Breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding experience between mother and baby, but there may come a time when a mother needs to introduce a bottle. Whether it’s for returning to work, taking care of yourself postpartum, allowing others to feed the baby, or simply to have a break, finding the right first bottle and bottle nipples for a breastfed baby especially for new parents can be a daunting task. We will provide a comprehensive guide for the best bottles for breastfed babies, as well as tips to make the transition from breast to best baby bottle easier.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bottle for a Breastfed Baby
When it comes to choosing the right bottle for a breastfed baby, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you want a bottle that will mimic the natural flow and feel of breastfeeding. This means selecting a bottle with a soft and flexible nipple that will allow your baby to latch on easily.
You also want to consider the materials of the bottle. Glass bottles, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic or anti-colic bottle are all safe options for baby bottles. You may also want to consider the size and shape of the bottle, as well as any additional features such as anti-colic valves or a venting system.
Lastly, it’s essential to note that not all babies are the same, and what works for one may not work for another. This will take some trial and error to find the right bottle and feeding routine for your baby.
Top 10 Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies
1. Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle
One of the favorite bottles is Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle because it closely mimics the feel of breastfeeding. It is considered one of the best bottles for breastfed babies and has a soft, skin-like silicone material and a wide base for the nipple that allows for a more natural latch. The bottle is also designed with a dual anti-colic vent system to prevent gas and colic which is why it is one of the best.
Pros:
- The soft and flexible silicone material that mimics the feel of breastfeeding
- A wide nipple base allows for a natural latch
- A dual anti-colic vent system prevents gas and colic
- Easy to clean and assemble
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other bottles on the market
- Some parents report leaking issues
2. Dr. Brown’s Options+ Baby Bottles
Dr. Brown’s Options+ Baby Bottles are known for their innovative anti-colic internal vent system that helps to reduce colic, spit-up, burping, and gas. The bottle is one of the best bottles for breastfed babies that features a wide neck design that makes it easy to clean and fill. The nipple is made from a soft silicone material that mimics the feel of breastfeeding which is a great option and has minimal chance of bottle refusal.
Pros:
- Innovative vent system reduces gas and colic
- The wide neck design makes it easy to clean and fill
- Soft silicone material mimics the feel of breastfeeding
- Affordable compared to other bottles on the market
Cons:
- The vent system can be tricky to clean
- The narrow nipple may not work for all babies
3. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottles
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottles is one of the breast-shaped nipple that makes it easy for babies to switch between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. The bottle also features an anti-colic valve to reduce gas and colic. The wide neck design makes it easy to clean and fill to avoid bacterial growth thus considered the best bottles for breastfed babies.
Pros:
- Unique, breast-shaped nipple makes it easy for babies to switch between breastfeeding and bottle feeding
- Anti-colic valve reduces gas and colic
- The wide neck design makes it easy to clean and fill
- Affordable compared to other bottles on the market
Cons:
- The nipple may collapse during feeding
- Some parents report leaking issues
4. Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle
The Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle is chosen to be one of the best bottles for breastfed babies that has a wide, breast-shaped nipple that makes it easy for babies to latch on. The bottle also features an anti-colic valve to reduce gas and colic. The bottle is made from BPA-free materials that allow easy cleaning and assembly.
Pros:
- Wide, breast-shaped nipple makes it easy for babies to latch on
- Anti-colic valve reduces gas and colic
- BPA-free materials
- Easy to clean and assemble
Cons:
- Some parents report leaking issues
- The nipple may collapse during feeding
5. MAM Anti-Colic Baby Bottle
The MAM Anti-Colic Baby Bottle, considered one of the best bottles for breastfed babies features a vented base that prevents air bubbles from entering the milk, reducing the risk of colic. The bottle also has a soft, skin-like silicone nipple that mimics the feel of breastfeeding. The wide neck design makes it easy to clean and fill which is beneficial for mothers making is one of the best bottles for breastfed babies.
Pros:
- A vented base prevents air bubbles and reduces the risk of colic
- Soft, skin-like silicone nipple mimics the feel of breastfeeding
- The wide neck design makes it easy to clean and fill
- Affordable compared to other bottles on the market
Cons:
- Some parents report leaking issues
- The nipple may collapse during feeding
6. Lansinoh mOmma Breastmilk Feeding Bottle
The Lansinoh mOmma Breastmilk Feeding Bottle has a wide nipple base that mimics the natural shape of the breast. The bottle also features an air ventilation system that reduces gas and colic. This bottle is one of the best bottles for breastfed babies that is made from BPA-free materials and is easy to clean and assemble.
Pros:
- A wide nipple base mimics the natural shape of the breast
- Air ventilation system reduces gas and colic
- BPA-free materials
- Easy to clean and assemble
Cons:
- Some parents report that the nipple is too soft and collapses during feeding
- May be too fast for some babies
7. NUK Simply Natural Baby Bottle
Considered one of the best bottles for breastfed babies, NUK Simply Natural Baby Bottle has a soft, flexible nipple that mimics the feel of breastfeeding. The bottle also features an anti-colic air system to reduce gas and colic. The bottle is made from BPA-free materials and is easy to clean and assemble.
Pros:
- Soft, flexible nipple mimics the feel of breastfeeding
- Anti-colic air system reduces gas and colic
- BPA-free materials
- Affordable compared to other bottles on the market
Cons:
- Some parents report leaking issues
- The nipple may collapse during feeding
8. Chicco NaturalFit Baby Bottle
The Chicco NaturalFit Baby Bottle has a wide nipple base that mimics the natural shape of the breast. The best bottles for breastfed babies also feature an anti-colic valve to reduce gas and colic. The bottle is made from BPA-free materials and is easy to clean and assemble. The angled design of the nipple helps to promote a natural feeding position for your baby.
Pros:
- A wide nipple base mimics the natural shape of the breast
- Anti-colic valve reduces gas and colic
- BPA-free materials
- The angled design of the nipple promotes a natural feeding position
Cons:
- Some parents report leaking issues
- May be too fast for some babies
9. Joovy Boob PPSU Bottle
The Joovy Boob PPSU Bottle is made from durable and long-lasting polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) material. The bottle has a wide nipple base that mimics the feel of breastfeeding and an anti-colic vent system to reduce gas and colic. The bottle also features a lockable ring that prevents spills and leaks which is why it is the best bottles for breastfed babies.
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting PPSU material
- Wide nipple base mimics the feel of breastfeeding
- Anti-colic vent system reduces gas and colic
- Lockable ring prevents spills and leaks
Cons:
More expensive compared to other bottles on the market
- May be too fast for some babies
10. Medela Calma Breastmilk Bottle
The Medela Calma Breastmilk Bottle is designed to help babies maintain their natural feeding behavior. The bottle has a unique nipple that requires your baby to use suction to get milk, similar to breastfeeding. The bottle also features a venting system to reduce gas and colic. The best bottles for breastfed babies are made from BPA-free materials and is easy to clean and assemble.
Pros:
- Unique nipple design helps babies maintain their natural feeding behavior venting system reduces gas and colic
- BPA-free materials
- Easy to clean and assemble
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other bottles on the market
- May be difficult for some babies to use
Top 10 Tips for Getting Babies to Start Drinking from Bottles Easier
- Start Early: Begin introducing a bottle to your baby between three and four weeks of age. This way, your baby is less likely to develop a preference for breastfeeding.
- Find the Right Bottle: Experiment with different bottles until you find one that your baby is comfortable with. Look for a bottle that mimics the feel of breastfeeding and has an anti-colic system.
- Warm the Milk: Warm the milk to body temperature before feeding. This will help make the transition from breast to bottle easier.
- Use a Slow-Flow Nipple: Choose a nipple with a slow flow rate to mimic the slower pace of breastfeeding.
- Get Someone Else to Feed the Baby: If your baby associates you with breastfeeding, they may resist taking a bottle from you. Have someone else, such as your partner or a caregiver, offer the bottle instead.
- Practice Patience: Introducing a bottle can be a slow process. Don’t force your baby to take the bottle if they’re not ready. Take your time and be patient.
- Use a Comfortable Feeding Position: Hold your baby in a similar position to how you would during breastfeeding, with their head elevated and tilted slightly back. This can help your baby feel more comfortable and secure while feeding.
- Offer the Bottle When Your Baby is Calm: Offer the bottle when your baby is not overly hungry or fussy. This will help them be more receptive to the bottle.
- Use a Pacifier: Some babies may be more willing to accept a bottle if they are accustomed to using a pacifier.
- Be Consistent: Once your baby has successfully taken a bottle, be consistent with offering it regularly. This will help them become more comfortable with the bottle and make the transition easier.
In conclusion, finding the right bottle for a breastfed baby is an important decision that can have a significant impact on their feeding experience. The top 10 bottles on this list all offer features that mimic breastfeeding and reduce the risk of gas and colic. However, it’s important to remember that the transition from breast to bottle can be challenging for some babies, so it may take some time and need some patience to find the right bottle and feeding routine for your little one. With the right tools and techniques, though, successful bottle feeding is certainly achievable.
Remember that every baby is different, so it’s important to remain patient and persistent during the transition from breast to bottle. By using the tips listed above and experimenting with different bottles, you’ll be able to find the right bottle for your baby’s unique needs and make feeding time more convenient for your baby.
In addition, it’s worth noting that while bottle feeding can be a great way to provide nourishment to your baby, it’s important to continue breastfeeding when possible and deemed appropriate. Breast milk provides numerous health benefits to both the mother and baby, so if you’re able to breastfeed, it’s recommended to continue doing so.
Overall, with the right bottle and approach, you can make the transition from breast to bottle as smooth as possible for both you and your baby. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from your pediatrician or lactation consultant if you’re experiencing difficulties, as they can offer valuable insight and support.
Amanda Schmitt
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