Whether you use formula or pump breast milk for your little one, bottles are an important part of raising babies. Whether you’re a first-time parent or new to bottle feeding, you may not know that not every bottle works for every baby or every family. Read on for a breakdown of the types of bottles and our favorite picks of the best baby bottles for productive feeding.
Baby bottles come in one of three basic materials and two approximate sizes.
- Plastic baby bottles: This is the most common and, usually, the most affordable. Plastic bottles are durable, lightweight, and available in a variety of styles. They are the most easily accessible in stores. However, care must be taken when handling plastic bottles, as they cannot be microwaved and are not necessarily suitable for the dishwasher. Plastic bottles are the most likely to streak and become discolored over time.
- Glass baby bottles: These bottles are made of durable tempered glass, making them a great, chemical-free option for environmentally conscious families. Glass bottles are easy to clean and thoroughly sanitize; they can be safely put in the dishwasher and are likely to retain their clarity. On the other hand, these bottles are heavier and tend to cost more than plastic bottles and can break.
- Silicone baby bottle: Silicone baby bottles are popular and flexible, chemical-free, and relatively lightweight. Their unique squishy feel mimics the breast more than glass or plastic, making it baby-friendly and easy to hold. Silicone bottles tend to be more expensive than plastic while presenting similar concerns about material longevity.
Regardless of the material, most bottles come in small and large sizes. They usually hold 4 oz. or 8 oz. of breast milk or formula, respectively. In addition, bottle nipples come in different sizes. Preemies, newborns, and slow flow nipples exist for younger and smaller babies or others who need a slower flow of breast milk or formula. Faster flow nipples are for older babies who can tolerate a faster flow of milk.
Assuming your newborn has no medical or developmental needs that prolong the ability to bottle feed, you can use bottles from day one to one year.
Even if you plan to breastfeed exclusively, it’s a good idea for new parents to have a bottle or two on hand. There are many reasons for this. First, it can often take a few days for a new mother’s milk to come in or to establish breastfeeding. Second, it’s smart to be prepared in case someone else feeds your baby. Having a bottle or two within reach before you welcome your child is a smart move for all parents-to-be.
If you plan to bottle feed from the beginning, you will however need as many bottles as you feel are necessary to comfortably get through each day. Some families do well with several bottles to save space and minimize loose parts to keep up with (which can add up quickly, depending on your bottle choice). Others prefer to have multiple bottles as there are feeds a day to minimize time spent washing by hand between feedings. For exclusive bottle-feeding parents, this number is usually between 8-10 in the newborn stage. Pro-tip: It helps to start with at least a small variety of bottles, as some babies take to one brand or type more than others.
After comparing parent reviews and conducting thorough research on these bottles, we’ve compiled our favorites that made our Chick Picks below. We hope this list helps take some guesswork out of the bottle buying process.
There’s no question there’s a lot to consider when choosing the perfect baby bottle for your little bundle. Whether you’re new to the bottle game or in the market for a more suitable option for your family, we hope you find your perfect choice among our favorites!
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