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All About the Best Baby Bottles
Many families discover that there are times when bottle feeding — whether with breast milk or formula — is a handy option or even a necessity. Given all the different baby bottles on the market, we asked Pampers Parents to help you make a choice.
Over 10,000 Pampers Parents voted for their favorite baby bottles, and we’re happy to share their top eight picks with you along with some pros and cons about each bottle.
Selecting the best baby bottle is ultimately a choice your baby will make — he’ll certainly let you know in his own way with cries or happy eating if he likes a certain kind of bottle and nipple or not — but you can start by trying one of the bottles that other Pampers Parents love.
Why Bottle Feed?
Bottle feeding can be part of your routine whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding. For example, there may be times when you can’t be there to breastfeed because you’re at work or traveling, need some “me time,” or maybe not feeling well.
Using a bottle also allows others in your family to feed your little one, even if your baby is normally breastfed. This can a great way for dads, older siblings, or grandparents to enjoy the bonding experience of feeding your baby.
What Do You Need to Consider When Selecting Bottles?
When deciding which bottle might be right for you and your baby, there a few things to consider:
What the bottle is made of. Baby bottles are typically made of plastic or glass; recently, some stainless steel ones have come on the market. In our list of bottles chosen by Pampers Parents, all the bottles are made of BPA-free plastic and silicone, a flexible plastic. In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of BPA (bisphenol-A), an industrial chemical, in all baby bottles as it may be toxic for children. Still, you should double check the materials of any bottle you buy so that you’re sure it’s BPA free.
The bottle size. Bottles come in different sizes to suit how much you’ll be feeding your baby. Newborns, for example, are often fed with smaller bottles because they’ll eat less during each feeding. You might like to choose various sizes of bottles to suit each stage of your baby’s growth, or you could pick a larger bottle that you fill only with as much breast milk or formula as your baby needs. If you find a bottle you like on our list, you can pick your preferred bottle size when you click on the links.
Number of bottles. You’ll need to consider how many bottles to buy depending on how often your little one will eat and how often you have time to clean and sterilize bottles. It’s probably a good idea to get a minimum of two or three bottles.
Bottle liners or standard bottles. Some brands — like the Playtex Baby Nurser Baby Bottle on our list — provide disposable, pre-sterilized bottle liners along with the bottle itself. Liners are BPA-free plastic bags that hold the breast milk or formula. Bottle liners make cleanup very simple since you simply throw away the liner after your baby is finished feeding, but standard bottles are more budget-friendly and create less waste.
Nipple material. Most nipples are made of silicone (clear) or latex (brown). Some people are allergic to latex. Your healthcare provider can determine whether you or your baby is allergic to latex. All of the bottles Pampers Parents voted for come with silicone nipples.
Nipple shape. Nipples come in shapes that include traditional, orthodontic, wide-based, and flat-top styles. Many brands advertise their nipples as being “closer to the shape of a mother’s nipple.” In the end, your baby will let you know which one she likes best — she’ll either happily feed from the nipple, or she’ll be fussy when you try to use it.
Nipple flow rate. Each bottle comes with a nipple that has a certain flow rate, an indication of how much milk can flow through the nipple. Sometimes the flow levels are indicated by numbers, and sometimes by “stages” like slow, medium, or fast. The flow rate depends on how many holes are in the nipple or the size of the holes. You may need to experiment to select the flow level that is right for your baby. If you’d like to buy a bottle from our list, you can choose which bottle size and nipple flow would work best for you and your baby after you click on the links.
Your baby’s preferences. You’ll get to know which bottle and nipple style your baby likes best after a little trial and error. It might be a good idea to try a few of the different bottles on this list to see which one your baby prefers.
Compatibility with breast pumps. If you’re breastfeeding and using a breast pump, you might like to go for a bottle that is compatible with your breast pump, either directly or via an adapter. This can come in handy because you can pump breast milk directly into the bottle for storage.
The Best Baby Bottles
Here they are — the top eight favorite baby bottles that Pampers Parents voted for:
1. Dr. Brown's Original Bottle
Why pick this one? The venting system in these bottles is made to help prevent lots of air bubbles from being swallowed by your baby while he’s feeding.
The manufacturer of this bottle also claims that the venting system helps keep the nipple from collapsing. If the nipple is constantly collapsing, your hungry baby might get easily frustrated because you’ll have to stop feeding him to allow the nipple to pop back out.
The downside is that the venting system means there are more parts to clean. The good news is that the bottles come with a special cleaning brush.
Highlights: This bottle fits most breast pumps, so you can easily store breast milk without having to use multiple containers.
Details:
Price*: about $19.99 for Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Pros: The air vent system really helps keep the nipple from collapsing.
Cons: There a lot of parts, so it’s a little harder to clean and takes more time.
2. Philips Avent Natural Bottle
Why pick this one? This bottle comes with wide, breast-shaped nipples, designed for easy latch on. The Airflex vent technology, built into the nipple, helps prevent air being swallowed and getting into your baby’s tummy.
The wide bottle neck helps make filling the bottle and cleaning it easier.
Highlights: The nipple has a flexible spiral design to mimic a natural breast. The ergonomic shape of the bottle makes it a little easier to hold.
Details:
Price*: about $15.72 for a 2-pack of 9-ounce bottles on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Pros: They’re easy to clean and don’t have a lot of parts.
Cons: These bottles might leak if they’re not tightened properly.
3. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottle
Why pick this one? This bottle offers a unique tube and valve system. Air that enters the bottle can vent down through the tube and enter into a space at the bottom of the bottle so it isn't swallowed along with the breast milk or formula.
The soft silicone nipple elongates and flexes to provide your little one with a more natural breastfeeding experience. The smaller size and shape of the bottle allows you and your partner keep your baby closer as you feed her.
The tube and valve system has six pieces to assemble. Be aware that the nipples might collapse into the bottles if they are not assembled properly before feeding.
Highlights: The venting tube changes color if the milk is too hot. Though this color indicator tube is a fun feature, it’s always a good idea to test the milk’s temperature yourself to make sure your baby won't be burned. One quick way is to put a few drops from the bottle onto the inside of your wrist.
Details:
Price*: about $19.89 for a 3-pack of 9-ounce bottles on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Pros: These bottles are great for the breastfeeding to bottle feeding transition.
Cons: The nipples work fine, but don’t feel as natural as other brands.
4.Medela Breast Milk Bottle Set
Why pick this one? If you breastfeed, this could be a great option for you. You can pump breast milk, store it, and feed your baby from this bottle.
These bottles have easy-to-read measurement marks so you can see the exact amount of breast milk you have.
Be aware that some Pampers Parents mentioned the need to follow Medela’s guidelines on cleaning and maintaining these bottles carefully; otherwise, the bottles might start to become misshapen or the measurements printed on the bottle might wear off quickly.
Highlights: This bottle is compatible with all Medela breast pumps.
Details:
Price*: about $15.19 for a 3-pack of 8-ounce bottles on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Pros: You can pump right into the bottle and freeze it.
Cons: The quality of the nipples is variable; sometimes they seem to collapse whereas other times they don’t.
5.Comotomo Baby Bottles
Why pick this one? The Comototo bottle and nipple are made of silicone, so the entire bottle is softer and mimics the feel of a natural breast.
The dual-air-vent nipples help prevent unwanted air from getting to your baby’s tummy. Some Pampers Parents mentioned that the side air vents in the nipple sometimes leak.
The wide-neck opening makes it possible to clean the bottle by hand without a bottle brush. The bottles can also withstand enough heat to be cleaned in a sterilizer.
Highlights: This bottle is made of soft silicone, so if you don’t want the harder feel of a plastic or glass bottle, this one could be a great alternative.
Details:
Price*: about $20.19 for a 2-pack of 8-ounce bottles on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Pros: It’s so easy to clean and the soft, silicone bottle gives it a “real” feel.
Cons: The shape of the bottle means it’s harder to find bottle warmers that it easily fits into.
6.Playtex Baby Nurser Baby Bottle with Drop-Ins Disposable Liners
Why pick this one? This bottle works with disposable liners. The pre-sterilized liners contract as your baby feeds to help prevent unwanted air bubbles from getting into your baby’s tummy.
Cleanup is as easy as throwing away the liner and sterilizing the nipples.
Although your baby will be the one to decide if he likes the bottle nipple or not, the manufacturer claims that the Naturalatch nipples help make transitioning from breast to nipple easier for your baby because the shape of the nipple mimics a real nipple.
Be aware that this bottle isn’t compatible with all breast pumps, but adapters are available. Also, some Pampers Parents said that the liners may break or leak if you accidentally overheat them while warming the milk.
Highlights: The liners are made of recyclable plastic.
Details:
Price*: about $22.38 for a 4-pack of bottles with 30 4-ounce liners and 30 8- to 10-ounce liners on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Pros: Quick cleanup! With the liners, you just have to clean the nipples, rings and caps every time. So easy.
Cons: The cost of the liners can add up over time.
7.NUK Simply Natural Baby Bottle
Why pick this one? This bottle has a venting system built into the nipple to allow air to escape rather than to go into your baby’s tummy when she feeds. There are no extra parts to clean, and the bottle is odor and stain resistant.
Be aware that some Pampers Parents mentioned that because of NUK’s unique nipple shape (not a traditional nipple shape), the venting system might leak a little if the bottle isn’t held in the proper position.
Highlights: If your baby doesn’t seem to like a traditionally shaped bottle nipple, the unique NUK nipple shape could be a great option to try.
Details:
Price*: about $4.88 for a single 5-ounce bottle on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Pros: This bottle comes with a glass option if you’d like to stay away from the plastic version.
Cons: The nipples are harder to clean than some traditionally shaped nipples.
7.Munchkin Latch Baby Bottles, 12 Piece Newborn Set
Why pick this one? The venting system on this bottle is located on the bottom of the bottle to help prevent air flowing through the formula or breast milk. The nipples are designed to stretch, pump, and move in a way similar to a real nipple for an easier and more correct latch.
This bottle can connect to many breast pumps. The sealing discs that are included allow for easier storing and freezing of breast milk in the bottles.
Highlights: The Munchkin Latch nipple was designed to be extra flexible and similar to a mother’s natural nipple.
Details:
Price*: about $31.49 for 2 4-ounce bottles, 2 8-ounce bottles, 1 newborn pacifier, 1 deluxe bottle and valve brush, 2 pump adapters, and 4 sealing discs on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Pros: Not too many pieces and the nipple seemed closest to the real thing.
Cons: Over time, the blue valve at the bottom starts leaking a little.
There are many benefits of breastfeeding, but whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding your little one, you’ll probably need to have some bottles at home. We hope that our list of the top-rated baby bottles, according to the votes of over 10,000 Pampers Parents, will help you find one that works for you and your baby. Happy feeding!
Recall Notice
Before buying a product, always check that it’s approved and hasn’t been recalled on sites like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
*Prices are correct at the time of writing.
How We Got These Results
We surveyed thousands of parents in the Pampers Community and asked them to choose the products they love the most, and to share their views on specific products and product categories. Based on the survey responses, we have taken the top product picks and added our own research to create this article. The aim is to help you choose the right product for you and your family. We might receive commissions on purchases made from the links in this article, but the products featured are the Pampers Community’s top choices.
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