How to Choose the Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies – Serenity Kids

How to Choose the Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies: A Complete Guide

Estimated time to read 7 minutes

When you're breastfeeding a baby, the thought of choosing a bottle can feel overwhelming. Whether you want a partner or family member to join in the feeding process, or you are preparing to send your little one to childcare, finding a bottle that works well is important, especially as you start thinking ahead to introducing baby food. This becomes even more relevant as your baby grows and you begin exploring thicker textures like baby smoothies.

With many brands and types of bottles on the market, it's hard to know which is the best bottle for your baby. We're here to share what features and options are available for the best bottles for breastfed babies.

What Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies

There are various factors to consider when choosing a baby bottle. Here are five factors to consider:

1. Nipple size

It’s best to start with a slow-flow nipple when introducing bottle feeding to a breastfed baby. Breastfed babies tend to be used to the slower flow of their mother's milk, so mimicking this flow helps make the transition. Many bottles have numbered nipples that correspond to age, but when introducing a bottle, start with a smaller and slower flow nipple.

2. Bottleneck width

A wide neck can feel more similar to the breast and help ease the transition from breast to bottle.

3. Nipple shape

Ideally, the bottle nipple will feel as similar to the breast as possible. This means looking for a bottle with a flexible nipple that has a gradual slope to encourage the baby's mouth to open wider and achieve a deep latch.

4. Materials and design

You want your bottle to be easy to clean and assemble. Glass bottles are generally the easiest to clean and the quickest to dry, but they are also heavier and more fragile. Some come wrapped in silicone for added safety. Consider glass bottles as they don't contain chemicals that can be present in plastic bottles. If you choose plastic bottles, opt for those that are BPA and PFAS free. Anti-colic bottles are also great for reducing discomfort.

5. Venting system

A bottle with a good venting system can minimize gas and fussiness. This is because babies tend to swallow less air when drinking from a bottle with a venting system.

Why Do Breastfed Infants Show Fussiness with Bottles and Nipples?

Change can be hard! Breastfed babies are used to the size and shape of their mother's nipples and the flow of their mother's milk. When these things change, babies often show fussiness or outright refuse the bottle. Pay close attention to the design of bottle nipples and try different sizes and shapes to find out what your baby prefers.

When to Introduce a Bottle to a Breastfed Baby

Many lactation consultants recommend introducing a bottle once breastfeeding has been established, around three to six weeks of age. Plan to try bottle feeding for the first time when the baby is sleepy and calm. Attempting a bottle when the baby is fussy or overly hungry may lead to a negative experience.

6 Best Bottles for Breastfeeding Babies

Below are five of the best baby bottles for breastfed babies. You might need to try different brands until you find the one your baby likes:

1. Lansinoh baby bottles for breastfed babies

Why This Bottle Stands Out: Clinically proven to reduce nipple confusion, Lansinoh's NaturalWave Nipples encourage the same feeding actions learned while breastfeeding. Key Features:

2. Dr. Brown's bottles

Why This Bottle Stands Out: Dr. Brown has an anti-colic design that features a unique venting system to eliminate air bubbles during feeding. Key Features:

3. Comotomo Natural Feel Silicone Baby Bottles

Why This Bottle Stands Out: Made from soft silicone with naturally shaped slow-flow nipples and an extra-wide base for easy cleaning. Key Features:

4. Joovy Boob Glass Bottle and Sleeve

Why This Bottle Stands Out: Features a gradually sloped nipple that promotes a natural latch. Key Features:

5. Nanobebe Flexy Silicone Baby Bottle

Why This Bottle Stands Out: Features a triple-vented nipple designed to mimic a breast to support the transition between breast and bottle. Key Features:

6. Olababy Gentle Baby Bottle

Why This Bottle Stands Out: Made from non-toxic silicone with a soft texture and an offset nipple design to mimic a breast. Key Features:

Tips for Bottle Feeding a Baby

1. Find the right temperature

Bottles should generally be about body temperature, mimicking milk coming from the breast. Always ensure it isn't too hot by testing it on the back of your hand.

2. Position properly

Hold your baby upright with the bottle parallel to the floor. This encourages your baby to suck the bottle to remove milk.

3. Pace feed

Breastfed babies tend to pause often while feeding. Pause every few minutes and let the baby take their time on the bottle.

4. Be patient and persistent

Not every baby will take to a bottle right away. If yours doesn't, take a break and try again another day.

Safety Tips for Bottle Feeding

  1. Give only breastmilk or formula in a bottle.
  2. Hold your baby securely when you feed.
  3. Do not prop or leave the bottle in your baby’s mouth.
  4. Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle.
  5. Do not force your baby to finish the bottle if showing signs of fullness.

How to Clean Baby Bottles

Wash the inside and outside of your bottles with warm soapy water and a nontoxic dish soap. Rinse thoroughly.

Takeaway

Introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby can be both exciting and challenging. Every baby is different, and it might take time to find one of the leak-free picks that your little one loves.