Whether you’re a new or seasoned parent, you’ve probably seen all types of bottles on the market claiming they are “just like the breast”. While they may look like a breast, they often don’t function like a breast. In fact, babies use a whole different set of muscles to drink out of the bottle versus the breast. There are bottles or rather bottle nipples (teats) that are supportive of breastfeeding though.

Best Breastfeeding Bottles

The best bottles for breastfeeding is not a one size fits all approach. I used to think any type of bottle with a super slow flow was the best. However, after personal and clinical experience and a great deal of education on this topic, I now make different bottle recommendations.

Close-up of a baby bottle with a yellow cap and nipple, filled with milk, lying on a white towel. Another baby bottle and a beige washcloth are partially visible next to it.

Although there are other methods for feeding babies like finger feeding or cup feeding, many families choose to use bottles for convenience when returning to work. Also, I’m not sure a whole lot of daycares would be on board with finger or cup feeding a baby (sadly). My goal is to give you proper guidance on introducing bottles and navigating the MULTIPLE types of bottle options on the market these days.

Can a Lactation Consultant talk about Bottles?

As an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), anything in the realm of infant feeding is within my scope of practice. I say that because some think our interests should lie only in breastfeeding. And I have to tell you that my number one goal is always breastfeeding, however, I have to be realistic. My babies had to be bottle fed when I went back to work and I would’ve liked someone to explain to me what bottle would have been most supportive of breastfeeding. Additionally, sometimes when a baby exhibits bottle refusal, it ends up harming or tainting the breastfeeding relationship because of the parent’s shame or feeling of being stuck. In this case, by providing supportive information about bottle feeding, we are supporting the breastfeeding relationship.

Disclaimers

It can be a conflict of interest if I have any financial gain from marketing certain bottle brands so you’ll never see me refer to a specific brand rather a few that pertain to the point I’m making. Any bottles I sell in my office, I will pay full retail price for and I will not make a commission on any bottle links posted in this article. You can read more about your lactation consultant or any IBCLC’s scope of practice here.

History of Bottle Marketing

I’m sure you’ve seen several bottles claim they are “just like the breast” or “mimic breastfeeding” or maybe they are “anti colic” and help “even the fussiest babies”. The truth is that there is no regulating body that regulates these claims. Furthermore, when a bottle looks like a boob, it does not function like a boob.

Close-up of a person's hands holding a baby bottle with a clear nipple, positioned over a sink. The bottle is marked with measurement lines and the sink area is partially visible in the background, with other kitchen items slightly out of focus.

Bottle Flow Rates

There is also no one who regulates the flow of the nipples, so when a bottle says 0-3 months, 3-6 months, etc. These are all very arbitrary numbers and vary greatly between the different bottle brands on the market. Nipple flows between the same brand can even vary greatly based on the manufacturing process. So what is a parent supposed to do with this information? The most important is that parents are just aware of these nuances so they can make a better decision about which bottle to offer their baby. Or that there might not be one perfect bottle or nipple.

Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding

This article was never a debate about one feeding method over the other. It is purely designed to help breastfeeding parents have an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right bottle/nipple for their breastfeeding baby. For educational purposes though, if you’re on the fence, there are several benefits of babies suckling at the breast over the bottle:

jaw development and palate formation
less fat content in milk pumped with electric pumps
baby’s always feed faster and take more volume from a bottle
more time involved for parent double feeding

Best Bottles for Breastfeeding

The bottle that best fits the baby is dependent on a few factors:

oral function (high palate, if baby is using mostly lips/cheeks to suck, how tongue is moving in the mouth, etc.)
oral restrictions/TOTS (Tethered Oral Tissues)
muscle tension (from birth issues, nuchal cord, etc.) Issues that may be helped by bodywork with a chiropractor/osteopath or rhythmic movements.

The most important thing about the bottle is actually the bottle nipple/teat and the way it is shaped.

What type of bottle is best for breastfed babies?

Lansinoh | Pigeon | Lactationhub

Why I prefer these bottles nipples for breastfeeding as a starting point:

You’ll notice that the slope of the nipple is more gradual than other nipples on the market that have a hard stop. Therefore, the baby can get a deeper latch and tighter seal on these nipples, more like breastfeeding. A tighter seal leads to less gas and reflux. Even though some brands say they are “anti-colic”, their bottle nipple is not conducive to things that prevent colic.

The nuance of these bottle brands is the difference in flow rate. The Pigeon and LactationHub have a slower flow than the Lansinoh. Some people will buy the Pigeon nipple and put it on the Lansinoh since Pigeon owns Lansinoh, they are the same bottle. The Pigeon nipple is a super slow flow. If your baby is used to a fast flow (faster letdown) at the breast and can manage it, the Lansinoh may be appropriate. The Pigeon and LactationHub also offer glass bottles over plastic if that is something you value.

Sometimes baby’s will have trouble with this type of nipple if they have an issue with oral function. Something you could assess with the help of a lactation professional. See my booking link here.

Other Types of Bottles:

Evenflo Balance | Chicco Duo

Evenflo Balance: The Evenflo and the Chicco have slightly different nipples. The Evenflo doesn’t have a hard stop rather it has a bit of a stair step instead of a slope. Some babies have trouble with that and some can handle just fine. However, the wider base is a plus and it also has a slower option.

Chicco Duo: Babies who use their lips and cheeks to hold onto the breast have better luck with the Chicco. These are babies who may have a shallow latch, suck blisters, cheeky babies.

Seeking a Professional’s Support

As I mentioned before, lactation consultants can help you navigate the nuances of these bottles, complete a functional oral assessment, and help you choose the right bottle for your baby. I complete functional oral assessments and help parents navigate bottle refusal and feeding concerns. I accept insurance, book now if you need support with this!

A woman with long brown hair, wearing an orange short-sleeve shirt, dark pants, and sandals, stands with her arms crossed and smiles at the camera. The background is white with decorative red and brown border accents at the corners. She holds one of the best bottles for breastfeeding.

Best Bottles for Breastfeeding FAQs

When to introduce bottle to breastfeeding newborn?

There is a bit of nuance in the answer to this question. I would ask if and when the breastfeeding parent is returning to work, and if the baby will need to receive bottles during this time away. If the breastfeeding parent is returning to work right away or at 6 weeks (in the US), we want to introduce bottles around a week.
If mom isn’t returning until 8, 10 or 12 weeks, we may be able to wait a bit longer.

How to start breastfeeding after bottle feeding?

There is no black and white answer to this question. It really depends how old the baby is, oral function, etc . The suck reflex starts to integrate around 3 months old and the process can take longer after that happens. It’s best to seek the help of a lactation consultant to help get baby back to breast. It could take one session or weeks.

How many baby bottles do I need if breastfeeding?

I would say anywhere from 3-6 bottles. Some daycares require you pre-fill the bottle before you come so it will be helpful to have at least 3.

Is it OK to give a bottle while breastfeeding?

While breast or chest feeding is the preferred method of feeding the baby, it is absolutely okay to give your baby a bottle while breastfeeding. I look for breastfeeding to be well established before bottles start (i.e. no pain in mom, deep latch, good milk transfer, etc.). Really the biggest reasons a baby might “prefer” a bottle is because it is easier to get milk from it from oral function issues that baby has.

What is the best bottle for gassy breastfed babies?

There are MANY reasons babies have gas. I would look at all the possible causes before blaming the bottle. However, bottles with nipples that have hard stops like Avent, Como Tomo, etc. do not allow baby to get a proper seal and thus they suck in a lot of air. I would start with the first recommended bottles.