The 9 Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies of 2023

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottle — Verywell Family / Jessica Juliao

Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, feeding your baby can pose its challenges. It's often even more difficult to choose bottles for breastfed babies, who have to transition from nursing to bottle-feeding and back again on a regular basis, which may lead to them refusing the bottle. Though no two babies are alike in this matter, the best bottles for breastfed babies are ones that mimic a nipple, making the difference between feeding types as minimal as possible.

This could look like a bottle with a slow-flow newborn nipple, which is closest to the typical breastfeeding flow, or a bottle with a specially designed nipple that mimics a human's so the baby has an easier time latching, according to our experts. Since every baby is different, expect some likely trial and error. To simplify your routine even further, you may choose a bottle that connects directly to breast pumps, so you'll spend less time transferring the milk and won't risk losing a single drop.

To pick the best bottles for breastfed babies, we spoke with registered dietitians and certified lactation consultants. Based on their advice, we chose top-notch products taking maintenance, material, value, and design into account.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Overall Runner-Up:

Comotomo Baby Bottle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Easy to Clean:

Lansinoh Baby Bottles at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Easy Latching:

Munchkin Latch Baby Bottle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Easy Latching, Runner-Up:

Chicco Duo Hybrid Baby Bottle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Pumping:

Medela Breast Milk Storage Bottles at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Combo Feeding:

Kiinde Twist Squeeze Baby Feeding Bottle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Reflux:

MAM "Feed & Soothe" Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Options+ Narrow Glass Baby Bottles, 4oz, 2 Pack

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Dishwasher (top rack) and sterilizer safe
Can be used with or without anti-colic vent system
Sturdy glass bottle

Cons

Heavier than plastic bottles
Multiple parts involved in the anti-colic vent system
May be too large for some insulated pockets in diaper bags

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Options+ takes the top spot for its anti-colic vent system to prevent gas build-up in your little one's tummy, and it is a favorite of lactation consultants. It may seem counterintuitive, since it has a narrow neck and is not shaped like a breast. However, contrary to popular belief, some lactation experts say that wide-neck bottles are actually harder for babies to latch onto, since the bases are so wide. The more narrow design of this bottle and nipple by Dr. Brown's provides a natural latching experience for babies, making it easy to switch between bottle and breast.

The nipple is designed to provide a consistent, steady flow of milk similar to breastfeeding. At an affordable price, Dr. Brown’s bottles come with an internal vent system that helps air escape, reducing gas discomfort for babies. As your baby becomes more established at feeding, the vent can be removed.

What the Experts Say: "When buying a bottle for your breastfed baby, look for a bottle that has a gradual-sloped nipple that allows for a wide mouthful of nipple, like Dr. Brown’s Options+ Narrow Neck and Evenflo Balance+. Choosing a nipple that is appropriately sloped will help the baby get the nipple deeply into their mouth in an attempt to mimic their latch at the breast."

These bottles are made of borosilicate glass, which can withstand the freezer and boiling water. People also report that they don’t break if you drop them. Glass bottles are naturally free of BPA and easy to clean. These Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Options + Narrow Bottles are top-rack dishwasher safe.

Price at time of publication: $17

^{Key Specs:
Volume: 4, 5, 8, and 9 ounces | Materials: Glass bottle, silicone parts}

Comotomo Baby Bottle, Green, 5 Ounce (2 Count)

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nordstrom

Pros

Ultra-wide neck design
Safe in microwave, boiling water, dishwashers and sterilizers
Easy to clean

Cons

Wider size is harder to fit in traditional bottle shaped slots in diaper bags and bottle holders
Limited color options (Pink and Green)
Newborn nipples not included with each size

The Comotomo bottle can be purchased in either a 5-ounce or 8-ounce size, so it's great for newborns and older babies alike. Some babies prefer this brand's wide bottle shape that's slightly more like a breast than others.

These bottles are made of silicone, which is BPA-free and can safely go in the dishwasher and microwave. The silicone also gives these a super-soft grip that babies enjoy holding onto.

What the Experts Say: "I exclusively breastfed my son for his first three months and then began supplementing with formula when I returned to work, since my supply couldn't quite keep up with his appetite. We used these bottles and didn't have any nipple confusion. He nursed with ease in the morning and at night and took expressed milk and formula during the day with them without issue. The wide opening makes cleaning easy, and I appreciated how few parts these bottles have."

The nipple on these has a dual vent which, will help ease any discomfort due to gas. And best of all, these bottles have an extra-wide base, so they are really easy to clean and sterilize, which is a must for any tired household. These bottles are on the pricey side, so just try a few at first before you commit to more.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Volume: 5 or 8 ounces | Materials: 100% silicone}

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Fiesta Baby Bottles

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Multi-pack includes six colorful bottles
Measurement markings on the bottles
Hold design

Cons

No choice of color combinations
Words/measurements may rub off over time
Nipples can cave in

All your baby gear can add up quickly. If you aren't looking to spend a small fortune on baby bottles, you might want to try this festive pack from Tommee Tippee that adds a little color to your feeding routine. This set of six provides you with BPA-free bottles that not only are easy to clean with their wide base, they also mimic the breast, so you won't have to worry about nipple confusion. The bottles are also easy to hold on to, so anyone feeding the baby can get comfortable.

Price at time of publication: $28

^{Key Specs:
Volume: 5, 9, and 11 ounces | Materials: BPA free bottle and soft silicone nipple}

Lansinoh Baby Bottles for Breastfeeding Babies, 5 Ounces

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Nipples mimic nursing flow
Vented nipples prevent gas
Easy to clean

Cons

Some report that the flow is too fast for newborns

Lansinoh, a brand that's perhaps best-known for its breastfeeding products like nursing pads and breast pumps, also makes these bottles that parents of breastfed babies swear by. One feature that babies seem to really love is the NaturalWave Nipple, which mimics the cone-like shape that a human nipple takes when in a baby's mouth and lets them suck milk in a similar way. A small vent in the nipple helps to prevent gas, as long as you position the vent up toward the baby's nose. The bottle set comes with slow-flow nipples, but you can switch to medium or fast flows if that's your baby's preference.

One thing parents love about these bottles is that they're very easy to clean. Though they're dishwasher (top rack) safe, the brand says they last longer when hand-washed. But the bottles have only four parts, as compared to the six that some other bottles have, and they're wide enough to get a sponge into effectively.

Price at time of publication: $19 for three

^{Key Specs:
Volume: 5 ounces and 8 ounces | Materials: BPS and BPA-free polypropylene plastic}

Munchkin Latch Anti-Colic Baby Bottle with Ultra Flexible Breast-like Nipple

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Zulily.com

Pros

Pump adapter (sold separately) is compatible with many breast pumps, including Medela, Lansinoh, and Evenflo
Dishwasher safe (top rack)
Nipple designed to mimic breast

Cons

Multiple parts to clean and assemble
Limited volume options
Bottles may leak during feeding

Oh, that latch! If you are concerned that using a bottle will throw off your baby's latch, you might want to try this pick. The nipple on this is designed to stretch much like a real nipple, helping your baby latch correctly. Once the baby puts pressure on the nipple, milk will come out, mimicking the breast. When using bottles with a breastfed baby, you don't want the milk to come out too quickly. Otherwise, the baby will prefer the bottle for a faster feed. (This is referred to as "nipple confusion.")

Besides mimicking the breast and keeping a good latch intact, this bottle is designed to help babies with colic or reflux. A pumping adaptor can also be purchased so that you can pump right into the bottle, saving on cleaning time.

Price at time of publication: $22 for three

^{Key Specs:
Volume: 4 and 8 ounces | Materials: BPA-free bottle and silicone nipple}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond

Pros

Sturdy, two-material build
Skin-like nipple texture

Cons

Venting isn't the best

When introducing a breastfed baby to the bottle, an easy latch is a must-have, which is why we love the Chicco Duo Hybrid Baby Bottle. The nipple's shape prompts the baby's mouth and tongue into a natural position, and the skin-like texture will feel familiar to babies. Plus, the included nipple provides a slow flow of milk, similar to the breast. There's also a valve that directs air away from the nipple to help reduce colic.

In addition, this bottle stands out with its unique construction: The inside is made from premium glass that shields the milk from the plastic, while the outside is made of sturdy, breakproof plastic that's free from BPA, PVC, BPS, and phthalates. The two-pack of bottles is dishwasher safe (top rack only), and the 5-ounce capacity is the right size for breastfed babies.

Price at time of publication: $20 for two

Key Specs:

Volume: 5 and 9 ounces | Materials: Glass and BPS-, PVC-, BPA-, and phthalate-free plastic

Medela Breast Milk Storage Bottles, 3 Pack, 8 Ounce

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Babylist.com

Pros

Compatible with all Medela breast pumps
Dishwasher safe
Multipack option

Cons

Limited volume options
Less flexible nipple than other bottles
Lids may pop off easily

Pumping can be a full-time job, and the last thing most parents want to do after a long day is clean bottles and pump parts. For many who use a Medela pump, using the Medela bottles for feeding baby can help cut down on cleaning time and make breast pumping directly into a bottle more seamless.

These BPA-free bottles come in both a 5-ounce size that has a slow flow intended for newborns and an 8-ounce size with a medium-flow nipple, which can work for babies from 4 to 12 months old. All you need to do is pump into the bottle and put the nipple on, and the baby is ready to be fed. These bottles have a very accurate line on them to indicate how much has been pumped and how much milk is being fed to baby.

Price at time of publication: $24 for three

^{Key Specs:
Volume: 5 or 8 ounces | Materials: BPA-free plastic}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond

Pros

Latch-friendly nipple design
Works for pumping
Dishwasher safe (top rack)

Cons

Pouches sold separately

If you're planning on giving your baby more than a bottle here and there, you might want to add a set of bottles to your arsenal to prepare for being away from your baby or introducing formula. Available in a two-pack, these versatile bottles are more like frames that wrap around the brand's pouches, so there's a seamless transition from pumping to storing to feeding. Since you can pump directly into the pouches, it's easier to incorporate more bottle-feeding into your routine.

The pouches fit right into the bottle, and before attaching the nipple, you can squeeze the pouch to remove excess air to reduce gas. The Kiinde Twist Squeeze pouches hold 6 ounces, which is excellent for breastfed babies who typically consume no more than 3 to 5 ounces of milk per feeding.

The bottle is also primed for latching thanks to Kiinde's Active-Latch nipples, which require the baby to massage and suck on the nipple. This mimics the feel of breastfeeding, helping your little one bounce between skin and bottle. One of the included nipples has a slow flow, which allows for a steady stream of milk, similar to what the baby gets at the breast. (A medium flow option and two nipple covers also come with your purchase.)

Since the pouches fit right into the bottle frame, cleaning up is easy: Place the nipple in the top rack of the dishwasher and wash the frame in the top rack when needed. The bottles are also free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates for your baby's safety.

Price at time of publication: $8 for two

^{Key Specs:

Volume: 6 ounces | Materials: BPA-, PVC, and phthalate-free bottle and silicone nipple}

MAM "Feed & Soothe" Set Easy Start Anti-Colic Baby Bottles

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Multipack includes four bottles (in two sizes) and two pacifiers
Self-sterilizing in the microwave
Cute designs

Cons

Multiple parts to clean
Four bottles and two pacifiers may be too many for experimenting
No hold design on bottles

Reflux is no joke. If your child is suffering from reflux, you'll try and do anything to help soothe them. These bottles were made for babies with reflux in mind, with their patented vented base that gets air bubbles out so they won't get trapped in your baby's tummy. In one study by the company, 80 percent of the mothers tested said that after using this bottle, their baby had less colic, so it's worth a shot!

What's more, these are also made with breastfeeding parents in mind with a soft silicone nipple. The company says that 94 percent of babies took this nipple in studies.

This set is also a smart buy, because it comes with two 5-ounce bottles and two 9-ounce bottles, so you can use these from birth up till your baby starts drinking out of a cup.

Price at time of publication: $27

^{Key Specs:
Volume: 5 and 9 ounces | Materials: BPS and BPA-free materials}

How We Selected the Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies

We chose the best baby bottles for breastfed babies by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and we studied the features of more than 30 products on the market. We considered price, design, features, nipple design, age recommendations, and material when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Cindy Scott, RD, CLC, a registered dietitian and certified lactation consultant, for any considerations or product recommendations, while reviewing guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What to Look for in a Bottle for Breastfed Babies

Nipple Design

A slow-flow nipple is best for breastfed babies, because it best mimics the natural flow of milk from the breast. A wide-neck nipple base may work for some babies, but most have a hard time getting their small mouths around them. If your baby is having trouble, opt for a narrow neck with a nipple that has a gradual slope so that your baby can get the nipple deeper into his or her mouth in the same way as breastfeeding.

Material

Baby bottles usually come in plastic or glass. The pros of plastic are that it’s lightweight, making it easier for your baby to hold, and easier for you to tote around in your diaper bag. They cost less, too. However, there are concerns about some of the compounds in plastic, such as bisphenol A (BPA). Look for BPA-free bottles if you opt for plastic.

Glass bottles are heavier, but most are made from a stronger type of glass that is heat- and shatter-resistant. Glass bottles are easy to clean and are naturally free from harmful chemicals. They can also double as food-storage containers, and most can move seamlessly from freezer to boiling water. The downside is that they cost more and are heavy.

Pump Compatibility

If you want to make your life easier, look for a bottle that your breast pump can connect to so that you won’t have to worry about transferring milk from bottle to bags and back to bottles. Many glass bottles on the market connect directly to breast pumps. After pumping, you can place glass bottles in the freezer, and then when you’re ready to use them, it’s easy to defrost them in the refrigerator or hot water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bottle nipple is best for breastfed babies?

Look for a bottle nipple that has a gradual slope, isn’t too wide, and has a slow flow. The slope and narrower base make it easy for babies to get as much of the nipple in their mouths as possible in order to mimic the same latch as breastfeeding.
Wide base nipples may look more like a breast, but experts say that wide bases actually make it more difficult for babies to get their mouths around the nipple in the same way they do when breastfeeding. Breastfed babies do well with a slow-flow nipple, even as they get older. However, if you have a strong let-down, then your baby might do better with a medium- or faster-flow nipple.
How do I introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby?

Lactation consultants recommend waiting until four to six weeks of age to introduce a bottle to your breastfed baby if possible. “Nipple confusion is not really confusion but more so a preference,” says Scott.
“‘Nipple preference' means that the baby becomes used to a very fast flow from a bottle nipple and starts to prefer the bottle, due to the ease of obtaining the milk, versus having to actively suckle at the breast to obtain milk. Paced feeding is recommended to avoid nipple preference and should be taught to all caregivers providing breastfed babies with bottle feeds,” says Scott.
How many ounces do I feed a breastfed baby?

When babies are born, their tummies are only about the size of a cherry and can hold about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of milk. Therefore, during the first month of life 1 to 3 ounces of milk per feeding is adequate. If you plan to continue breastfeeding, it’s best to breastfeed as much as possible during that time and not introduce a bottle until four to six weeks.
However, if you need to give a bottle, 1 to 3 ounces per feeding should be sufficient during the first month. The great thing about babies is that they are intuitive eaters, which means they will let you know if they are still hungry and want more. Likewise, they will stop when they are full. From one month old and beyond, 3 to 4 ounces of milk is recommended per feeding.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant women, and kids of all ages.

Lainey Younkin, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian and toddler mom who breastfed both of her babies for more than one year. To write this story, she spoke with Cindy Scott, RD, CLC, a registered dietitian and certified lactation consultant, who specializes in feeding babies, for the most up-to-date, evidence-based feeding recommendations for babies who are breastfed and also taking bottles.