amounts.
Conclusion and Our Recommendations
| Need | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Breastfeeding transition | Philips Avent Natural Response |
| Colic/gas problems | Dr. Brown's Options+ |
| Convenience | MAM Easy Start |
| Budget-friendly | Tommee Tippee CTN |
| Premium choice | Comotomo |
| Breast refusal | Comotomo or Medela Calma |
Editor's Recommendation: For your first bottle purchase, get 1 from 3 different brands. Continue with whichever brand your baby accepts. The most expensive bottle may not work for every baby!
Ready to Choose a Bottle?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Glass or plastic bottle?
Both are safe. Glass is more hygienic and long-lasting but heavy and breakable. PP plastic is light and unbreakable. You can use glass at home, plastic outside.
Do anti-colic bottles really work?
Yes, it makes a difference for most babies. Especially Dr. Brown's and MAM are clinically proven to reduce colic complaints. But every baby is different - you need to try.
How often should bottles be replaced?
Nipples: Every 2-3 months (immediately if cracked, sticky, or discolored). Plastic body: Every 6 months (if scratches accumulate). Glass body: Can be used as long as it doesn't crack.
What temperature should sterilization be?
Steam sterilizers work at 212°F (100°C). 212°F is also sufficient when boiling. For microwave sterilization, follow product instructions.
Can breastfeeding and bottles be used together?
Yes, but be careful. There's a risk of "nipple confusion" - baby may prefer the easy-flowing bottle and reject the breast. Try to avoid bottles until breastfeeding is established (4-6 weeks).
What to do if baby refuses the bottle?
- Try different brands/nipples
- Have someone other than mom offer it
- Try different positions
- Check milk temperature (should be body temperature)
- Try a little before baby is too hungry
Related Guides
- Newborn Essentials Checklist - All baby needs
- Best High Chairs 2025 - Feeding products
- Hospital Bag Checklist - Birth preparation
This guide was last updated on January 22, 2025. Prices may vary.
