Choosing the best bottles for breastfed babies can involve quite a bit of trial and error. Unfortunately, babies do not read product descriptions or care how many awards a bottle has won. They tend to make their own minds up!
As a mum of two, I know that introducing a bottle can feel like a fairly major event. You may want somebody else to give an occasional feed, need to express milk before returning to work or plan to combine breastfeeding with formula. Whatever your reason, finding a bottle your baby will accept can make life considerably easier.
My youngest, Autumn, was combi-fed with breast milk, expressed milk and formula. We tried different bottles and teat flows while working out what suited her. The MAM bottles featured below were the ones we used most with our children, although every baby is different.
There is no single bottle that is guaranteed to suit every breastfed baby. In fact, the NHS advises that there is no evidence that one type of bottle or teat is better than another. This guide is therefore designed to help you compare the most useful features and decide which bottles might be worth trying.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.
Best Bottles For Breastfed Babies UK
If you want the quick answer, these are the bottles covered in this guide:
| Bottle | Particularly Useful For | Things To Consider |
|---|---|---|
| MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic | Convenient sterilising and everyday use | Made from several separate parts |
| Lansinoh Feeding Bottle | Parents expressing with a Lansinoh pump | Check that the supplied flow suits your baby |
| Philips Avent Natural Response | Babies who benefit from controlling the flow | Finding the right teat flow may take time |
| Tommee Tippee Natural Start Bottles | An affordable and widely available option | The wide bottle may not fit every cup holder |
| Dr Brown’s Options+ | Parents wanting an internal venting system | More components to clean |
| Comotomo Natural Feel | A soft, squeezable silicone bottle | More expensive than many plastic bottles |
| NUK Perfect Match | A soft teat with several feeding openings | Some babies may prefer a simpler teat |
| Nanobebe Flexy Silicone | A soft silicone design that is easy to hold | Check compatibility with pumps and sterilisers |
I would resist buying a large, expensive bottle set before your baby has tried one. A bottle that worked brilliantly for your friend’s baby may be firmly rejected by yours. Buying one or two bottles first can save you from ending up with a cupboard full of unused baby equipment.
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottles – Bottles for Breastfed Babies
The MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic bottles were the bottles we used most with our little ones.
One of their most convenient features is that they can be sterilised individually in a microwave when assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. I found this particularly handy when travelling or visiting family because we did not necessarily need to take a separate steriliser with us.
The vented base is designed to allow air into the bottle without it passing through the milk. The bottles also come apart completely, making it possible to reach each section when washing them.
The slight downside is that there are more pieces to dismantle, clean and reassemble than you get with a very simple bottle. This did not particularly bother us once we were used to them, but it is worth knowing if you want the fewest possible parts.
MAM offers bottles and teats in different sizes and flow rates, so check the age and flow information carefully rather than assuming that the teat supplied will suit your baby.
Best for: Convenient microwave sterilising and a bottle system that can grow with your baby.
Lansinoh Feeding Bottles – Bottles for Breastfed Babies
Lansinoh feeding bottles are designed for combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Their NaturalWave teat is soft and has a wide base.
They can be particularly convenient if you already use a compatible Lansinoh breast pump, as being able to express into the same bottle reduces the amount of milk transferring and washing involved. Anything that creates fewer items to sterilise is welcome during the baby stage!
As with every bottle in this guide, the teat shape does not guarantee that a breastfed baby will accept it. However, this is a sensible bottle to consider if you want a relatively straightforward design or already own Lansinoh feeding equipment.
Best for: Parents who express using a compatible Lansinoh breast pump.
Philips Avent Natural Response Bottles – Bottles for Breastfed Babies
The Philips Avent Natural Response bottles use a teat designed to release milk when a baby actively drinks, rather than allowing it to flow continuously.
This may suit a baby who likes to pause during feeds. The bottles have a wide neck, which makes them relatively easy to fill and clean, and Philips offers a selection of teat flow rates.
Do not be surprised if you need to experiment with the flow. A teat that is too slow may leave your baby frustrated, while one that is too fast can make it difficult for them to feed comfortably.
Best for: Babies who prefer to pause and control the pace of their bottle feed.
Tommee Tippee Natural Start Bottles – Bottles for Breastfed Babies
Tommee Tippee Natural Start bottles, previously known as the Closer to Nature range, are among the most widely available baby bottles in the UK. This makes it relatively easy to find additional bottles and replacement teats in supermarkets, chemists and online.
They have a wide bottle and a soft silicone teat. The shape is easy to hold during a feed, although the wider body can be rather bulky in some changing bags, bottle warmers and car cup holders.
Tommee Tippee sells several bottle ranges, including different anti-colic systems, so check which model and replacement teat you are buying. Parts from different ranges will not necessarily be interchangeable.
Best for: A readily available bottle with easy-to-find replacement teats.
Dr Brown’s Options+ Anti-Colic Bottles – Bottles for Breastfed Babies
Dr Brown’s Options+ bottles have an internal venting system designed to reduce the amount of air mixing with the milk.
Some parents find a vented bottle helpful, but it is important not to promise that any bottle will prevent colic. Colic has several possible causes, and a bottle that helps one baby may make little difference to another.
The main practical consideration is cleaning. The vent creates additional components that need to be washed thoroughly and sterilised, so this is not the simplest option on the list.
Best for: Parents who specifically want to try a bottle with an internal vent.
Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottles – Bottles for Breastfed Babies
The Comotomo Natural Feel bottle is made with a soft silicone body and a wide teat base. The flexible bottle feels quite different from a traditional hard plastic one and can be gently squeezed by an adult if necessary.
Its wide opening makes it easier to clean than you might expect from its shape. It also has vents built into the teat rather than a separate internal venting tube.
Comotomo bottles are usually more expensive than basic plastic alternatives, particularly if you need several of them. I would certainly try one before investing in a complete collection.
Best for: Parents looking for a soft, squeezable silicone bottle.
NUK Perfect Match Baby Bottles – Bottles for Breastfed Babies
NUK Perfect Match bottle is a newer alternative to the NUK Nature Sense range previously included in this guide.
Its soft, flexible teat is designed to adapt to the shape of a baby’s mouth while they are feeding. It also has an anti-colic air vent and a temperature indicator on the bottle, which changes colour if the contents are too hot.
The bottle has relatively few separate components, which is a definite advantage when you are faced with another round of washing and sterilising. As a mum of two, I appreciate any baby product that does not require a detailed instruction manual to put it back together!
The temperature indicator is a useful additional prompt, but it should not replace checking the temperature of a feed properly before giving it to your baby.
NUK Perfect Match teats are available in different flow rates, so check which version is included before buying.
Best for: Parents wanting a simple bottle with a particularly soft teat and temperature indicator.
Nanobebe Flexy Silicone Bottles – Bottles for Breastfed Babies
The Nanobebe Flexy Silicone bottle has a soft silicone body, wide base and vented teat.
Its shape makes it comfortable for an adult to hold and, when your baby is older and developmentally ready, the silicone body can also be easier for small hands to grip. Young babies should always be held and supervised throughout a bottle feed.
This is another relatively premium option, so check that it works with your existing breast pump, steriliser and bottle warmer before buying several.
Best for: Parents wanting a soft silicone bottle with an easy-to-grip shape.
Which Bottle Is Best For A Breastfed Baby?
There is no universal winner. My own preference was for MAM because we used the bottles successfully with our children and I liked being able to sterilise them in the microwave.
However, the best bottle for your breastfed baby is ultimately one that:
- Your baby can latch onto comfortably.
- Delivers milk at a manageable pace.
- Is simple enough for you to clean properly.
- Works with your breast pump, if required.
- Fits comfortably into your daily routine.
- Is affordable enough to replace when necessary.
A breast-like appearance is heavily promoted on bottle packaging, but a teat does not work in exactly the same way as a breast. Your baby’s response is more important than how realistic a bottle looks.
How To Choose A Bottle For A Breastfed Baby
Begin With A Slow Flow
A slow-flow teat is often a sensible starting point, especially for a young baby or one who is used to breastfeeding.
Age guides are only guides. Move to a faster teat if your baby regularly becomes frustrated, gets tired during feeds or takes an unusually long time despite actively trying to drink. Move back to a slower flow if they gulp, cough or struggle to keep up with the milk.
If you are concerned about how your baby is feeding or gaining weight, speak to your health visitor, midwife or GP.
Think About Cleaning
I can completely understand being drawn towards clever vents and complicated feeding systems when you are hoping to make your baby more comfortable. Just remember that every extra part needs to be taken apart and cleaned properly.
The NHS says that simple bottles which are easy to wash and sterilise are probably best. Whichever design you choose, make sure milk cannot collect in a valve, vent or seal.
Check Breast-Pump Compatibility
If you are expressing regularly, a bottle that connects directly to your pump can be extremely convenient. It reduces the need to pour milk between containers and can mean less washing.
Check the specific pump model rather than relying on the brand name alone. Some pumps require an adaptor, while others only connect to particular bottle ranges.
Consider The Cost Of Replacement Teats
Your baby may need different teat flows as they grow. Teats can also become damaged or worn and will need replacing.
Before committing to a bottle system, check the cost and availability of replacement teats. A bottle is much less useful if the correct teat is constantly out of stock.
Look At Your Existing Equipment
Wide bottles may not fit a narrow bottle warmer, steriliser or changing-bag pocket. If you already own feeding equipment, check the measurements before placing an order.
This sounds like a minor detail, but small inconveniences become surprisingly irritating when you are preparing a feed in the middle of the night.
Introducing A Bottle To A Breastfed Baby
Try to introduce the bottle when your baby is calm and showing early signs of hunger. Waiting until they are extremely hungry and cross can make the experience stressful for everybody.
It may help to:
- Ask your partner or another familiar caregiver to offer the first few bottles.
- Hold your baby close and speak to them throughout the feed.
- Brush the teat gently against their lips and allow them to draw it into their mouth.
- Try a different feeding position from the one you normally use for breastfeeding.
- Offer a small amount initially to reduce waste.
- Stop if your baby becomes distressed and try again another day.
Some babies take a bottle immediately. Others require several gentle attempts, and a few will refuse every carefully researched bottle you offer. This is frustrating, but it does not mean that you have done anything wrong.
Avoid repeatedly changing bottles during the same feed. Your baby may simply need time to understand this unfamiliar way of drinking.
How To Bottle Feed Responsively
Responsive bottle feeding means following your baby’s feeding cues rather than encouraging them to finish a set quantity of milk.
Hold your baby close in a semi-upright position and support their head. Keep the bottle almost horizontal, with just enough tilt to keep milk in the teat. This helps prevent the milk from flowing too quickly.
Give your baby opportunities to pause. Turning their head away, spreading their fingers, spilling milk or stopping sucking can all indicate that they need a break or have had enough.
Never force a baby to finish a bottle. The amount they want can vary from one feed to another, just as an adult’s appetite does.
The NHS also advises never leaving a baby alone with a bottle or propping one in place, as this presents a choking risk.
Cleaning And Sterilising Baby Bottles
The NHS currently recommends sterilising bottles, teats and other feeding equipment until a baby is at least 12 months old.
After each feed:
- Take the bottle completely apart.
- Wash every component in hot, soapy water using a clean bottle brush.
- Clean inside the teat and flush water through its opening.
- Rinse the parts as directed for your chosen sterilising method.
- Sterilise everything using a suitable cold-water, steam or microwave system.
- Follow the instructions supplied with both the bottle and steriliser.
- Wash your hands before handling sterilised equipment.
Inspect teats regularly and replace any that have become split, sticky, swollen or otherwise damaged.
Throw away milk left in the bottle after a feed. Bacteria from your baby’s mouth can enter the remaining milk, so it should not be saved for later.
If you are using powdered formula, follow the manufacturer’s preparation instructions and current NHS guidance carefully. My Nuby RapidCool review explains how we managed freshly prepared formula feeds when Autumn was little.
You may also be interested in the rather fascinating history of when baby formula was invented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Bottle Is Most Like Breastfeeding?
No bottle works in exactly the same way as breastfeeding. Bottles with a soft, flexible teat, manageable flow and wide base are often marketed towards breastfed babies, but there is no evidence that one particular design is best for every baby.
Focus on whether your baby feeds comfortably rather than choosing the teat that looks most like a breast.
Can A Breastfed Baby Use Any Bottle?
Yes. A breastfed baby does not necessarily require a specialist bottle. Some babies are happy to use a simple, inexpensive bottle, while others show a strong preference for a particular teat shape or flow.
When Should I Introduce A Bottle?
There is no single age that is right for every family. If breastfeeding is still being established or you are experiencing feeding difficulties, ask your midwife, health visitor or an infant-feeding specialist for personalised support.
If you know that you will need your baby to accept a bottle later, it may be helpful to give them relaxed opportunities to practise rather than waiting until the day before you return to work.
Can Introducing A Bottle Cause Nipple Confusion?
“Nipple confusion” is a term commonly used when a baby appears to have difficulty moving between breast and bottle. Evidence around the idea is mixed, and many babies switch between the two without difficulty.
Using a manageable teat flow and following your baby’s pace may help make bottle feeds feel less rushed. Seek feeding support if your baby begins struggling at the breast or bottle.
What Should I Do If My Baby Refuses A Bottle?
Try offering it when your baby is calm, allowing another caregiver to feed them or experimenting with the milk temperature and feeding position.
Give each approach a fair chance before buying more equipment. If your baby persistently refuses bottles and needs to take one for medical, childcare or feeding reasons, speak to your health visitor or an infant-feeding specialist.
How Many Bottles Do I Need?
For an occasional expressed-milk feed, one or two bottles may be enough. If you are bottle feeding more regularly, four to six can make washing and sterilising easier.
Start small until you know which bottle your baby accepts. You can always buy more later.
Are Anti-Colic Bottles Worth Buying?
Anti-colic bottles are designed to reduce the amount of air a baby swallows, but they cannot guarantee that a baby will not experience colic, wind or reflux.
A vented bottle may be worth trying if your baby seems uncomfortable during feeds. Check the teat flow and feeding position too, and seek medical advice if your baby is in pain, frequently vomits forcefully or you are concerned.
Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies
For us, MAM bottles proved to be the most practical option. I liked the microwave-sterilising feature, and they fitted comfortably into our routine with two young children. That does not automatically make them the right choice for every baby, though.
If I were buying bottles for a breastfed baby again, I would purchase one or two rather than an enormous starter set. I would begin with a slow-flow teat, feed responsively and see what the baby actually preferred before investing further.
Babies have an impressive ability to ignore our carefully researched plans. Sometimes the best bottle is simply the one they are willing to drink from and you can wash without needing an engineering degree.
As your baby approaches the next feeding stage, you may also find my guide to weaning at six months and my recommendations for baby-led weaning spoons useful.